“Rescue Dogs: Where they come from, why they act the way they do, and how to love them well” by Pete Paxton is a must-read for any dog lover.
Despite rave reviews from members of the public about his work as one of America’s leading animal welfare undercover investigators, Paxton (not his real name) quickly establishes himself as more of a Dark Knight-type figure.
“I’ve made my career operating in a nebulous area of the law,” he concedes. “My work involves lying to people and gaining employment under false pretenses. It involves secretly filming people and their actions. It means gaining the trust of others — some of them bad, some of them good– and then breaking it repeatedly. Cops have threatened to arrest me more times than I can count.”
The book first takes readers into the grim underbelly of situations that produce rescue dogs– from dogs subjected to individually abusive “guardians” to dogs used in scientific research; from dogs bred in large-scale commercial operations to backyard and “mom-and-pop” breeders who supply pet stores with dogs.
The situations can get dangerous for Paxton; in one instance, he’s required to jump into a ditch of dead dogs in rural Arkansas to grab “evidence” while the property owner speeds toward him on an ATV.
But Paxton goes on to say that he puts up with the dangers and the hardships for a simple reason: He loves dogs. He loves happy dogs and sad dogs, senior dogs and playful puppies. As the title of his book implies, he particularly loves rescue dogs, who have a special place in his heart for being survivors.
“Rescues need to have navigated terrifying ordeals simply to have made it to a shelter,” he writes.
Readers meet eight of the dogs who changed Paxton’s life in the book’s opening pages. They include Spot, an abused chow mix fed moldy food and kept chained to a dilapidated shed, and Emma, a 3-year-old chihuahua with rotting teeth in the home of a “mom-and-pop” breeder.
Some dogs Paxton rescues. Others he must leave to their fates, so as not to jeopardize his undercover work. But each dog teaches him lessons and give his life purpose, and their thought-provoking stories will keep captivated readers turning the pages.
The second part of the book, which details what new pet parents might need to care for a rescue dog they just might be inspired to adopt, seemed a bit basic at first. But even veteran dog guardians, like me, are bound to pick up some interesting tidbits along the way.
For instance, I knew I wasn’t supposed to feed my dog onions or chocolate — but I didn’t know that was because onions can cause anemia in dogs, with toxins building up over time, or because chocolate contains theobromine, an alkaloid that dogs can’t metabolize. Paxton also peppers the second part of the book with heartwarming stories of pups and people who found a new lease on life after rescuing each other, as well as some solid tips for how to avoid fake “rescue” organizations.
Amidst his rhapsodizing of the many virtues of rescue dogs, Paxton does add a cautionary note– namely, that people who adopt a dog should make sure they have the time, money, energy, and patience to adequately care for the animal.
The final part of the book provides a number of action steps for people who want to get involved in any number of ways — including fostering, adopting, volunteering, signing petitions, donating financially to a legitimate animal cause, organizing protests, or otherwise raising awareness — with Paxton emphasizing the fight for better treatment for dogs is ongoing and requires everyone’s help.
“Never underestimate your power as an individual,” he writes. “This battle is a team effort… this fight is winnable.”

Thanks Be to God for Paxton and his Devotion to Animal Rescue🙏🏻❤️🐕🐕🦺
God Bless him and All Animals he rescues🙏🏻
Paxton your a Saint😇😘
Blessings 4 All🙏🏻
Debra Allison Cohn
HEROES TO HEAL🙏🏻🐾🌍
I Will follow The wonderful example of this Hero. I agree, we need more people like him. I did most of these actions to rescue poor a used dogs from horrible owners and i Will keep rescuing and suport animal right organisations. Thank you for this uplifting story
I want to help Paxton! I’m serious as a heart attack!! I’d love to be part of his support team. I’d definitely be a great person to be on his team. I’ve got some training, how to blend in where I’m not supposed to be. I walked into places I wasn’t supposed to be. I’ve walked out of places I should have never walked out of, passed through a highly secure area with something I should have never passed through. My secret is only something I’d reveal if someone needed help. I’ve been told my whole life I could sell ice to and Eskimo and walk into a police station turn myself in them talk my way out of it and I’d be let go .
KUDOS!!! to Paxton and all he does, has done and will do.
God Bless You and your work!
How do I adopt a dog? I san t
beleve a vet can do that?!!! I love animaks. I can not get it in my head!
. Please how can I help?
v a vet cna do tht
Thank you for taking care of the dogs. What I don’t understand why cops want to arrest you .? You are a hero to do what you are doing ! Cops should protect you instead.
Why do not you market this book; you could price it slightly above retail and sell it as a donation,
Start a Lady Freethinker reading list/club; join and get a free gift (tee shirt or hat, more advertising!
Thank you for this man who dedicated his life for animals in need, ther are so much everyehere in this crazy world. I just cant understand why peoples do arm animals like they do. Ther will be a justice one day,
I love them all and I cant hurt them in any way. Thank you for reading.
It seems that he has dogs welfare at heart. God bless him. Hope all the abusers get caught and sent to prison
Thanku for everything that you do.
Hi Pete!
I am ready able and willing to jump in and assist in any way.
Our rescue pup, Max (5 years years young now) rescued from hurricane Harvey.
He brings joy 24/7 ! He had been accompanying us for a few years to the assisted & Nursing facilities to visit our mother along with fellow residents. Max won them over with his generous personality and smiles. Max is a combo of Plot Terrier, Lab & Boxer.
The sign on the rear bumper of my car reads…”ABUSE AN ANIMAL & GO TO JAIL”
We.ve been their voice for decades. Max has recently joined the ranks of an Ambassador Dog with…
SAFE HUMANE CHICAGO. His first mission was last month with a visit to GREAT LAKES NAVAL BASE.
We’re proud of Max!
“for the animals!”
DAVID & JOHNNY
Chicago
davidaaronvo.com
Continued success, Pete. Thank you for all your efforts and dedication.
I have a lot of respect and admiration for Pete Paxton! I wish there were more dedicated people like him! I am a true dog lover! I wish when I was younger, I would have realized how dogs were really being treated. Now I am 65 and not in the best of health but I still have 6 dogs I have rescued and I do the best I can with them. I always make sure that they get all the meds they need, make sure that they eat healthy and they get as much love and attention I can give. Hopefully there are more people like Pete Paxton out there!!! Thank you so much for all you do for dogs!!!
Bless you Pete Paxton. I have volunteered at a shelter to adopt dogs out and have seen some of the conditions these poor dogs come into the shelter. With patience and love and foster care thankfully most that come into the no-kill shelter find wonderful homes. A year ago my old Bichon Tootsie had to be put to sleep and it never get’s easier. One day at the shelter there was a Bichon named Lulu. She was 10 years old and of course most people adopting want younger dogs. I ended up adopting her and what a dog! She doesn’t act 10 years old and is too smart for her own good. She’s loving, gentle and I adore her. My 14 year male Cockapoo ‘Booker’ loves her as well. Lots of love here and lots of walks.
Thank you for all you do and please keep safe. We need more people like you.
What a guy should be more like him
Thank-you for Everything that you do! You ARE A TRUE HERO!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!
He is a hero and an angel among us.
Stay safe and know that our hearts are with you.
Hi Pete,
I would to somehow work with you on issues on animals are in need of our help.
Thank you!
Denise
I sure do believe these rescue dogs are way more humble and loyal & worship their rescuers. Because the Dogs are so intelligent and they understand and realizes they are being ‘RESCUED’ by these new owners. THEY WILL BE THE NEW OWNERS BEST COMPANIONS, GUARDIANS & THE PROTECTORS AS LONG AS THEY BREATH.
Rescue dogs. Thanks.
Paxton you are a true HERO and the kind of person I would trust 100%. I love all animals and I have done my fair share of rescues and ended up keeping them. Again Thank you
I agree with Pete. You do have to tell untruths at times to get to the truth.
I have so much respect for people who can go into horrid situations and see the suffering of animals o order to get convictions, information, or more. I could not do it and I sometimes wonder what the after effects on for many. it is necessary work but must be extremely hard. I will see about getting this book from the library. Dogs are truly wonderful. i am living without any for the first time since 1996 as my Cattle dog died last year and mini dachshund (foster failure) died a short time ago and I am envious of those who get to walk with their dogs. I have never looked for a dog so I will wait to see if anyone comes. Thank you, Pete Paxton, for all you do.
I purchased the book several months ago and read it with a flow of tears in my eyes. There are so many stories of pain and torture afflicted to innocent dogs. But one that touched me deeply is about trying to save a dog from an old woman that rarely feed or water him. He begs and begs but she’d rather see him die slowly than release him to Pete. He feed him when he can. He went to the pastor at the church near by, he seems to understand his plea to save the dying dog, the pastor asked him to go to the back door so they can talk, once Pete was outside he slammed the door shut on him. Even a man of God didn’t care. He went back one day and the dog was gone. He asked the cruel woman about him and she said simply he’s gone. Pete is a brave, compassionate, loving man and he taught me that when a monster is alive in the pit of hell, there’s a different one that live in the heart of many that support God’s angels.
Working for a rescue is exhilarating and heartbreaking. I cannot wait to read Paxton’s book. He is right in that each individual can do something as little as signing petitions to volunteering with a rescue to fostering for a rescue. Just do something to stop animal cruelty, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and horrific killing for fur, ivory, and meat.