Doggerel : The Moving Memoir of Rescue Dogs and Their Second Lives, in Poetry and Prose Hardback

These wonderful characters, fifty out of over 100,000 dogs a year that are unwanted and abandoned by their owners in this dog-loving nation, have sad stories of abuse, neglect and dereliction to tell.

Often rescue dogs have been thrown out by owners who could no longer afford them, or who found them inconvenient or naughty, or who simply could not be bothered with them any more.

Many have just seven miserable days behind bars before they are put to permanent sleep by council-appointed agencies.

Unwanted dogs are desperate. They yelp and whine and cry out for someone to love and save them.

These lucky fifty have emerged triumphant and wagging, often against apparently insurmountable odds, to make their new owners very happy.

The rescue charities are at crisis point. They need kind people to come forward and give these dogs a chance.

Rescuing a dog can change not only the dog's life but yours, if you are willing to give it a try.

This book explains how. It also tells you everything you need to know about finding the right dog at a shelter near you, and getting him or her used to you and your home.

There are lots of other books about dogs. This one is about the ultimately lucky ones that were in dire need of help and love, and who got both.

DOGGEREL is being sold in aid of the Association of Dogs' and Cats' Homes, which embraces many of the UK's animal charities large and small.

Right now they need your help.