Rethinking Rescue

“[An] eye-opening account. . . Mithers’s finely crafted narrative applauds Weise’s work but doesn’t cut corners; it unflinchingly depicts the harrowing conditions pets face in homeless encampments. The result is a provocative challenge to contemporary mores regarding animal welfare.”

—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The fascinating story of the woman working to address the “problem pet population” in Los Angeles. . . The author composes her vivid portrait from a series of stories about the people and animals Weise has helped, each indicative of how deeply a person’s well-being is connected to the well-being of their pets. . . The text shows both Mithers and Weise confronting systemic issues like racism, housing costs, and the failure of social safety nets, simultaneously stirring outrage, stimulating compassion, and suggesting a better understanding of how to help people living in poverty care for the pets they love. An engrossing, inspiring read for lovers of dogs and humans alike.”

—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Animal lovers everywhere can take heart from the story of Lori Weise, whose trailblazing crusade brought social justice to the animal welfare brigade, and illuminated the bond between cast-off animals and the unhoused people who love them.” 

—Sandy Banks, veteran Los Angeles Times staff writer chronicling life on the city’s streets

 “Through the unforgettable story of one amazing woman, Rethinking Rescue tells the uplifting but often heartbreaking story of how the modern animal rescue movement has both saved and failed our nation’s dogs – and their humans. As it takes us on a journey into a world where animal welfare meets and collides with America’s seemingly intractable inequality, the book asks some hard questions. It’s a haunting and compelling read, one that’s all but impossible to put down till the final page.” 

—Helaine Olen, Omidyar Network Reporter in Residence 2024 and author of Pound Foolish: Exposing the Dark Side of the Personal Finance Industry

“In this compelling and important story, Carol Mithers explores the unexpected impacts of economic inequality on America’s pets and pet owners. Highlighting the groundbreaking work of Lori Weise amidst key moments in the larger rescue movement suggests solutions to some of today’s central human-animal issues.” 

—Abigail Disney, filmmaker, philanthropist, and activist

 “A story like no other, set at the intersection of animal rights and human rights….will break your heart, open your heart, and shine a light on a bond that transcends class.” 

—Steve Lopez, bestselling author of The Soloist

“An eye-opening look at the systemic challenges faced by loving pet owners whose only 'crime' is being poor – and the inspiring advocates working tirelessly to give both animals and humans a life-changing (and in some cases, lifesaving) helping hand.”

—Bobbi Dempsey, journalist specializing in poverty and income inequality