Deputy Paws And The Puppy Mill Cause Book Review

Author: Peggy Race

Illustrator: Mike Motz

Publisher: Createspace

Released: July 31, 2018

ISBN: 978-17243555522

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 4 Lemon Drops

A “woof” of information packed into one educational and informative read for children, parents and prospective dog owners.

Review:

Deputy Paws and the Puppy Mill Cause tells the story of one puppy who starts his life in a puppy mill, is rescued, and finally adopted by a loving family who gives him a forever home.

Told from the main character’s point-of-view, the rhyming story draws inspiration from the true account of Race’s own rescue dog, Deputy.

In a non-threatening and age-appropriate way the story brings to light the harsh reality and cruel conditions puppy mill dogs endure: life in wire cages, premature separation from their mothers, proper medical treatment overlooked for breeder profit, and lack of adequate food and water.   

Now that Deputy has found the happiness and love he deserves, he advocates for all mistreated dogs and their rights to a clean bed and a safe space where they can romp, run and roll until their heart’s content.

He encourages people to help make this happen by adopting a rescue dog instead of buying from a pet store or puppy mill.

The author has also included a responsible breeder checklist, suggestions on how to get involved and break the connection from the breeder to the store, resources, and animal rescue websites.

Mike Motz’s illustrations are colorful, appealing and add a visual aid to the important information presented. One of my favorite things about the pictures is that children are featured alongside Deputy Paws advocating for dogs.

This is a subtle and powerful way to include children and let them know they’re an integral part of the solution too.  

Overall, a wonderful resource to teach children empathy and respect toward animals while spreading the word about animal cruelty and how to stop it.

I give it 4 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

Deputy Paws and the Puppy Mill Cause would make a great social studies lesson on animal rights, the laws that protect them and the actions still needed to ensure their safety.

In order to be responsible global citizens, children need concrete examples of how this is accomplished.

Concurrent with focused questions and activities, an intentional read aloud of the book will foster students’ awareness of their community and show them how to take a proactive role in it.

After the reading, the Dramatic Play center could be transformed into an animal shelter, a shelter worker could be invited to speak to students and the children could donate to a classroom animal shelter fund.

Resources: With a little creativity, these can be modified for the classroom.

http://www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/animal-shelter-scavenger-hunt-list.htm

https://www.guidedogs.org/?page=corporations-host-a-jeans-day-2

https://organized31.com/what-to-donate-to-an-animal-rescue-shelter/