Book reviews: When animal lovers take a stand

Sometimes, animal lovers feel compelled to give voice to the voiceless. Whether in memoir or in fiction, they speak up for animals in need and urge others to do the same.

I’m Not Done Yet! The Further Adventures of the Crazy Critter Lady by Kelly Meister-Yetter. Independently published, 2024. Softcover, 225 pages.
In her fifth memoir about her own animals and those she rescues, Kelly Meister-Yetter (the self-proclaimed “Crazy Critter Lady”) brings us back to her small Ohio town where she champions animals in need. While still focused on her own menagerie, this book is a bit of a departure from her previous books. In I’m Not Done Yet!, the author finds herself and her husband facing the loss of several beloved animals, among them their dog, Munster, and Kelly’s equine soulmate, Bit. How the couple manages the last months of their animal companions’ lives will ring true for anyone who has cared for a beloved dog, cat, horse, or even duck.
As the author adjusts walks with Munster to meet his physical abilities and still provide him with outdoor enjoyment, she struggles, as we all do, with the fact that we outlive our animals. The same is true as she bids farewell to Bit and other creatures who have taught her about the meaning of compassion.
Bringing new animals into the household is comforting but can come with its own challenges, as in the case of a rescued cat who loves all the family members — except the author. The most complicated emotions, however, come to the surface when Kelly tries to rescue a local canine. Readers of earlier books might remember how she braved a frozen lake to rescue ducks caught in the middle of it, but this time the best course of action is not as clear.
Ultimately, Kelly continues to bring the necessity to act on animals’ behalf to the forefront of her writing, whether that animal is a cherished companion or one in need of kindness and action.

Lily Unleashed by J.D. Kloster. Empty Cages Press, 2021. Softcover, 234 pages.
One of the best things about being a book reviewer is how books come my way. While most books are sent around their date of publication, some gems arrive at a later time. Such is the case with Lily Unleashed, J.D. Kloster’s novel for middle school-aged readers about the issue of puppy mills. If this topic seems rather heavy for young readers, rest assured that J.D. has covered it in a manner that is age appropriate as well as engaging.
When sixth grade student Lily agrees to help her teacher with a young dog recently rescued from a puppy mill, she has no idea just where those good intentions will lead her. Cagney, a dog who has never lived outside a cage, is a handful who barks incessantly, has separation anxiety, and, most importantly, sports doleful eyes that beg for love.
How Lily steps up to meet Cagney’s needs while coping with parental restrictions and neighbor complaints makes for a novel that manages to teach its audience about the harsh reality of puppy mills while managing to keep those lessons appropriate for young readers. As Cagney assimilates to his new life, Lily champions the cause of dogs rescued from puppy mills through a school project that spreads the word to her classmates.
In Lily Unleashed, the author has written a meaningful work that is both instructive and entertaining. Although the target readership is middle grade, Lily Unleashed can be read as an introduction to the puppy mill issue. Most importantly, J.D. demonstrates how just one individual can make a difference in the life of one particular dog and other such dogs in need of help and rescue.
Let's make every shelter and every community no-kill in 2025
Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets.
Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.