DOGLAND – A Journey to the Heart of America's Dog Problem

DOGLAND
250 Pages
ISBN 978-1-61822-038-7

Soon after Jacki Skole brought home an eight-week-old puppy from a New Jersey rescue organization, she wondered how such a young animal could have so many idiosyncrasies--so she set out to find an answer. Dogland, an extraordinary mix of memoir and investigative journalism, follows Skole's journey to trace the origins of her newest family member.

Along the way, Skole interviewed dozens who work in the world of animal rescue--from shelter managers to animal rights activists--taking readers from dilapidated county-run shelters in the South to strip malls in the Northeast where rescue groups seek homes for homeless pets, and from rural and urban "vet deserts" to the very heart of the South's complex relationship with companion dogs. Amid the serious issues facing shelter dogs in America, Skole found tireless animal advocates and humble visionaries who believe their ideas and their passion can save canine lives throughout the South--and the entire United States.

Dogland is the recipient of the Nautilus Silver Award, Next Generation Indie Book Award, Readers Favorite Bronze Medal, and the Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America. All proceeds are donated to organizations working to improve the lives of people and their pets.

Jacki Skole

About Jacki Skole (North Jersey Author)

Jacki Skole

Jacki Skole is an award-winning journalist and adjunct professor of communication. Her first book, DOGLAND, received several awards, including a Nautilus Silver Award and a Next Generation Indie Book Award. She reviews animal welfare and environmental literature for EcoLit Books, and is a reader for the literary magazine Creative Nonfiction.

Jacki launched her journalism career at CNN, first as a news writer, then as a producer in the network’s documentary unit. She has also produced shows for Animal Planet and HGTV.

Jacki and her husband have three daughters—two human, one canine. It is Galen, Jacki’s canine daughter, who inspired the journey that resulted in DOGLAND. When Jacki is not writing, teaching, or chauffeuring her daughters to dance class, you can find her on her yoga matt.