Buddy Unchained. Written by Daisy Bix. Illustrated by Joel Hyatt. Gryphon Press, 2006. 24 pages. Buddy the dog, once lived outside on the end of a chain. Buddy tells how he was rescued and placed with a loving family in this book dedicated to each person who helps to protect animals. KIND Children's Book Award. ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book Award. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-3.

Just Like Heaven. Written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell. Little, Brown and Company, 2006. 44 pages. Mooch the cat happens upon a chained dog and creates a little heaven for the unloved dog. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-3.

Lucky Boy. Written and illustrated by Susan Boase. Houghton Mifflin Co., 2002. 32 pages. A neglected outside dog digs out of his yard and is taken in by the lonely widower next door. Lucky Boy finds love, happiness and constant companionship in his new home. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-3.

Orville: a Dog Story. Written by Haven Kimmel. Illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker. Clarion Books, 2003. 32 pages. A story told in the dog's voice about his sad existence on the end of a chain until a new neighbor moves in and gives him the loving home that he longed for. KIND Children's Honor Book. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades 2-5.

Puddles On The Floor. Written by Lorena Estep. Illustrated by Dogs Deserve Better founder Tammy Grimes. Published by Crescent Renewal Resource, 2008. A poignant story based on actual events, about a sweet beagle pup who leads a tough, lonely life, chained to a doghouse, until he is rescued and placed with a loving family. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr 2-6. (paperback)

Links and lessons:

Truth or care? Saving Shiloh. A lesson plan for grade 4 from Learn NC.

For more information about this topic, visit Dogs Deserve Better and Unchain Your Dog which has a teacher's page with lessons and activities.

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"Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall they be saved. " ~ Jane Goodall

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