At home with dogs Rescue love stories

The loving relationships between rescue dogs and their adopters are explored in a pleasant work that pairs text from McMillan (Christmas at Designers' Homes Across America, coauthor) with photos by King-Sun. The book features 15 rescued dogs, among them steak-stealing Marcus, a 10-year-old poodle/Maltese mix; Sir Freckles, an anxious, 10- or 11-year-old golden retriever/spaniel mix; and Chloe, an affectionate five-month-old terrier mix. Readers will also encounter Tater (so named because, when his owners first brought him home, he was about the size and weight of a russet potato), an energetic 15-month-old Staffordshire mix, and Mazie, a six-year-old schnauzer mix with a sixth sense about food. Thoughtful tips for prospective adopters remind them of the importance of being patient with their new charges and keeping in mind the animals' oft-traumatic pasts. King-Sun's portraits of the book's canine and human subjects nicely complement McMillan's writing. This affectionate compilation will touch many a dog-loving heart. (Oct.)