To Love a Dog

To Love a Dog by Margaret Mathieson is a memoir based on the author’s actual experience of domestic violence involving pets. Margaret’s deep compassion for pets used as weapons in domestic violence led her to share her story in the hope it would create awareness of what happens to so many victims.

Every cent of money raised from sales of this book go to Pet Refuge to help support them with the incredible work that they do providing temporary shelter and care for pets affected by domestic violence and keeping them safe while their owners escape abuse. They believe no one should have to live with violence and have built a shelter which will ensure pet owners know their animals are safe while they start a new life free from domestic violence.

To Love a Dog is Margaret’s heartfelt story about the much loved dog companions she has shared her life with. She also recounts the difficult time in later life when she was faced with the powerful threat of harm to her dogs from her then-husband in his attempt to control and manipulate her.

It was Margarets deep compassion for others who also share such a love with their pets, and find themselves in similar situations, that she shares her story in the hopes of bringing awareness of what is happening to far too many innocent pets. They have no voice of their own to be heard, so it’s up to those who can speak out to do so on their behalf. Margaret was lucky, she and her dogs were not physically harmed and her story had a happy ending, but the harsh reality is most aren’t so lucky.

It’s horrifying to read the stories of what is happening to a great number of much loved pets who are used, tortured and even killed in order to control those who love them. And it’s heartbreaking to imagine the pain of those who love them and who can’t always keep them safe. Too many people have no choice but to stay in toxic relationships or violent homes because they can’t leave their loved pets behind to suffer the consequences, or they can’t leave because they have nowhere to go where they can take their pets with them.

Now, there is hope because of Pet Refuge. This is an amazing new facility where pets at risk can have temporary safe shelter which enables their equally at risk owners to leave and find their own safe shelter. They can be reunited as soon as a safe environment is found. Pet Refuge is a charity run entirely on generous donations and the tireless work of dedicated volunteers. After learning about this facility Margaret knew she had to do something to help so the idea of her book began.

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALES OF THIS BOOK WILL GO TOWARDS HELPING THESE INNOCENT ANIMALS AT RISK FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

The book cost is $25 plus P&P, but if you are able to generously make it more, you can be sure to know you are making even more of a difference to those who need it so desperately. It will change lives.

Click here to order your copy

You can visit the Pet Refuge website to learn of their incredible work, or to donate directly. Or click here to check out other products available for purchase from pet refuge including prints and wrapping paper designed by NZ artist Evie Kemp – 100% of proceeds from these products are donated to Pet Refuge who are helping more pets and their families find safety sooner.