About the Book
The moving memoir of a writer—a biographer of historical animals—whose life was forever changed when a rescue dog named Freddie came into his life.
Rescued from a puppy mill in 2010, Freddie was a bright light in the lives of his human companions and the ultimate muse for biographer Grant Hayter-Menzies to explore the human-animal bond in his books. As Grant helped Freddie overcome the fears and traumas of his early years, Freddie in turn helped Grant through some of the most challenging years of his personal and professional life. It was Freddie who inspired Grant to shift the focus of his writing from human biographies to the notable but forgotten lives of historical animals, who exhibited levels of bravery and devotion rarely seen among people. Yet as Freddie sat quietly beside his human’s desk as he wrote these books, little did Grant know that Freddie was about to face the hardest battle of his young life.
Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me is a heartwarming tribute to a truly unique and loving canine companion. Tracing their journey from Freddie’s adoption and socialization through his growing bond with Grant to his devastating cancer diagnosis in 2020, this book will resonate deeply with anyone who has every loved and lost an animal. It reminds us of everything that animals can teach us about love, loyalty, and courage, and is a call to action to end the unethical and abusive treatment of animals everywhere.
About the Author(s)
Grant Hayter-Menzies is a biographer and historian specializing in the lives of extraordinary and unsung heroes of the past, notably the role of animals in times of war. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including Muggins: The Life and Afterlife of a Canadian Canine War Hero, Woo: The Monkey Who Inspired Emily Carr, Dorothy Brooke and the Fight to Save Cairo’s Lost War Horses, and From Stray Dog to World War One Hero: The Paris Terrier Who Joined the First Division. He is also literary executor of playwright William Luce.
Reviews
“Freddie is a potent memoir about a special dog’s second chance at life.”
—Foreword Reviews
“When I met Freddie in Vancouver, it was love at first sight. There was something about his expressive golden-brown eyes that seemed so wise and insightful as he sized me up. To my relief, I passed the Freddie test, and we were instant friends—something I didn’t realize he reserved for a lucky few until I read Grant Hayter-Menzies’s resonant tribute to this most special dog.
"In learning about Freddie, we also learn about Hayter-Menzies’s life, and how both overcame overwhelming obstacles—in part because of each other. Their profound bond is something anyone who has ever loved a dog will understand. Freddie was a small dog, but he was larger than life, and this true tale is an inspiring, heartwarming read.”
—Maria Goodavage, New York Times bestselling author of Doctor Dogs, Top Dog, Secret Service Dogs, and Soldier Dogs
“This heartfelt and charming book tells the story of how Freddie, a special little dog adopted from the BC SPCA, overcame his difficult start in life and learned to be a dog and best friend. Grant Hayter-Menzies illustrates the beauty of the human-animal bond in his reflections on how Freddie and the other animals in his life have influenced his writing, including biographies of several famous pets. Rags, Muggins, and Flush all make an appearance in this personal, insightful, and surprising account of just how much dogs mean to us. You will feel like Freddie is with you long after you finish this touching book.”
—Zazie Todd, PhD, author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy
"I'm a sucker for a good dog story and this one is about as good as it gets. For, as the author notes in his riveting tale, 'Freddie would become something of a poster dog for the transformative power of love.'"
—Lesley Choyce, author of Around England with a Dog
“Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me details the life of a much-loved and engaging four-legged member of Grant Hayter-Menzies’s family. But this is not just a story about a dog—it is very much the author’s personal journey. This was a creature who needed special care but, in receiving it, gave boundlessly back to his carers.”
—Chris Czajkowski, bestselling author of Lonesome: Diary of a Wilderness Dog, and Harry: A Wilderness Dog Saga
“The story of Grant and Freddie’s journey touches the heart of the human–animal bond. It is about love, adventure and making it through the difficulties in life with a friend at your side. It is a rich tapestry filled with snippets of history but mostly about the deep connection between the souls of a man and his dog as together they travel through life. A beautiful story.”
—Carol Hine, founder of Senior Animals In Need Today Society (SAINTS)
