Trained for ground, water, and air missions throughout Texas and the nation, Texas Task Force 1 serves as the state’s primary search and rescue team and as one of twenty-eight federal teams in the national urban search and rescue system. Founded in 1997, this elite team has been dispatched for state and national emergencies, probing the devastation at Ground Zero and saving lives on the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Texas Task Force 1’s more than four hundred highly trained members come from sixty organizations throughout Texas and include firefighters, canine handlers, medical specialists and doctors, heavy equipment operators, structural engineers, and others. Photographer Bud Force gives us an intimate picture of Texas Task Force 1 at work as he follows the team on their major deployments and documents their specialized equipment and training, including time spent at the unique facility known as Disaster City. The result is a lively mix of history, interviews, and photographs that paints a fascinating portrait of these courageous people—and their canine partners—who place themselves in danger in order to save others. “There’s a feeling in the room when I walk in and I see the faces of the other responders I work with. My stress level drops because I know that whatever happens, we’ll figure it out and do what we need to do to get the job done. I know that because I know the people in that room can do it.”--Susann Brown, Responder “The principle of helping others is as fundamental to the search and rescue members I know as is breathing.”--Matthew Minson, Responder

"Category: Home and family"--Page 4 of cover.

"Peter Zheutlin has written a lovely, moving, important book about a subject that is both heartbreaking and joyful." - Dean Koontz How far would you go to save a life? This is the extraordinary story of one man who has driven more than 1 million miles to rescue thousands of dogs from hunger, abuse and neglect and give them a second chance at life and love. For years, Greg Mahle struggled to keep the last of his family-run restaurants afloat in Ohio. When it finally closed, he was broke and unsure what to do next. Then a stranded van-load of puppies changed his life forever. Join journalist Peter Zheutlin as he travels with Greg from Ohio to the Gulf Coast on his Rescue Road Trips to bring hard-luck dogs from the deep South to loving "forever families" up north looking to adopt a pet, with the help of many selfless volunteers along the way. From Houston's impoverished Fifth Ward--where thousands of strays roam the streets--and high-kill animal shelters in Louisiana, to joyous scenes of adopters embracing their new pups in the Northeast, Rescue Road is full of heart: an inspiring story about the unique bond between dogs and humans, and how going the extra mile can make a life-changing difference for these loyal canines-and for us all. A heartwarming, awe-inspiring story of how one man can impact so many lives, human and puppy alike. Fans of Marley and Me, Oogy: The Dog Only A Family Could Love, and You Had Me At Woof will be inspired and touched by this story. What readers are saying about Rescue Road: "I stand in awe of those who can do this kind of rescue work, for their persistence, compassion and willingness to get dirty in the service of animals." "a heartwarming & eye opening journey into the world of dog rescue." "I highly recommend this book if you are looking to restore your faith in humanity." "a heart-warming story that reaffirms there are many compassionate people who work tirelessly to save dogs." What reviewers are saying about Rescue Road: "An unabashedly sentimental and affecting portrait of a modern-day animal-loving hero." - Kirkus "a canine caravan with heart and soul..." - Teresa Rhyne, author of the #1 NYT bestseller The Dog Lived (And So Will I) "Heartwarming doesn't suffice to describe it... restores faith in humanity." - Alexandra Horowitz, author of Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know "A tender, inspiring homage..." - Matthew Gilbert, author of Off the Leash: A Year at the Dog Park "Inspiring and riveting new book...a must-read..." - The Bark

Award Winner in the Animals/Pets: Narrative Nonfiction category of the 2021 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest We can all make a difference. Elementary-school teacher Diane Trull’s life-defining moment happened when her fourth-grade reading class saw a photo of a cardboard box overflowing with homeless puppies. Her young students were determined to save these lost pups and others like them. In that moment, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary—known as DAWGS—was born. How Trull and her fourth graders started their own animal shelter is a story of dedication, commitment, and perseverance. Trull shares inspiring stories about animals and animal lovers of all ages in this moving story of hope and compassion. DAWGS is a testament to how love and a strong measure of determination can offer second chances—one animal, one child, and one day at a time. “Get ready to feel a lot. This book is inspiring all along the way.” —Bernadette Peters, award-winning actress “I'm blown away. I hope this story reaches thousands of readers.” —Susan Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of One Good Dog “I loved DAWGS! It will inspire you and warm your heart.” —Kristin von Kreisler, bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace

A single father discovers the price of revenge and the power of love After his wife's murder, Grant Mansfield vowed to stay true to her memory and to protect their children. But fate has other plans. His temporary houseguest, injured smokejumper Amy Robinson, has him burning with a white-hot attraction, and the single dad's nightmare comes true when his older daughter is kidnapped. Grant is just the man the adventurous Amy never knew she needed, his children the family she never knew she wanted. Before she can rescue his lonely heart, the handsome widower must become a hero. Only Grant can rescue his little girl. But time is running out…

Spin doctor meets ER doctor Living in her Hollywood movie star sister's shadow is hard enough! But as her personal assistant, Grace Jackson is continually repairing the swath of damage the diva leaves in her wake. And now her antics have landed her in the Texas Rescue ER! What Grace needs is to find her sister the perfect man—someone to dispel the rumor mill. Satisfy the paparazzi. But where could she find this superhero wannabe? Enter ER doctor Alex Gregory: he's dignified, gifted…and a bit of a nerd. Still, he has an eye for genuine people like lovely Grace. So he reluctantly agrees to let Grace make him over and help salvage her sister's reputation. From geek to chic, Alex becomes a dazzling escort for a celebrity-studded charity ball. But Grace has to wonder: did she remake Alex for her sister—or herself?

Will the light that fills her draw him out of the darkness?