Second Chances Shelter Cats Of Florida By: Cully Miller

I've had this book for about 2 months, and quickly read through some of the comments other zootooers had posted. I had to be in the right frame of mind as I wanted to go through the book in one sitting without interrruptions, and was worried that I would start blubbering and not be able to get through the book.

I applaud the content and concept of this book to promote adoptions from shelters and reduce euthanasia numbers to zero. A noble but difficult undertaking.

The book doesn't take long to read as the text doesn't dominate the book. I most enjoyed reading the poem, "Second Chances". For another edition, I would suggest moving that poem towards the front of the book, perhaps, after the page stating the main goals.

What captures the eye and the heart are the photographs. I was half expecting to see sorrowful eyes with runny discharges peering out of the pages. I would have to say that the majority of the photographs showed cats with clear, happy and confident eyes. These photographs document such cats. So many people view shelter animals as damaged, wounded, and unworthy; an examination of the cats in this text should disprove such perceptions.

What I take away from this book is that the author wants to enhance awareness of shelter animals' plight, and educate people to consider shelter adoption as opposed to getting an animal from a newspaper ad, breeder, or pet store.

I'd like to see the names of the cats featured on pages 16-17 appear maybe in the footnotes if not on the actual pages. I am not a big fan of black pages and white type face, just because my oily fingerprints are more visible on black than white pages. The black pages make the photos more prominent though. This is more a design and layout feature than anything to do with the content of the book. I think that a black background would work well for a website rather than book pages. Maybe could use a black border to frame the photos and print on white paper?

I commend the author for his efforts. It takes time, courage, dedication and dollars to promote the Project Zero concept in the manner and magnitude that is required to achieve the zero euthanasia numbers of healthy, adoptable animals. Bravo!

Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, even with its painful reminders that not all shelter animals get adopted or recover from poor health and malnutrition. The importance of having good images of shelter animals on shelter websites is what will draw the adopters into the shelter. The more information provided along with the image will get adopters to focus on the story. A sad story will always generate interest, but a great photograph will really grab the person browsing on petfinder.com or other rescue websites, and leave them wanting to find out more about that animal.

Pros: A fresh and innovative way to view, photograph and tell shelter cat stories.

Cons: Wish there were more photos!

I was made aware of this book right here on zootoo. Written and illustrated by Cully Miller, Second Chances Shelter Cats of Florida; Project Zero is mesmerizing.

If you love cats or all animals you will be captivated by the extraordinary photography. But much more than the stunning photos, your heart strings will soar in the triumphs than sink with statistics.

The goal of Project Zero is nothing short of inspirational and awe inspiring. Perception is reality, and this book will change the perception of the most skeptical potential adopter amongst us.

It will speak to you and touch your soul. Words simply will not do it justice, read it, live it, share it and join this incredible man in achieving the goal.

"Homeless does not mean Hopeless", can anything be more relevant?

Pros: Stunning photos, heartfelt stories, staggering statistics

Cons: Zero