Beautiful Joe by Applewood Books - Heartwarming Classic Dog Story for Kids & Adults - Perfect for Family Reading & Animal Lovers

I read this story as a child and recently decided to look and see if it was still available. I was surprised to learn that what I had read was an abridged version and that the author, Marshall Saunders, was really Margaret Marshall Saunders, and that it was a true account of cruelty, rescue, and justice.The story is told through Joe’s eyes. The second half of the story, which you miss in the Children’s version, has case after case of cruelty and kindness. When Joe and his mistress, Laura Morris, spend the summer on her uncle’s farm, the story becomes a showcase for organizations and people that deal with this problem that is still somewhat rampant in the late 19th century. It also allows for the changing perspective on how animals and livestock should be treated – not as mere, unfeeling property, or unintelligent life, but just the opposite. Sheep are still raised and sold for slaughter, but Laura’s uncle is assured that they will be treated humanely to the end.The story is made a little tedious by its anecdotal style, but appropriate for the child with good focus and attention span. The abridged version, however, is perfect for all children, and both have a strong anti-cruelty message. While the author wrote many stories, she is best known for Beautiful Joe, which sold over a million copies worldwide. Ms. Saunders championed many social issues for which she was accorded recognition; she received awards for the treatment of this subject from The American Humane Education Society. She and Joe traveled the world to promote humanitarianism.