Author Fifi O’Neill has always been an animal lover, but wanted to do more than just adopt – she wanted to advocate. So, she put the call out on social media for photos of rescue pets and their stories. Over 500 responses and hours of compilation later, Rescue Me was printed and published, a beautiful book filled with hundreds of furry faces.
“Rescue Me is a testament to man’s goodness and a tribute to animals’ loyalty and gratitude,” shares Fifi, who has her own brood of four rescue cats.
Rescue Me features more than 250 animals and their stories, and some of these are from the East Bay – Barrington, specifically. There’s Shooter, the adorable pup rescued from an abusive situation and now lives with Pat Kinsella. The once reluctant dog is now a happy member of the family. “[He] sleeps right beside me in bed, usually on his back!” Pat writes.
Fifi created the book to focus on the plight of helpless and homeless animals, promote animal welfare, inspire more adoptions, and raise funds for animal shelters and organizations worldwide. Thanks to the heartwarming stories like those of Shooter, Mona, and Cinderella, Rescue Me is already accomplishing all Fifi hoped for, and more. In fact, she’s already made two TV appearances, earned an New York Times writer’s endorsement, held multiple book signings, and met her initial donation goals through the nonprofit formed after the book. However, she’s only just getting started.
“I am planning on a second book,” Fifi shares. “This will have similar goals but will focus on rescues from natural disasters, like fires, floods, hurricanes, mudslides, earthquakes, and so on.” Find Rescue Me on Amazon. 100 percent of proceeds benefit rescue groups and animal shelters.