title: Love from Luke:: Lessons learned from a Recued Dog
author:  Melissa A. Sweeney 
description: Each animal that I rescue leaves their unique paw prints on my heart. These embedded paw prints bless animal rescuers, making them strive to continue to love and care for the mistreated and abused. Melissa A. Sweeneys personal passion is animal rescue and well-being. For over 20 years Melissa has assisted dogs and cats find forever homes where they are loved and healed from their past abuse. She is originally from Milford, Massachusetts. She has lived in Tampa, Florida for the past 10 years. Melissa earned her Doctorates in International Business Administration (DBA). Professionally, she works as a college professor and cultural scientist.
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  [Dedication](index_split_003.html#filepos2180)
  
  For the big brown dog, in loving memory.
  
  You’ve been such a good boy.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Acknowledgments](index_split_003.html#filepos2296)
  
  So many smart and talented people had a hand in making this book happen. I owe
  much gratitude to my brilliant editor, Tessa Woodward; my fantastic agent,
  Steve Axelrod; all the wonderful people at Avon Books/HarperCollins, and
  copyeditor extraordinaire, Martha Trachtenberg.
  
  Thank you to Courtney, Carey, Leigh, Bren, Bree, Susan, Laura, Karen, and all
  on The Unnamed Loop for your invaluable friendship, hugs, and support. I’m
  indebted to the following friends for sharing their experience and subject
  expertise: Brenna Aubrey, Jeri Smith-Ready, and Greg Nagel. Thank you to Diana
  and Carrie for the badger (bruiser) balm, and many thanks to Larimar for
  loaning her irreplaceable ring.
  
  To my wonderful family, who put up with so much artistic angst and takeout—I
  lov