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Click here to buy ebook!Reviews for Heartbreak Kennel
“Heartbreak Kennel is captivating. Contrary to the title, the antics of Max made me laugh and helped to balance his breeder’s life story. She made me so angry that I put the book down for a while. But when I finished it, the surprise ending made me glad I did! Totally a book that gives food for thought to readers/dog lovers.”— Cindy Freeman (Quail Run Labs), Mt Rainier Labrador Retriever Club Treasurer; Rose City Labrador Retriever Club WC Chair; Puget Sound Labrador Retriever Association member; and LRC, Inc. member
“Heartbreak Kennel by Cary Unkelbach will appeal to true crime buffs as well as dog lovers. This in-depth account will also provide food for thought for anyone who is thinking of getting a dog but isn’t sure what to look for in a responsible breeder or rescue. It follows both the dark path to animal neglect and criminality of Max’s breeder, and Max’s climb to the good life. With original investigation done by the author, this book travels many twists and turns to an ending few will foresee.”— Laurel McCord, Puget Sound Labrador Retriever Association newsletter editor; and member of the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. and Hunting Retriever Club
“A must-read! Could any of us be taken in by a “Dodie”? Perhaps. So many puppy buyers and breeders were fooled by a seemingly knowledgeable breeder in this well-told and researched book. The tales of Max lighten and give hope to the story.”— Franna Pitt (Normandy Labs) member of the Puget Sound Labrador Retriever Association; Mt. Rainier Labrador Retriever Club; and Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.
“A book that reputable/ethical breeders and pet homes alike need to read. This book is “heartbreak” along with “education” on how to purchase a healthy purebred dog. If after reading this book you don’t truly understand what was going on then you need to take off the sunglasses and you’ll see more clearly. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down. Thank you, Cary, for a WONDERFUL and heartbreak read. Thank you for caring enough to write this book.”— Marjorie Brooks Lipson
“I like dogs. But I don’t love dogs. Don’t know why…guess I’m just wired that way (hiding from all you dog-lovers out there!) But I do love this book! Cary Unkelbach has deftly woven multiple stories into one and it’s a page-turner. Dodie’s personal life and breeding operations, Cary’s own dog Max, a primer on Labs, and courtroom drama; each riveting thread makes this book tough to put down.
Buy it. Read it. Gift it.
What a great read!”— Cam Torrens
“Don’t be scared by the Heartbreak Title- very positive true story. I read Heartbreak Kennel this week. Excellent book. Thanks to Cary for sharing this story of her Labrador Max and his rather troubled breeder. I live in Colorado, some miles south of where the story takes place so it was good to read the full story of what I saw in the news. Well-written book. I read a lot, 109 books this year. This is easily a top 10 book of the year on my list and I would recommend it to anyone. If you are a dog lover don’t be scared away by the title. yes, it was a tough story in parts but a very positive true story overall so it is well worth the journey. The author has written a very strong enjoyable book. And I am not saying this because I am biased towards Labs – my dog is a mini-Schnauzer. Definitely give this book a read. You will be glad you did.”— Stephen R. Oliver
“Cary Unkelbach has told a true story, as suspenseful as any mystery, as emotional as a romance novel, and as intense as her sense of justice . . . ”— Julie Sturman, Julie Brown’s Directory to Labrador Retriever Pedigrees 1971-2010 and AKC Breeder of Merit
“Heartbreak Kennel is a true story, impeccably researched and beautifully written. Author Cary Unkelbach has written a compelling account of a disturbed woman’s breeding kennel, interwoven with the heartwarming story of Max, Cary’s personal link to the kennel.” — Denise Hamel
“Even though we do not own a dog, we found this book both enjoyable and educational. Enjoyable: the chapters about the author’s experiences with her own dog (Max). Educational: the chapters about the commitment, challenges and knowledge required to be a professional breeder and how that can go astray. The book definitely keeps your interest as Max’s breeder’s life becomes more complex and challenging. We liked the way the author moved back and forth between her life (Max’s story) and the breeder’s story.” — Linda Hannen
“Great book….. it’s hard to put down. Add this book to your reading list! I enjoyed reading Heartbreak Kennel. It’s a fast read and was hard to put down, I read it in two nights and also found it very insightful to dog breeding, which I have never really given much thought. The book was very interesting, with the mystery of what will Dodie do next, entertaining stories about Max, and the love the author and her husband share with their fur family. I can’t imagine the research, time, and effort the author put into this writing. It’s obvious it was important to her to get ALL the details……and most likely it also was a labor of love – her love of Max and Labradors.”— SF Vessels
“Courtroom drama, injustice, in-your-face details, exhaustive research, and moments both poignant and horrific make this a book you won’t soon forget. This is a “made for screen” exposé on just one of possibly many animal breeders who start with good intentions and somehow lose their way. Thinking about getting a dog from a breeder? Do more than just an initial visit, and look for any indications that the breeder might be hiding the truth. Oh, and read this book!”— Laurel McHargue, award-winning author of the Waterwight series and other multi-genre books
“As someone who knew Dodie from years earlier, I had so many questions. The newspaper articles did not portray the Dodie I once knew and I just couldn’t understand what had happened. The author did not disappoint. Very well researched and the truth told without judgment while educating in proper canine ownership. Thank you, Cary for writing this book.” — Michael B
“Heartbreak Kennel – the name says it all, an excellently written, unbiased, page-turning non-fiction read – I couldn’t put it down and I’m not usually into non-fiction. A must-read for anyone looking to buy a puppy. Heartbreak Kennel is a real eye-opener and I would go as far as to say, that if all dog lovers and prospective buyers read this book, we would be able to stamp out unscrupulous breeding and puppy mills – a good breeder will never get rich from selling puppies – it costs way too much to look after the dogs and puppies properly. Max, the author’s own dog, was one of the lucky ones. I loved reading about his antics especially in the obedience show ring where I could so relate! All in all, a very informative page-turning 5-star read.” —Vanessa Muller, Labrador owner from South Africa
“Cary’s extensive experience as a prosecutor and civil trial attorney is reflected in her writing style and presentation of this meticulously researched and engrossing true story.”— Thomas J. Curry, District Court Judge (Retired), 18th Judicial District, Colorado
“Cary, I just finished reading your compelling book and am so glad that our academic connections led to me learning about it. While we back living in New England now, I came to Colorado to attend Colorado College in 1968 (right after Dodie!) and ended up staying until 1987. So your storyline conjured up images of many places I had visited and enjoyed, even now as we return to visit family in the Boulder area and friends around the state, including Buena Vista.
Your description of Dodie’s life as a jigsaw puzzle is spot on. What a tragedy for her and for so many who found themselves in her erratic orbit. Thank goodness for Max and his crew for lightening our mood throughout the book and reminding us why our pets earn and deserve our love, respect, and protection.
Well done!” — Richard Staples
“Fast-paced book . . . reads like a novel . . . If everyone read this book before they adopt or buy their next canine, I might be able to retire from the world of dog rescue!”— Polly Kruse, Safe Harbor Lab Rescue and Labrador owner
“WOW!! I rarely get hooked on a book to this extent; a fascinating story which read like a legal thriller/dog lover tale, conjuring up every emotion–sadness, anger, delight, empathy, horror, and laughter–along the way. A splendid read. Thank you, Cary, for writing this; an important story for all of us.”— Nancy Parkinson Tanner
“This riveting and eye-opening account of the life of a dog breeder gone wrong is a must-read for anyone who is contemplating purchasing a dog. At the same time, Max’s antics provide some welcome comic relief and you’ll fall in love with him. This is one of the best books I’ve ever read.” — Leslie Brown, Safe Harbor Lab Rescue co-founder
“A must-read for anyone wanting to buy from a breeder. I feel so very fortunate to have been recommended this book. We lost Brady, our beloved yellow lab, last year. He was only eight when he died, and had also suffered from a copper storage problem, which almost killed him at age 4. We realized the need to be very careful when selecting the next breeder with whom to work. and thought we had found such a place. I mentioned to my neighbor that we were ready to begin looking for another pup, and he suggested I read Cary’s book.
Wow, am I ever glad I took his advice. Her book is not only a fascinating read, it is also incredibly illuminating. I had been so naive about the world of dog breeders, thinking that if their website says they do all the genetic testing, and that the dogs are AKC registered, then one could take that at face value. As you read this book, you will learn just how wrong that assumption is.. . . .Thank you, Cary, for taking the time to write such a thorough and comprehensive book. “— Carolyn Lee
“Heartbreak Kennel was hard to put down! I read it in 5 evenings. Very well written. Highly recommend!”—Shannon M. Wharton, Labrador lover and breeder
“Heartbreak Kennel is a must just read before you buy a dog. This well-researched book is an eye-opener for even veteran dog owners. The author introduces some hard truths to the reader. The book is well structured to balance the joy of rescue against the sad story of Dodie.”— Mary Mcnaught
“Required reading for dog lovers. I am so appreciative of the research that went into this!! In addition, the writing was so compelling, I couldn’t put it down-brilliant and many, many kudos!!!”—Wendi Lipphardt
“. . . The book was enthralling from start to finish with good pacing, articulation, and organization. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down. I highly recommend this book.” Linda Konde, DVM
“I loved this book! I had never heard of this story and the book is a real page-turner. Truth can be stranger than fiction. So well done!”—Jeleen Guttenberg
“A true story that needed to be written. The book is so well-written—a story meant to be told through the mind of an attorney and the heart of a dog lover. I wish every animal cruelty/neglect investigator would read this book to better understand the consequences of lenience.” —Lisa Padgett
This is a riveting and — yes — heartbreaking account, psychologically fascinating. It’s also illuminating about the world of puppy sales, even by presumably good breeders.” —Harriet Chessman, rescue dog grandmother and author of The Beauty of Ordinary Things
“Really fascinating story and well written book.”— Penny Higginbottom
“I was fascinated by the topics and loved the way the author went back and forth between the Max and Dodie stories. I read a lot of detective and police/legal procedural novels, and I couldn’t put this one down (finished it at midnight). Ms. Unkelbach’s perspective was “fair and balanced” and I increasingly admired her as a Prosecutor as well as a dog-lover and writer. I was amazed to feel both anger and compassion toward Dodie. The writing is elegant and clear, and I learned a lot about the world of Labrador Retrievers. I hope to read more from Cary Unkelbach.” — Pricilla H
“I have had many dogs in my life, including a couple of pedigreed ones with impressive papers, but never realized how the latter could still have problems because of shortcuts taken by the breeder. I devoured the book over a few days; it was as interesting and fast-paced as many novels I have read, but this time I learned so much. I am so glad the author chose to write this heart-wrenching but important story!”—Liz Collier
“Just finished this book. If you have been involved in dog breeding or showing, you will really enjoy this. Even if you haven’t, it’s an intriguing, sometimes sad story. Cary tells it with insider knowledge, the objectivity of a reporter, and the skill of a litigator. Well worth your social security dollars and time!” —Ross Gorman
“This book is a must read. I just finished reading it and found it interesting and heartbreaking. Cary Unkelbach
has juxtaposed the story of Max with the story of his breeder and her beginnings with good intentions to her slide into obsession and the results. This book could be a how NOT to book. It is very well written with good attention to detail from one world to the next. The story flows well from beginning to end. It was a quick read for me. . .” — Val C.
“Alternating between the true crime story of Dodie Cariaso and the adventures of Max, one of the dogs she bred, Heartbreak Kennel is a riveting exploration of the best and worst practices of dog breeding and canine ownership. It’s a captivating, eye-opening look at how a dog breeder turns passion into obsession.”— Monica Kern, University of Kentucky psychology professor (retired), Ph.D., psychology, Harvard University
“Just finished reading this amazing book by Cary Unkelbach. All dog lovers should read it, and especially Labrador Retriever lovers. It deals with a heavy subject, mixed with lighter moments, but with Cary’s gifted talents as a writer, I was barely able to put it down.” — Lila Dann
“Heartbreak Kennel is a must read for anyone thinking of buying a dog from a breeder . . .” —Mary Downs, Safe Harbor Lab Rescue board member and Labrador owner
“This compelling read emphasizes the importance of verifying information conveyed by so-called “reputable breeders.” It also poignantly reminds new and veteran canine owners of the consequences of irresponsible dog breeding and ownership.” — Susan Oviatt-Harris, AKC obedience and tracking judge
“If you’ve ever had a dog you should read this. I wish I had read this before I ever owned a dog. I always thought an AKC puppy was a guarantee to have the very best.”— Shauna Keller
“When you reach the end of a book and thoroughly enjoyed it but are sad because it’s over- that’s where I am. I thought the book was well done and highly recommend it! From a dog person’s view, it was so relatable. Seriously, it made me stop and think ‘am I doing enough for my dogs?’. . . What an inspiration Max! Thank you, Cary, for all of your research and hard work! It was a rare treat to have such an inside view of how a person became an animal neglector.”— Katie Clemmer, Labrador breeder
“I hope your book, with its detailed and meticulously sourced documentation, becomes an invaluable resource by which policy is designed to advocate for these precious beings who have no voice…and to educate “pet people” like ourselves who were once very naive when it came to buying a purebred AKC registered pup.
So thank you for writing a book, which although difficult to read at times, may help others, both human and canine, due to its being brilliantly written.”— Deb McGrath
“Thoroughly researched by author Cary Unkelbach, this book is a page-turner that’s hard to put down. . .I bought a puppy from Dodie in the early 90s and met with her three times at her Loveland home. When I read this book, I realized how much I didn’t know about her. I loved the parallel storylines of Max and Dodie. I highly recommend Heartbreak Kennel to all animal lovers and those considering buying a puppy.” — Bland Nesbit
“This is a must read for all dog lovers or anyone who want to buy/adopt a dog. On the one side – it is a very sad but somehow fascinating story of Dodie Cariaso the breeder who went in very bad direction. On the other side – fun and heartwarming story about yellow lab named Max who came from Dodie’s kennel and as an adult dog was adopted by the author of this fantastic book. Cary did an amazing research before her writing. I highly recommend to buy and read Heartbreak Kennel.”— Jolanta Kieler
“If you like true stories or dogs or both, don’t miss this book. It’s a fascinating look at the world of dog breeding and one woman’s descent into what most of us would call madness. At the same time, it’s a heartwarming tale of one of the dogs bred by this woman and his antics when he finds the right home. For anyone thinking of buying a pure-bred dog, it’s also a must-read primer on what to look for in a breeder – and what to avoid.”— Evie Haskell
“Heartbreak Kennel is a wonderful book with a good flow that engages and holds your attention. Cary Unkelbach skillfully tells a very complex story and paints detailed and accurate pictures of Coloradans, their lives, and towns. Cary’s legal background shines through the book as she details the intricacies of the legal system.
There are a lot of lessons within this book which make you think. Heartbreak Kennel is a fast-moving story that I recommend not only for dog lovers, but for everyone.”—Don Stanton, retired US Navy commander and Delta Airlines pilot
“I unreservedly recommend this book to readers of several genres because this book is actually multiple stories in one. In addition to the main plot about Dodie’s life, this book serves as a guide about what to watch for when buying a purebred dog, and it’s a courtroom drama with behind the scenes peeks at how the system works (& sometimes fails). But, most importantly, it’s a loving tribute to wonderful, quirky Lab named Max, who was a product of Dodie’s breeding program and is the reason the author decided to research and share this absorbing saga. Thank you Max!” —Ann True
“Cary dives deep into the tragedy and yes, heartbreak, of Dodie Cariaso’s dog breeding operation. . .The book also is a cautionary tale to everyone who wishes to purchase a dog from a breeder. BUT, this is not just a horribly sad story. Cary shared her life long love of Labradors and the very special adoption story of her awesome dog, Max. Max will make you smile! I loved this book, highly recommend picking up a copy!”—Wendy Menefee
“Heartbreak Kennel is truly an example of a series of unfortunate events that, like a snowball rolling downhill, keeps getting bigger and faster, impossible to stop. It is based on impeccable research skillfully put together in a story that draws the reader in deeper and deeper. The adventures of Max provide interludes that show what a “dog’s life” should be.”—Kelly Collins
“Do not let the title of this true story shy you away from reading it. Cary Unkelbach takes the reader on a journey of emotional highs and lows in this fast-paced book. I enjoyed reading every page which kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. Not only is this well-written book a true account of Dodie Cariaso and her seemingly passion for Labrador Retrievers, but it’s also about the uplifting tales of Max, a lucky dog bred by Dodie. As an owner of four Australian Shepherds, I liked how Max’s story broke up his breeder’s life choices and experiences. I highly recommend reading Heartbreak Kennel. You will not be sorry that you did.” —S Vanni
“I had a hard time putting this book down. Intriguing and thought-provoking. Should be required reading before buying a dog.” —Jim Sampson
“Heartbreak Kennel, is the true story of a dog named Max and his breeder Dodie. The book is very well written. The author has combined her passion for animals and the legal system into a compelling story that will leave you with strong, conflicting emotions.” —Chris Lang
“Heartbreak Kennel is an entirely original, true story that will satisfy dog lovers and true crime fans alike…I read this book in two sittings, completely fascinated.”—Hillary Johnson, author and owner of a Yorkie named Alfie
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