Rescuing Riley, Saving Myself

A Man and His Dog's Struggle to Find Salvation

By: Zachary Anderegg, Pete Nelson

Narrated by: David Marantz

While hiking on a solo vacation in a remote, uninhabitable region of Arizona, Zachary Anderegg happened upon Riley, an emaciated puppy clinging to life, at the bottom of a 350-foot canyon. In a daring act of humanity that trumped the deliberate savagery behind Riley’s presence in such a place, Zak single-handedly orchestrated a delicate rescue.

What didn’t come out in the initial burst of publicity this story received is that Zak and Riley’s destinies were intertwined long before they improbably found each other. For much of Zak’s childhood, he was at the bottom of a veritable canyon himself - a canyon whose imprisoning depth and darkness was created by bullies who just wouldn’t quit and parents who weren’t capable of love. From the age of five, Zak was everyone’s favorite target.

When Zak came upon Riley, the puppy’s condition bespoke his abusers’ handiwork - three shotgun pellets embedded beneath his skin, teeth turned permanently black from malnutrition. The meeting was one of a man and a dog singularly suited to save each other. As a former US Marine sergeant, Zak was one of only a few people with the mettle and physical wherewithal to get Riley out. And in rescuing him, Zak was also attempting to save himself, conquering the currents of cruelty that swelled beneath his early life and always threatened to drown him.

©2013 Zachary Anderegg and Pete Nelson (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Must read!

So well written and insightful.
Parents should read this with their children and I think it would open a dialogue with them about discussing bullying issues. It was an issue when I was younger but it’s on a whole new level now.

Insightful

I found the story to be well written, very insightful..
Great message on the subject of bullying

Very Well Written Story of Rescue & Survival

I really enjoyed this book. The narration is very good. To me, the story offers hope, an invite to change, and a way to crawl out from negative things we (mostly humans) have had to crawl out from under as adults, becoming our own person, getting rid of the damaged part(s), for example, by self examination. The author uses his own "heroic event" & seems to compare parts of that and the outcome with his previous and current life . I really enjoyed this. Thank you.

Heartwarming and Positive

What a great story that is REAL and honest. The author learns so much about himself, his family and others by doing a kind deed. He also helps others to “own” their crap. His selfless act for a puppy left for dead is a reminder of how kind people can be (while we know how cruel others can be). I’m happy for the author as his journey to self seems assisted by Riley!

wonderful book

narrator is easy to listen to, story is compelling. I will listen again soon. loved this book!