Fifteen Legs: When all that stands between death and freedom is a ride

“This notion of volunteers connecting in cyberspace on behalf of desperate, homeless animals had stolen my heart. The thought of perfect strangers coming together and working as a team to shuttle society's non-human cast-offs out of harm's way was too wonderful a story to pass up. I had to tell it”. - Bonnie Silva

In Fifteen Legs: When all that stands between death and freedom is a ride ... Silva recounts her travels with volunteers from numerous animal rescue and transport groups who provide escort services for last-chance animals. The title, Fifteen Legs, refers to the number of rides sometimes necessary to transport a rescued dog, cat or other animal from a dire situation (where death is imminent) to a safe and loving 'forever home.' Walker is a good example: this sweet young Australian shepherd mix traveled nearly 900 miles in over two days, accompanied on each of his fifteen legs by different volunteers.

In this largely undiscovered world, Silva encounters heroes and heroines - people like Yahoo groups list owner Brandy Holleran, bunny transport boss Jennifer Barbieri, volunteer pilot Kevin Boyle, hurricane search and rescue leader Jane Garrison, and esteemed transport coordinator Terri Epp, who performs cyber-miracles on her computer from her home in Canada.

But who ARE these people, and why, after working regular jobs all week, do they willingly give up their weekends to do what they do? As Silva asks, "Is this some kind of a clandestine club comprised of people I would never want to take to lunch?" Or are they individuals like you and me who, feeling helpless when it comes to big picture problems, will leap at the chance to give an out-of-time animal a lift?

Through a whirlwind of voices speaking on behalf of "angels wrapped in fur," Fifteen Legs shows us what can happen when a synchronized squad of strangers fuels up and hits the road.

With stubborn optimism and a deep compassion for animals, Silva leaves room for everyone who wants to come along for the ride. No prior experience necessary.