Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is the best-known animal sanctuary in the world. Since it first opened its doors in 1860 millions of abandoned & abused pets have benefited from its refuge. Around the world Battersea is a byword for compassion & hope. It hasnt always been this way. Victorian London had little time for canine strays & homeless dogs were routinely destroyed. During its early years the Home was threatened by financial crises eviction & legal action by neighbours upset by the constant barking. Yet the Home not only survived it thrived. Here is the story of this remarkable institution. At its heart are the characters that made Battersea what it is today from Mary Tealby the extraordinary founder of the Home to Airedale Jack the dog who became a hero in the trenches of the Great War. Through both triumphs & tragedies it is a book that will warm the hearts of animal lovers everywhere.