Before You Were Mine — Maribeth Boelts

Adopting a shelter dog comes with unconditional love, but also many questions.

A little boy imagines what life was like for his new dog before he adopted him from a shelter. Maybe he had a boy who loved him, but the family had to move and couldn't keep him. Maybe he belonged to someone who didn't appreciate how mischievous puppies can be. Maybe he was treated badly.

But the most important thing is that now, he can be shown all the love he's been missing. Because this dog is home.

Winner of the Humane Society KIND Children's Picture Book Award and the ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book Award, this touching story celebrates all who support, care for, and adopt shelter dogs.