From the steamy and colorful Florida Keys to the cool lakes and green forests of northern Michigan, "Once Upon a Shelter" tells of the triumphs and tragedies of humans and animals as they pass through the doors of Linda Gottwald's rescue organizations. Richie Moretti, millionaire playboy turned sea turtle rescuer, Hugh Hefner and his Bunnies who came to the aid of endangered rabbits , and Tugboat, the All-American mutt who flew to England only to be sent back in disgrace are some of the many characters Gottwald encountered in her years as a shelter director. Anyone who has ever fought City Hall will celebrate Gottwald's victory over corrupt public officials, anyone who has loved an animal will appreciate the tenderness captured in the rescue of a feline family trapped in a sinking boat; and anyone who has hosted a disastrous dinner party will sympathize with the saga of the shelter's inaugural banquet which ended in Chinese take-out. This poignant and heart-warming collection of stories, simply told, offers sensitive and real-life insight into animal sentience and the human condition. All author proceeds benefit the animals of the Great Lakes Humane Society.