Designer Dogs: An Expose

Madeline Bernstein is president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA), president of the State Humane Association of California, an advisory committee member of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Animal Cruelty Division, and a member of the California State Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee. She has written numerous pieces on animal welfare, and her blog on the subject won the CBS People’s Choice Award 2011. In 2012, Bernstein was the first Distinguished Visiting Animal Advocate for the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School, in Portland, where she has returned as a visiting professor. She was also the recipient of the prestigious Boeing Crystal Vision Award, among others. She travels nationwide as an expert speaker and is regularly featured on TV and radio, and in print media. Her TV appearances include multiple news shows and three appearances on Dr. Phil, among other daytime TV shows. Bernstein lives in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Phil McGraw, perhaps the most well-known mental health professional in the world, is the host of the #1 daytime talk show Dr. Phil. Now in its 14th season, this trailblazing and award-winning show continues to provide the most comprehensive forum on mental health issues in the history of television. Dr. McGraw is also the author of nine #1 New York Times best sellers, published in 39 languages with over 33 million copies in print. Dr. McGraw lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Robin, and their rescue dog, Maggie.

“[Designer Dogs] is an informative, heartwarming book. I want you to get this book; I want you to read this book; and then I want you to become a soldier in the army that Madeline Bernstein is leading.” —Dr. Phil McGraw on the Dr. Phil show (10/12/18) “Those cute labradoodles mask a dark, disturbing truth…life can be ruff for a pup on its journey to a forever friend, so it’s crucial people take their time to find a pet the right way.” —New York Post“[Bernstein's] advice on finding reputable breeders is sound and will surely be appreciated by readers interested in doing the right thing, and her knowledge of the issue and passion for animals is unassailable.”—Publishers Weekly“[This reminds me that] we should leave the creation of our dogs to the good Lord. He has done it so well for so long.”—Bob Barker“In this important book, Madeline Bernstein looks at the real dangers of putting breed above species and the actual damage it can do to our best friends.”—Cesar Millan“In her book Designer Dogs, Madeline Bernstein tackles the issue of irresponsible dog breeding and the misinformation that sometimes attends it. The human-animal bond and the benefits of dogs in our society is dependent on having healthy, well-behaved animals, and Designer Dogs illuminates many of the concerns with poorly-bred animals.”—David Haworth, DVM, PhD, President, PetSmart Charities “Designer Dogs is filled with much needed information, perfect story telling and unbridled passion. As an animal mother and advocate I’m inspired even more after reading Madeline’s book. If you want to smile, get informed and become inspired to make a difference-READ THIS BOOK!”—Heidi Hamilton, Dish Nation and Frosty, Heidi & Frank on KLOS Los Angeles “Madeline Bernstein is a force of nature and an animal's best friend. This book is for anyone who cares deeply about the issues facing companion animals. Through her wit and wisdom, she has written a compelling roadmap to show us how we can change the world for our beloved friends.”—Pamela Frasch, JD, Associate Dean, Lewis & Clark law School “With sharp wit, wisdom, and candor, Bernstein walks us through the dark side of our national obsession with designer dogs and makes a rock-solid case for adopting rather than shopping. An important read for any fan of our four-legged friends.”—Erica Gaudet Hughes, Executive Director, California Animal Welfare Association “As a lifelong dog lover and advocate of animal well-being, I’ve learned that the ‘perfect’ pet often chooses you. Designer Dogs is an important book and a reminder that the strongest bonds are built upon mutual gratitude and no animal is more grateful than an adopted shelter dog.”—Wallis Annenberg