The Man That Rescues Dogs To Launch Memoir ‘Home. Made.’ on International Dog Day

Michael J. Baines quit his job as a chef to open up a rescue and rehabilitation center for dogs in Thailand

Goose Creek, South Carolina, USA, 2024-Jul-08 — /EPR Network/ — Michael J. Baines, President and Co-Founder of The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation, has announced the release of his first book, Home. Made.

The memoir, which will be launched on International Dog Day (Monday, August 26, 2024), documents Baines’ remarkable journey from the bustling kitchens of Sweden’s most popular restaurant scene, to the tranquil cassava fields of Bang Saen, Thailand. The Swedish entrepreneur quit his successful culinary career to open a nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation center for stray dogs.

Opened in 2017, the TMTRD Sanctuary now has 1,000 dogs in its care, housing 750+ rescues (including 50 TikTok-famous paralyzed dogs affectionately nicknamed The Wheelchair Mafia); whilst also monitoring and feeding an additional 400 stray dogs. Baines’ book explores the many heartwarming success stories of the dogs that have been rescued, treated and adopted to find their forever homes, as well as the positive development of pet culture in Thailand.

In a deeply honest and moving account, Baines also opens up on the challenges of his own life, namely his personal struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. After somehow finding himself working for the Yugoslavian Mafia in Sweden, the chef became caught up in the dangerous world of drugs, chasing highs to ward off his demons, before he was delivered a life-changing ultimatum.

“It’s a damn good book… The first I’ve read in 10 years, in fact,” Baines joked. “It is the story of my life, but more importantly, it’s the story of my dogs’ lives – they’re far more interesting and inspiring than I am, and I hope readers agree.”

The TMTRD Foundation houses 776 dogs, including the TikTok-famous ‘Wheelchair Mafia’, with 450 more stray dogs in their care

Home. Made. marks the first production of Witchcraft, an all-female start-up working to bring funding to nonprofits on the front lines of social change through the art and power of books. Uniquely, whereas in traditional models, an author only receives 5-10% of book royalties, 70% of the royalties for Home. Made. will be donated back to TMTRD, meaning anyone who purchases a book will also be making a donation that will go directly to the dogs. T**he memoir will be available to purchase at heywitchcraft.com, where readers can now sign up for updates. Supporters who subscribe early will automatically be entered into a competition draw to visit TMTRD in Thailand, and will receive behind-the-scenes peeks, extra chapters, recipes from ‘Chef Michael’, and insider discounts, plus news on Witchcraft’s upcoming books.