Randy Grim

Randy Grim

Randy Grim: The catch phrase for Randy Grim is “unlikely hero.” For over a decade, Grim has called national attention to the scourge of abandoned, feral, and wild street dogs. He has achieved national media attention, changed legislation, appeared in national television programs, and consulted with local, state, and federal policy makers and animal welfare organizations throughout the United States.

Grim’s introduction to the national scene came with The Man Who Talks to Dogs: America’s wild street dogs and their unlikely savior, published by St. Martin’s Press in 2002 followed by the paperback in 2004.
The Atlantic Monthly described The Man Who Talks to Dogs as “… really two books: a touching if not terribly insightful portrait of a young man who has devoted his life to rescuing the street dogs of St. Louis, and a harrowing report on the plight of the millions of abandoned and stray dogs throughout the United States.” Likewise, the San Francisco Chronicle called it “…an unforgettable and honest literary portrait of an unlikely hero,” and the Seattle Times a “deeply affecting portrait.”

Grim soon followed with his own book, Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row, published by Blue Ribbon Books in 2005. The book, which includes a Forward by Dr. Jane Goodall, was nominated as the best general non-fiction dog book for 2005 by Westminster and The Animal Writers Association, and received numerous national accolades including the “IPPY.”

Both books have just been optioned by award winning producer, Norman Stephens. With The Man Who Talks to Dogs now becoming a major motion picture about Grim.

Of Grim’s book, Seattle Times reviewer Ranny Green stated, “Through 30 years of reviewing pet books, I can’t remember one that has left such a lasting impression,” while the Midwest Book Review wrote the following: “Narrated candidly, offering a glimpse behind the scenes to the cruelties mankind inflicts on his so-called ‘best friend...’”

As the founder and director of Stray Rescue, Grim and his staff have received the Red Cross Life Saver Award and the St. Louis FOCUS award for “innovative solutions.” He also received the Guardian Award with Dr. Jane Goodall in October 2003. Best Friends Animal Society honored Grim in true Hollywood fashion at the Hollywood Palladium for the Chrissie Award this year. Alive Magazine is featuring Grim as one of their top 25 “most buzzed about people” for 2009 and Best and Brightest for 2010 by Bark Magazine!

Grim is featured on Animal Planet, National Geographic, History Channel, People Magazine, The Today Show, PAX Television, CNN, and The Weather Channel. Grim also hosts a popular syndicated Midwest radio talk show. He just filmed a television documentary for the National Geographic and History Channel airing now along with a documentary for PBS with famed animal expert Jack Hannah “Animals in Paradise”. His own series is in development.
His newest book Don’t Dump the Dog hit the bookshelves August 1st 2009 and is already in its 3rd printing.

Awards-
Homeless Animal Day 1998 presented by operation spot
Best Animal Lover presented by PAWS 1998
E-Achievement Award 1999 presented by “E” television
Resolution from State Legislators commending my work 1999
Best Volunteer Organization 2000 presented by Riverfront Times
Hardees’s Hometown Hero 2000
Best of St. Louis 2001 from St. Louis Magazine
Thanksgiving Editor’s choice from St. Louis Post Dispatch 2001
Missouri Legislature, Proclamation for outstanding citizen 2001
Red Cross Lifesaver Award 2002
St. Louis FOCUS award for “innovative solutions.” 2003
In Defense of Animals Guardian Award 2003
Rockwood School District Award 2004
National Guardian Angel Award 2005
IPPY Award for the book Miracle Dog, 2006
Animal Writers Association 1st runner up in best animal book, non-fiction for Miracle Dog
Doris Day’s Animal Angel Award 2007
Chrissie Award from Best Friends, 2008
Clayton Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, 2008
Nominated for St. Louis-Area Person of the Year, Post-Dispatch, 2008
Alive Magazine Most Buzzed About People, 2009
Ladue News Most Interesting Person for 2009
Bark Magazines Influential Persons 2010
St. Louis Post Dispatch Person of the Year 2011
Riverfront Times Best of St. Louis 2011
Mayor’s Citizen of the Year 2011
St. Louis Magazine’s Man of the Year 2011
Dog Fancy Magazine’s Top Shelter of the Year 2011

 




Stray Rescue