"Inside Animal Hoarding: The Case of Barbara Erickson and Her 552 Dogs profiles one of the largest and most intriguing cases of animal hoarding in recent history. Celeste Killeen's investigation pries open the door to Barbara Erickson's hidden and closely guarded life, offering an in-depth view of animal hoarding. The chaos and torment discovered by local officials who had responded to a ramshackle farmhouse in eastern Oregon was described as otherworldly, unbelievable. But, it was only the sad ending to a lifelong story of betrayal, abuse, and abandonment. This comprehensive look at how animal hoarding developed in one woman's life offers the rich detail and context so important in understanding how to recognize, respond to, and maybe even prevent this compulsive behavior." "Dr. Arnold Arluke's discussion follows the Erickson story with current research on animal hoarding and how it ties into the Erickson case. Drawing from his background in sociology and extensive study of the human animal relationship, Arluke offers further insight about animal hoarders, how they see themselves, how society deals with them, and why people find them so perplexing."--BOOK JACKET.