Assistance Dog Storiesto Tug Your Heart Strings

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

 A couple of months ago, out of the blue, I received an email from a writer/editor of a new collection of stories about assistance dogs. I had absolutely no idea what to expect when my free copy arrived, but I already had two reasons that I knew would weigh in on my decision to review the book. I had not shared these with Kathy Nimmer, the writer/editor, for fear she would know what a shoe-in her book was, in a pitch to me.

As a freelance writer, I once collected, edited and published the written works of others. My book was not one of dog stories, but I clearly had a soft place in my gut for this lady's task. I knew how difficult her job had been in preparing her book--the locating of writers, selection of the best stories, collecting of photos, obtaining permissions, and such. There's another piece of irony to toss into this surprising turn of events. I am not unlike the people in this book; I live with Multiple Sclerosis. Knowing that I might encounter stories of my own future, I opened the cover and began reading.


Two Plus Four Equals One is a celebration of the partnership of people with disabilities and their assistance dogs. For me that celebration began with the connection I experienced with Shannan Dumke in her story, The Gift of Zen. The ending caught me so off guard I found tears running down my cheeks as I absorbed the exciting climax. 


A shiver ran down my spine when I read Canine Relief, a story that describes the experience of a paranoid schizophrenic who chose to train her own dog to help her gain confidence and independence. And another when I realized that the service dog for a seizure patient was none other than a Bichon Frise that has saved her owner's life.

© R. Smith
Chauncey

By this point, I needed a good laugh. I got it with How Does a Service Dog Spell Relief?  I could truly relate to Chauncey's predicament; so will most of you!


Now I found myself in Chapter 7, The Agony of Retirement and Loss. Having only recently lost my Retriever mix, Xena, who spent two years of her life nurturing me through frequent migraine headaches, I put the brakes on and lay the book down. I wasn't sure I was ready to read this chapter.


A few days later, while straightening up, I noticed a photo on the back of the book, which was lying upside down on the desk. I immediately realized this must be the author--my contact person. Her dog drew me in and I read the bio. Kathy Nimmer, the book's writer/editor is blind, and yet lives a full life with her third guide dog, Elias. What's more, she's a speaker, author and award-winning teacher.  Suddenly I had the strength to pick up the book and continue.


When reading about another seizure patient with a dog that had an innate ability to signal its owner of impending trouble, I remembered the Bichon and grinned. This story featured a Pekingese/Pomeranian mix. Who knew toy-sized dogs could be service dogs?, I asked myself outloud. Oliver's ear twitched as if to signal his understanding.


Going Home, Mom is one of many poems in the book written by Kathy Nimmer. Each offers another peek into her unique experiences, and this one hit home with me--a gentle goodbye from a dog that has accepted her fate naturally, as dogs generally do.

© M. Massie
Cole and Ilia

Rounding the last bend I found pay dirt in The Best is Yet to Come. This story of a young boy with cerebral palsy took my breath away, both with its writer's skill and the amazing bond between Cole and his dog, Ilia. You'll never be the same after you read this story. I've added a sticky note to that page....and a mental note to re-read it every month or so. It's nourishment for the spirit.


Want to read this book? I'll be giving away 3 copies in a drawing. Enter by leaving a comment here or on my Facebook page by 4:00 PM, Friday March 4. The drawing winners will be announced on Saturday, March 5. If you simply don't want to wait on the contest, you can order from this link, or from Amazon, right here: Just click the ad and you'll be on your way.

Other great book reviews on All Things Dog Blog:
The Darkest Evening of the Year, by Dean Koontz
Oogy--A Dog Only a Family Could Love, by  Larry Levin
Barkonomics, by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
A Small Furry Prayer, by Steven Kotler (reviewed by Kristine Tonks)






Thanks to the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop hosts, Two Little Cavaliers, Life with Dogs, and Confessions of the Plume, for handling the plumbing to collect us all into every participating blog. Feel free to hop from blog to blog, give thanks and leave a few comments. It's a great way to spend a lazy Saturday. Happy tails!