Best Christmas Gift of 2009

At my in-law’s home on Christmas Eve I gifted my three nieces and one nephew a copy of my newest book, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.  Since one of the themes of the book is making a difference in your own, unique way, as Frankie does even though she is disabled, I thought I’d encourage each of them to make a difference.  They each received an extra copy of the book and  I’ve asked them to donate it.  I gave them suggestions, but also said if they came up with an idea in how to make a difference with the book, to go for it!

John comes from a large family with 5 sisters and all their significant others and four grandkids, so it can be, well let’s say, a bit loud at family gatherings (but I love it).  So amongst the remaining gift opening, loud talk and laughter, my nieces and nephews sat in the middle of the living room floor reading their new Frankie books. Tears sprang to my eyes and it was the BEST gift ever!!  So I share photos of all of them as my Best Christmas Gift of 2009.

Mary Shafer, Almost Perfect Author, Nominated for Merial Human-Animal Bond Award

I am thrilled for author, Mary Shafer who has been nominated by Dog Writer’s Association of America for the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award!  This is the award Frankie and I received this past year and it was such an honor.  This award best highlights the special bond between people and their treasured pets, promoting the strengthening of this bond and highlighting the special relationship between a dog and its owner, as well as between dogs and veterinarians.

To have Mary follow on our heels with this nomination is so fitting.  Her book, Almost Perfect, Disabled Pets and the People who Love Them is a collection of 11 anthologies.  Each one touching and beautiful.  Pick up a copy today for all your animal loving friends.  They will thank you for such a wonderful gift.

Olive & Baci stars of “Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog”

This is a Christmas card photo I received today from Jodee and Dan of Hundenruhe Haven Senior Dog Sanctuary and Terrier Town of precious Olive and Baci.  They star in Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book as two friends of Frankie’s that she befriended at the Farmer’s Market in Elkhart Lake several years ago.  Jodee and her husband Dan have devoted their life and much of their salaries to taking in and caring for animals that would have not otherwise had a home.  Their hearts are huge and I consider it an honor to know them.  To learn more about them you can also read an article I wrote about them.