linda anderson

A Dog Named Leaf: The Hero from Heaven Who Saved My Life by Allen Anderson. A Book Review.

 

I had the honor of being asked to review this wonderful new book by Allen Anderson. Hope you enjoy my review!

It takes courage to share your story. I also think to share the deep love of a pet takes courage. The fact that Allen, being a man, shares his deepest fears and also his amazing love for Leaf makes this book truly inspiring. We’ve heard many stories of the connection between women and dogs, or children and pets, but to hear Allen share his deepest thoughts and biggest fears, as well as, his devotion and love for Leaf touched me deeply.

As I read the last page of his book I wanted to weep. I wanted to weep for those that never experience a connection like Allen and Leaf have. I wanted to weep in happiness for Allen and his recovery. I wanted to weep for the courage it took for Allen to share this remarkable story that some may find hard to believe at times. But I know it is real as I’ve experienced some profound moments with my own dogs, just like Allen has with Leaf.

If you’ve ever doubted animals have souls, this book will open your heart and mind to truly believing we are all connected. You will never doubt again. Your life will be enriched far beyond what you could have ever imagined and you will have author Allen Anderson to thank for it.

A Dog Named Leaf is a great gift idea for the dog loving friends and family in your life!

Find out more about Linda and Allen Anderson’s work on their website, Angel Animals. You can also follow them on Facebook!

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Featured in “Dogs and the Women Who Love Them”


It was last summer that I heard of a contest being sponsored by Linda and Allen Anderson of Angel Animals Network, called Dogs and the Women Who Love Them.  I remember reading about the contest and feeling a flutter in my heart, while tears instantly sprang to my eyes.

The contest was about how dogs have helped women in their lives with healing and/or finding their purpose.  I felt this had me written all over it.  As usual, thoughts of, am I good enough to enter a contest, etc. reared their ugly head.  Then came a few emails from friends and fellow authors asking if I saw the contest and how I had to enter.  Just the positive influence I needed to face my fears.

I thought long and hard about this contest.  It took a few more weeks of procrastinating on my part to finally begin the writing process.  When I began, I could not stop.  To me, this contest felt like the culmination of all Frankie and I had been through and accomplished the past two years.

When it was complete I sent it in and let it go- wishing it to be whatever it was meant to be.  I was so happy and surprised when I placed 2nd in the contest for my story, “The Blessing of a Wheelchair-Bound Dachshund.”  And I was absolutely thrilled when I learned my story would make it into Linda and Allen’s new book, Dogs and the Women Who Love Them:  Extraordinary True Stories of Loyalty, Healing, and Inspiration.”

With a few tweaks from the editor, the story I originally wrote is even better, while still a true reflection of who I am and what I wrote.

It is a thrill to be in the book that will come out November 1st, 2010 and which you can pre-order on Amazon  today.  I’m happy to announce also that fellow authors I know, Jenny Pavlovic and Sage Lewis will also have their stories in the book.  An honor to be among them!

Inspiring Stories of Animals Who Comfort and Heal Children- Contest

 

http://www.angelanimals.net/contestrules.html

Authors, Linda and Allen Anderson of Angel Animals Network, run heart-warming, authentic contests and this is their latest one.  Deadline is September 15th, 2010.  There is also no entry fee and I personally have worked with Linda and Allen and have found them great to work with.  Their last contest I placed 2nd and will have the distinct honor of having my story published by New World Library in “Dogs and the Women Who Love THem: Extraordinary True Stories of Love, Healing and Inspiration” Fall 2010.  So check out their newest contest and give it a try!

 

Contest Rules

The Angel Animals Network 2010 True Story Contest is now accepting submissions of real-life stories that depict the healing bond between children and a wide spectrum of animals — dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, gerbils, ferrets, rabbits, any family pet or animal in nature. The story should show an animal helping children, parents, or families to deal with difficult situations and circumstances.

 

Story submissions must be no more than 2,000 words in English. They should be typed.

Stories must be original, not copyrighted by anyone else, and based on real animals, people, and events.

For judging and awards, preference will be given to emotionally evocative and well-written narrative nonfiction stories. Please do not submit journalistic articles, profiles, testimonials, essays, or fiction for this contest.

Contest story submissions will not be returned. Please do not include photographs.

You may view the list of 1st place and 2nd place winners on the Angel Animals Network Website after winners are announced on October 15, 2010. You can also subscribe to the free weekly, online Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter and look for winners to be announced there.