Book Giveaway & Magnet Set Giveaway!

Posted by Barbara Techel

NOTE:  Be sure to read through to end of this post to see how you can win a signed copy of Jon Katz’ new book!  Also see how you can win a set of Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Halloween magnets!

Yup, that’s me in the front row as the director of the WI Humane Society is introduction author Jon Katz (my mom is next to me putting her books under her chair).

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to see Jon in Milwaukee also and sat right in the front row… and I was just as excited to be in the front row once again.

I thought it would be sad when he talked about pet grief, but I actually walked out of the talk feeling lighter and even more grateful for life and death. Jon has a wonderful sense of humor and shared some funny stories with us before touching on the subject of the death of our beloved pets.

One question an audience member asked was if Jon would address the subject of how we tell a child about the death of a pet. I appreciated his answer as he said, “Don’t lie to your child.” He said in his research he talked with many adults who still had resentment towards their parents for not telling them about the death of an animal when they were a child. He talked about making a special photo album with your child of the pet, or perhaps a memorial service to help your child.

He shared with us that each of his dogs have taught him something in his life- something he needed to learn at the time. Tears sprang to my eyes as he said that as I could relate, as I think so many of us can.

One important thing I felt he shared was that no one knows our pets better than we do. Only we can do what we feel is best when a pet is diagnosed with a terminal illness or when it is time to euthanize them. He said so many people feel so much guilt over this, but they shouldn’t. Yes, it is one of the hardest things we have to do, but he said an animal does not fear death, nor do they worry about it. They come into the world when they need to and then leave when it is their time.

He does not feel their is a heaven for pets… but I’m not so sure about that one. Though I understood what he was saying. I want there to be a heaven where our pets are there waiting for us, but do I know that 100% for sure?  No, I don’t. But when I lose a pet, it is what helps get me through my grieving process believing I will see them again some day.

So in honor of all the pets that gone before us I am giving away a copy of Jon’s new book, which is autographed by Jon.

All you have to do to enter is:

Leave a note in the comments section:  “In memory of (and name of your pet)” or “In honor of (and name of your pet). I’ll choose a name at random from all the entries. Drawing will be on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011.

Another giveaway I am doing is through DogTipper.com.  I am giving away a set of Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Halloween magnets, so be sure to stop over to DogTipper site to enter. That contest runs through Wed. October 19th.

Both giveaways open to the US and Canada only. Magnets and book giveaway will be shipped to winners week of October 23rd.

Four pound Yorkshire Terrier Fashion Model Raising Money for Cancer Care Fund with 2012 Calendar

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Sophie, the therapy dog and fashion model and her mom, LuAnn are friends of mine.

To date, LuAnn and Sophie have done over 100 fashion shows for the elderly.  They do this as a way of giving back and bringing joy to the lives of others.

To further give back, LuAnn with the help of Lehman Photography, have created a beautiful calendar of Sophie in all her many fashion runway outfits.

All proceeds from the 2012 calendar will benefit The Sheboygan Cancer Care Fund.

If you’d like to purchase a copy, please contact LuAnn directly at 920-627-3755 or email, lumaratik at charter dot net.

 

Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die by Jon Katz- A Moving Book Trailer

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

I just finished reading, Going Home: Finding Peace When A Pet Dies. It is a profound and much needed book. As I read the first few pages, I found myself feeling peace about pets that I have lost in the past. As Jon talks about in the book, there is much guilt in when our pet dies, or when we have to make that very hard decision of helping them go.

Watching and listening to this book trailer makes me cry each and every time. The pain can still feel so fresh of those pets I loved so dearly and are now gone, and those that will eventually move on… but at the same time it makes me feel good. Good to know I loved so deeply and was lucky enough to have such special animals in my life.

I especially love this passage in the book:  “Pain defines love, gives it meaning. Without pain, love is nothing. Grieving hurts, but it cleanses and purifies us and brushes against our souls. It whispers to us that we received the great gift of unconditional love, and that does not ever die.”

In the video when Jon says, “We were never meant to share all of your life, but instead mark it’s passages” I find myself smiling. My dogs have so marked the passages of time for me… and with each dog, I find myself enjoying life even more because each one has taught me some amazing lessons.

 

Cassie Jo who passed away in 2005 helped me live with more meaning and joy. 

Jon also says this about dogs, “I supported your life, was your witness, and your testiment.” How lucky we human beings are to have these creatures do all of this for us… no judgement… just pure love. It is no wonder we grieve them so deeply.

Even though I shed many tears reading this book, I’m so glad I read it. And I’m even more glad that I love animals as deeply as I do… how different and flat my life would be if I didn’t. I shudder to even think of that. So when the pain comes again when I have to say goodbye I’ll try hard to remember all that Jon shares in this book… but if I don’t remember, I’ll remind myself that I am human and it is good to grieve. It is nothing to be ashamed of. I think if we can find the courage to openly share that grief, it will pave the way for others to do so also.