I love how one book is like peeling an onion! The title serves as that first outer layer. Every Dog Has a Gift, by Rachel McPherson, is just one example of my onion illustration.
The author's relationship to The Good Dog Foundation - McPherson is both its founder and Executive Director, is the most obvious, second layer. Clicking onto the web site takes you into the world of animal assisted therapy for this organization based in Brooklyn, NY.
Through her own experiences with the healing power of a dog's unconditional love, McPherson has collected 22 real life stories of dogs and their humans that illustrate this amazing gift. Along with the voices of men, women and children whose stories will touch your heart, you'll find additional resources throughout the book. More web sites and books peel back the layers into the world of animal assisted therapy, dog behavior, rescue and so much more.
One of the stories that resonated with me is how Debbie Jacobs rescued a Border Collie mix from the tangled mess of animals that became homeless in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. ("The Only Thing to Fear Is Fear Itself," pp. 103-111.)
More layers to peel back. As you read her story, you can click onto her web site: Fearful Dogs which is comprehensively layered with information on this topic. And, you will be able to preview the first chapter of the ebook that Jacobs wrote: A Guide To Living and Working With a Fearful Dog. Hers is the thoughtful, compassionate voice of a woman who literally climbed into her dog's head in her desire to figure out how to positively shape that dog's traumatized temperament.
By doing this, Jacobs added a storehouse of valuable information into one of the most unsettling aspects of dog behavior.
There are no easy answers when it comes to dealing with dogs who (for whatever reason) are fearful. In her attempts to work with one dog, Debbie Jacobs has expanded her reach to countless others.
If, like me, you like to peel back layers of a particular subject so that you can explore topics in greater depth, you'll want to pick up this book. As always, my first place for books is the public library. However, if you decide this one's worthy of a permanent spot on your bookshelf, you can click on the cover here:
As am Amazon affiliate, I will receive a (small) commission, for which I do thank you. Or, if you'd rather buy directly from The Good Dog Foundation, you can do that.
Love me and love my dog. When a dog bites a man that is not news, but when a man bites a dog that is anews. http://www.yaahshoes.com/
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Posted by: Kathy | 08/08/2010 at 04:57 PM
Dog is man's best friend! Because it is no longer afraid of loneliness! Because people's lives more secure! I love dogs! You?
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Where should their loyalty lie and what should be the consequences of their actions ?
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