Angel Dogs

You already know dogs are healers and loving companions, but did you know they also serve as matchmakers, lifesavers, prisoner rehabilitation specialists, parent trainers, hospital welcoming committees, advice columnists, and afterlife ambassadors? The true stories in Angel Dogs celebrate the deep and ancient connection between people and dogs and will inspire you to live up to the divine example of our canine companions.

This fascinating book puts the spotlight on working dogs — those heroic canines who have found ways to give back more than sloppy kisses and happy snuggles. The courageous dogs you will meet include: Keno, a yellow Lab, who rescued a lift operator buried in an avalanche. Kobi, a beloved and intelligent family pet with an exceptional sense of smell, who became one of the most famous cancer-sniffing dogs in the world. Tuffy, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who served as a grief counselor with Dr. Karla Rose during the horrible days following the Virginia Tech shootings. Abdul, the first service dog for people with mobility impairments, who was trained by Bonnie Bergin and Kerrill Knaus-Hardy and paved the way for people with disabilities to be independent. Anna, a German shepherd, who damaged her lungs searching through the wreckage at Ground Zero after 9/11 and inspired Sarah Atlas to found an assistance program for volunteer search-and-rescue dog handlers. Skidboot, the world-famous Texas blue heeler, who performed for Jay Leno, Oprah Winfrey, and David Letterman and on Animal Planet (with cowboy and entertainer David Hartwig) but started life as an abandoned puppy.

I talked my sister into letting me help her write this book because I knew it would take a lot of work to get it the way she wanted it. There are quotes here from people whose dogs were acting out and driving them loony. These desperate owners called Eileen because she is well known in these parts or because their veterinarian or a friend recommended her. She jumps in her blue jeep and drives to their house. She evaluates the dog and the owner. It’s usually the owner’s fault I’ve discovered. She tells them, “This is a very cool dog. He’s awesome. We can get him straightened around in no time.” The relief they feel is huge. I’ve seen Eileen turn out of control dogs into angels in seconds. After some basic obedience training the dogs and the owners often attend an “agility” or “therapy dog” class taught by Eileen. The dogs are excited and happy to be there with the other dogs. It’s like camp or a festival. The owners fall in love with their dogs again. The dogs, of course, always love their owners, no matter what. Amazing creatures. Everyone should read this book. You should especially read it before you get a dog so you know exactly what’s involved. I’m not only talking to the adults I’m talking to the kids too. Mickey McGovern has worked in the Hollywood film industry for fifteen years as a writer and a visual effects producer. But more importantly she’s Eileen Tonick’s sister.

She may be a tiny, pure-white, fluffy kitten, but Angel does NOT live up to her name! After Kelly and her family adopt Angel from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, they discover this mischievous moggy is total trouble... Angel loves tripping people up, leaping out at Dad from the airing cupboard and generally being a naughty nuisance! When Mum cooks a roast dinner for all the family, will Angel be able to resist tucking in first? Contains LOADS of information about Battersea Dogs & Cats Home - including how to adopt your very own dog or cat, dos and don'ts of looking after them, and fun pet-themed puzzles! Featuring a photo and fact-file of a real-life dog from Battersea!

David Frei, the publicist of Westminster Kennel Club and the founder of Westminster's therapy dog charity, Angel on a Leash, along with his wife Cheri, a minister at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, retell heartwarming stories of therapy dogs who change the lives of needy children at hospitals and rehabilitation centers. angelonaleash.org

Combining heroic stories of dogs with the latest scientific and psychological information, this book has provoked controversy with its lists that rank more than 100 breeds and its exciting new insights into the thoughts, emotions, and inner lives of dogs.

When the nurturing nature of women meets the loyalty and unguarded affection of dogs, remarkable connections ensue. This book showcases stories about these connections that result in courageous and compassionate acts of love and healing — for the dogs, the women, and all the people whose lives they touch. Readers will laugh, smile, and be moved by shelter dogs, police canine handlers, dogs rescued from hurricanes and dog fighting, returning veterans in need of service dogs, prison inmates who train service dogs, and everyday mutts who transform lives just by providing an exuberant welcome at the end of the day. They'll even meet a dog that dazzled David Letterman on his Late Show. This heartwarming collection of stories is ideal for anyone who loves a dog, or simply loves to be inspired.

A magical book celebrating the timeless connection between people and their "forever dogs."