Wonder Dog

Bob was an average-looking collie puppy in every way, except for his bobbed tail . . . and maybe that’s why the Brazier family named him Bob, or Bobbie. But he was average in no other way. In 1923, Bobbie joined Frank and Elizabeth Brazier for a cross-country drive from Silverton, Oregon, to Indiana, Frank’s home state, where they planned to visit family. During a stop in Indiana, Bobbie was chased off by loose dogs, and after a week of searching and placing newspaper ads, the broken-hearted Braziers had to give up and start the drive home. Six months to the day after he was lost in Indiana, a very thin Bobbie was spotted on a Silverton sidewalk, his coat matted, his paws raw from wear. Unbelievable as it seemed, the three-year-old dog had WALKED almost 2,800 miles to get back home. Though weak and tired, Bobbie went berserk with joy when he was reunited with his family, and from that day, all of their lives changed. In the weeks and months that followed, his story tore across the country in newspapers and even in a hardcover collection of pet stories. He was the main attraction at an Oregon home-builders convention in Portland, where thousands lined up to pet him, and he starred in a short feature film. Also, the Braziers eventually heard from people along Bobbie's homeward-bound route, places where he’d stopped long enough to recoup, and then he was gone again. These stories verified their thinking. Bobbie had done the impossible. When Bobbie died, he was buried in Portland, Oregon, by the Oregon Humane Society. Rin Tin-Tin was there to lay a wreath at his funeral, which was officiated by the mayor of Portland. This incredible story is all true, and the origins of Lassie Come Home are said to be traced to the story of Bob of Silverton, also known as Bobbie, the Wonder Dog, a Scotch collie mix.

After a devastating diagnosis at the age of 39, Maureen Maurer was given a second chance at life. Giving up her successful career as a CPA, she took a leap of faith to pursue her childhood dream: teaching dogs to help people with disabilities. She founded two nonprofit organizations, Assistance Dogs of Hawaii and Assistance Dogs Northwest, and unleashed the potential dogs have to help people with special needs. In Wonder Dogs, Maureen shares her story of discovering God's true purpose for her life and the amazing adventure that followed. She also tells the triumphant stories of her beloved dogs and their inspiring partners as they overcome incredible challenges to live life to the fullest. These heartwarming and uplifting accounts show what's possible when we focus on abilities rather than disabilities. Dog lovers everywhere will enjoy this fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at what goes into selecting and training assistance dogs. Anyone who loves stories about second chances and overcoming challenges will find in Wonder Dogs a whole pack of kindred spirits.

Written with wit and insight, this writer's biography of her dog expands the parameters of the "I love my dog" genre to create a story appealing not only to dog lovers but also to any reader who enjoys a well-turned phrase and a clever take on the timeless story of a Cinderella: A mutt from the dog pound makes good. Oh sure, if you've heard one tale of yet another adorable dog saved from death row, you've heard them all. But meet Charlotte-charismatic, chatty and compelling-who twice lands the four-legged starring role in "Annie," gets her photo in a national newspaper as a community activist, and can lead you to every groundhog hole in historic Jefferson County, West Virginia. D.C. Gallant grew up in the country and, as an only child, found that rabbits, cats, chickens, horses and dogs make great friends and playmates. Her favorite childhood book was The Adventures of Mabel because the heroine could talk with animals, a talent Ms. Gallant aspired to but never attained until she met Charlotte the Wonder Dog.

Roman is one of Joyce Mullan’s puppies and has travelled to Alaska to make his home with new owners, Al and Renee. Roman wants to tell you all about the true and amazing story of the exciting life he leads in Anchorage, Alaska. He has experienced animals of all kinds—like Black and Brown Bear, Red Fox, and Dall Sheep —along with rivers, lakes, and mountains. He gets to go on adventures in meadows, parks, ice caves, and cars. Roman has never been bored in his life and is happy to be a brave Standard Schnauzer dog. Roman doesn’t take much time to relax because there are always so many exciting things to do! He has playtime with his dog buddies. He goes fishing and boating with Al and Renee. He hikes trails and climbs Alaska’s massive mountains. Roman is a special dog that lives a special life, all with the help of loving owners and the incredible wild world of Alaska.

Okie is a happy go lucky puppy until she loses her best friend and pack leader, Kippy. Then suddenly, she has big paws to fill. She needs to learn how to travel and fly and do all the tricks that Kippy used to do to move the sheep and run the ranch. How fast can Okie learn these tricks? Can she really learn to fly and take care of Miss A? Can Okie learn how to run the ranch? What does she do when there is a break-in at the ranch? Can she protect Miss A from danger? Okie learns about antelope and prairie dogs and has a dreadful mis-adventure with a handsome skunk. Can she hold the cows back and save Miss A from their thundering hooves? The stories tell of Okie’s adventures far and wide as she travels to Las Vegas and then back home to try and work the ranch. Okie narrates her own humorous real life stories. Includes Readers Guide.

Fans of narrative non-fiction, true dog stories, and African wildlife will want to check out Bulu! Born on a crocodile farm in Zambia's untamed South Luangwa Valley, the puppy seemed different from his littermates. Too quiet. Unresponsive. Terriers are usually full of energy and bouncing off walls. But not this one. Nobody wanted him. Enter Anna and Steve Tolan—former police officers who had left behind their life in England to live in the African bush. People thought the Tolans were a bit different, too. The peculiar puppy suited them perfectly. They named him Bulu, or "wild dog" in the local Nyanja language. Living in the bush, Bulu not only found his voice, he also found his calling as a foster parent to the orphaned baby animals—including warthogs, monkeys, elephants, baboons, bushbucks, and buffalo—cared for by the Tolans. But Bulu's protective nature led him into terrifying situations in the wild. It's a miracle he survived! But survive he did, disarming people with his wacky ways and nurturing once-unwanted creatures like him until they too could be set free. Bulu's story is a joyful confirmation of dogs as unique spirits, capable of love, compassion, and bravery. Packed with vivid descriptions of encounters with crocodiles, lions, leopards, poisonous snakes, armed poachers, and more—and illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs—Bulu: African Wonder Dog is a great resource for meeting Common Core State Standards that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Meet SPUD, the Wonder Dog! From the start, Spud knew he was special—and so did we! He was the very best animal friend in the world, even when he was tipping over canoes and trying to make friends with skunks boring with Spud!. This book is a collection of Spud’s grandest adventures. These stories illustrate essential things to all of us—friendship, honesty, obedience, and forgiveness. They also show us the value of enjoying every moment God has blessed us with and appreciating the little things He has done for us.

A tale-of-truest friendship book A fill-my-heart with love book A read-again-and-again book An epic tale of love, loss, reunion and adventure on the high seas told through the friendship of a girl and her dog, Fidget. Written by debut picture-book author Trish Forde and illustrated by rising star Rachael Saunders, this is a book that combines humour and heart with a faultless read-aloud rhythm