Wonder Dogs

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.

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.

This tender and humorous picture book is an ode to all dogs do, from the extraordinary to the everyday. THEY’RE WONDER DOGS! They catch and carry, Search and save, Inspect and guide— They’re smart and brave! Next to these amazing dogs, everyday pooches like Butters might not look like much—he drools, he sheds, he hogs the bed. But he also listens close, and keeps us warm, and offers comfort in a storm. He’s a wonder dog, too, and his superpower is loving you!

Life isn’t perfect, but dogs certainly make it better Meet the incredible dogs in this inspiring collection of true stories, championing the often underestimated role of man’s best friend Daisy, the tiny Dachshund who put her life on the line to save her humans from a bear. Charco, the veteran sniffer dog who has saved countless human lives, and yet still keeps his tail wagging. Delta, the dog who died trying to protect her young owner from a volcano – after already having saved his life three times. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that dogs are pretty great. But when it comes to facing peril, these loyal creatures always seem willing to step up to the mark and become true doggy heroes. Whether they’re saving humans from dangerous people or situations, helping the sick, fighting crime or just following their animal instincts to do good, the true stories featured in this expanded and updated collection prove that dogs aren’t just man’s best friend – they’re also inspirational, courageous and selfless companions to us all.

TV vet Dr Katrina Warren, one of the country's most recognised and loved veterinarians, has teamed up with professional dog trainer Kelly Gill and the Wonderdogs -- Willow, Jordie, Jinx and Flynn. Wonderdogs teaches 20 fun tricks ranging from easy to advanced, and every trick is accompanied by straightforward step-by-step instructions and photographs. You'll find everything your dog wants to learn: from sitting, staying and fetching to dancing, spinning and spelling. Plus, there is a puppy guide to help set up your puppy for life. By learning the secrets to successfully training your pet, you'll strengthen the bond you both share. With love, patience and a few minutes a day you'll have your very own Wonderdog.

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.

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.

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