Posts Tagged ‘animals’

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Animal Prints On My Soul

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A Divas That Care Collection

by Candace Gish

Genre: Non-Fiction Animal Anthology

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Animals can be our heroes, our confidantes, our coaches, and our best examples of unconditional love. In Animal Prints on My Soul, we explore the human-animal bond through the experiences and stories of women. Featuring horses, dogs, cats, birds, and more, animal lovers will connect with these ordinary – yet extraordinary – stories of how animals impact our lives. Heartwarming, touching, and joyful, this book is a splendid gift for those who love animals. The stories of Healing, Connection, and Love & Loss also encourage us to pause and appreciate the wonderful gifts our animal friends bring us so we’ve provided deeper-dive prompts for those who would like to transform these blessings into inspiration for their own lives.

Contributors to Animal Prints on My Soul:


Healing

The Wisdom of Horses – Angie Payne
Whispers from an Angel – Daphne McDonagh
My Healing Journey with Animals – Diane Rose-Solomon
The Unicorn Search – Beth Lauren Parrish
Healing Beauty – Ginny Jablonski

Connection
A Friend by My Side – Marla Patrick
My First Best Friend – Deb Matlock
For the Children – Lorie Murphey
A Horse, a Boy, and Undying Love – Naomi McDonald
Lessons from a Red-Tailed Hawk – Linda Roberts
A Divine Communication – Esta Bernstein
What It Means to Be a Red Barn Horse – Alexis Braswell
Farm Girl Memories – Abigail Stimpert
When God Says, “Wait.” – Hannah Stimpert
Letting Go and Holding On – Donna Palamar
Gabriel’s Story – Sharon Dilley
26 Marathons and My Trainer – Jo Dibblee
Leadership in Flight – Haseena Patel

Love and Loss
Lead with Love – Kate Neligan
Spirit Animals – Stef Skupin
Country Life – Joyce Benning
Expectations: People vs. Dogs – Katherine Jensen
Becoming the Community Cat Lady – Kathy Lynn Mackison
Grief, Death, and Dying – Tracy Pierce
Horse, Heart, and Home – Ley-Anne Mountain
When Fate Brings You Fur Kids – Jean Brannon

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***Check out the Divas That Care Podcast with special author interviews HERE!**

https://soundcloud.com/divasthatcarenetwork/sets/animal-prints-on-my-soul

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The Wisdom of Horses

Angie Payne

 

The opportunity to care for that horse brought me out of some pretty dark places. I know I decided to stay on this planet because of him. I can recall moments of crying into his mane while he stood perfectly still, holding space, and I felt safe to allow the tears to flow. We would often go riding together for hours. It was the solitude and knowing I was safe, heard, and seen on those days together that saved me from my past. I will always be grateful for that beautiful being and his ability to keep me safe even when we found ourselves in tricky situations. While I was able to express my emotions to him, I wasn’t aware that what I had experienced was trauma I would struggle with for a long time. I did my best to keep my head above water and avoid depression, but, unfortunately, not talking about the sexual assault affected every relationship I had. As I look back, I realize I didn’t feel worthy, or of value, which made me sabotage the good in my life.

 

I’ve learned it’s only when we are ready to drop our walls that healing can really begin. It’s a place of vulnerability that we must be prepared to face, and it’s complicated. The walls drove my bus for a couple of years, and at times, I felt totally out of control because I didn’t have horses to regulate my emotions.

 

Opening up means there is a potential to be hurt, but learning to love and risking heartache, instead of never being open enough to experience love and connection, would be a significant loss. Along the way, I have been grateful to have wonderful mentors in my life, but most importantly, I thank the horses that have had my back along this journey called life.

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Candace Gish helps women open their eyes to the possibilities around them. As founder of the Divas That Care podcast community and network, Candace enjoys connecting with goal-oriented women committed to making a difference. She advocates for collaborative mentorship and strong, supportive groups of women converging to create change.

Her first Absolute Love Publishing book is Animal Prints on My Soul, and the Divas That Care community has been featured in all volumes of ALOVEDLIFE. Candace’s four daughters and husband inspire her every day. Visit divasthatcare.com.

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If you’re like me, you have a pile of books beckoning to you from your lists. Carole hosts this fun feature where you can share some of those older books and perhaps nudge you to finally read them. If you want to join in on the fun, head over to Carole’s Random Life In Books and leave a link to your post.
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Shelter Me

Second Chance Ranch #1

by Catherine Mann

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20645291

 

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Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Mann comes this beautiful, heartwarming novel about a returning military officer, the daughter of his fallen commander, and a very special dog with a mission. For fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.

Nestled in the sunny fields of Tennessee lies the McDaniel family’s Second Chance Ranch Animal Rescue. Two new arrivals are on their way, but only one is the four-legged kind.

Staff Sergeant Mike Kowalski wants only one thing after he gets home from Iraq: to sleep in a king-sized bed with clean sheets. But first, he has to hand off his fallen commander’s dog, Trooper, to his family without handing off his heart to Sierra…

Sierra McDaniel needs a break. Her family life is crazy, and when she’s not mucking out kennels, she’s slogging through grad school. Sierra certainly doesn’t want another dog, especially one that reminds her of her father. And she definitely doesn’t want to see Mike with that charming smile of his…

But Trooper has a mission of his own. Before too long Mike is moving to the ranch to lend a hand—and hoping for his own second chance with Sierra.

Amazon

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I added this back on February 2015.

I have the first two books in this series and they sound delightful!

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You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

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  From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds

by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 196 pages
Genre:  animals/pets
Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press
Release date:   August 23, 2019

From Wild to Mild by Sunny Weber

My Review

Kaya is just a pup, too young to be afraid of the creature that approaches her, and the coyote snatches her up, proud of an easy meal to take home to his hungry family. Things don’t go so well when his litter mate refuses to eat her and instead takes her in. That saying, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, also applies to Kaya the pup. She has dogs instincts and can’t seem to find her way in the wild life of her coyote family, no matter how hard she tries. Things become even more complicated when Kaya is returned to the world of humans and has to learn a whole new way of living.

I became so wrapped up in Kaya’s story that I often forgot the character’s involved were animals. I could easily relate to her confusion, fears and determination as she tries to find out where she belongs.

From Wild To Wild was an emotional and uplifting read. As with the first two books, I was teary eyed many times. I also felt proud of Kaya. She wasn’t a quitter and kept trying until she finally found her place. And, as with the other books, I’m happy to be able to recommend this to readers of all ages.

5 STARS

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Synopsis

Eight-week-old Australian Shepherd Kaya is kidnapped by a nasty coyote to be food for his mate and puppies. Instead, the loving mother raises Kaya with her own pups. But as hard as she tries, Kaya can’t completely fit in—she can’t kill prey or stay awake for night hunts. Why can’t she make herself a true coyote? Constantly criticized by her coyote father, Kaya finds support in her new mother and siblings. She also figures out how to contribute through teamwork with her brother and sister. Trapped by a dog rescue, Kaya re-enters the human world and learns the differences between how dogs and coyotes live. When freed to roam again, does she return to her forest freedom—or remain with her farm family? Can Kaya forever straddle between the Wild and the Mild?

Amazon

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About Author Sunny Weber

Author Sunny Weber

Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.

Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.

Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.

Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.

Connect with the author:    Website Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Hurricane Dog: A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption & Change

by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 221 pages
Genre:  animals/pets
Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press
Release date:   Aug 8, 2019

Hurricane Dog by Sunny Weber

My Review

I read and loved Sunny Weber’s A Dog At The Gate. It brought out all the feels and plenty of tears, so I prepared myself for Hurricane Dog by keeping a supply of tissues close at hand.

Life is good for Gator, a pitbull mix. Adopted by Gavin and his parent’s, he is sheltered and loved. And soon is joined by a special companion, Magnolia, a rescue from a puppy mill. Life is grand, until a hurricane strikes and the dogs have to be left behind in the evacuation. From here on, I suggest you grab the tissues.

The story takes place over the course of several years and is told from Gator’s point of view. You go through a wide range of emotions. Fear, anger, and a loss of hope. But Gator doesn’t give up. So I didn’t. Even though it sometimes seemed like all hope was lost.

Living on the Gulf coast, I’ve experienced many hurricanes. Some I stayed and suffered through. Talk about terrifying. And some I fled from. I recall Ivan, which came through my home town in 2004, I think it was. At the time, my sister and I had two dogs, two birds, two cats and seven guinea pigs. We took them with us to Atlanta when we were ordered to evacuate. Bless the people at the hotel for allowing animals. I couldn’t imagine leaving them behind. It tore me to pieces when Gator and Magnolia had to be left behind. The owners had no choice. It was government ordered. I watched several shows about animals that were being rescued, nursed back to help, and placed in new homes after the hurricane in Louisiana. This didn’t happen quickly. The emotional trauma must have been huge for those animals.

There was quite the pile of used tissues sitting next to me when I reached the end of this story. I cried tears of loss and tears of joy. What an incredible journey this was. And it gives me so much pleasure to be able to recommend it to story lovers of all ages.

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Synopsis

Pit bull mix Gator and puppy mill survivor Magnolia are abandoned during a Louisiana hurricane. They suffer dehydration and starvation after rescuers take their people to safety but leave the pets behind.

Saved from their flooded house, Gator and Magnolia recover but remain homeless. Nobody wants a pit bull. Gator’s resentment festers into intense hatred for Gavin, the boy who left them to die. He vows to never trust again.

Transported to Colorado with other refugee pets, Gator and Magnolia face the uncertainty of a new life. Eventually they are fostered by a kind woman who seems mysteriously familiar. Both dogs relax in their new lives until upheaval again throws them into chaos.

Overwhelmed by trauma, Gator and Magnolia cling to one another through change after change. Will they be separated? Will Gator forgive the Great Betrayal and love again?

What will happen to pets and their people in the next natural disaster? Can Gavin change the rules of rescue? Will Gavin and Gator reunite?

Amazon

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About Author Sunny Weber

Author Sunny Weber

Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.

Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.

Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.

Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.

Connect with the author:    Website Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special

by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 246 pages
Genre:  animals/pets
Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press
Release date:   Oct 6, 2017

The Dog at the Gate by Sunny Weber

My Review

Being a huge dog lover I can count on one hand how many years I’ve not had a canine companion in the last 40 some years. Most of the dogs I brought home were either from shelters or they were abandoned by my home. I took them in, loved them and got back way more than I gave. To read about Max was heart breaking. Taken from his mother, abused and neglected by his adopted owners, I wept for this brave dog and couldn’t stop reading his story, hoping he’d find his happy forever home.

I normally avoid books about abused animals like the plague. Something compelled me to give this series a try. It touched me in so many ways and I’m thrilled to be able to recommend it to readers of all ages.

Shooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, Yellow

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Synopsis

Can a dog like Max go from years without a bath to unconditional love and acceptance?
Or will his new family abandon him again?

Puppy Max doesn’t have the easiest start in life. He faces hunger, living alone outside, a vicious dog next door, and menacing raccoons. Just when he thinks it can’t get any worse, he is abandoned at an animal shelter.
Max is rescued and fostered in a home complete with canine companions – Miles, a benevolent fellow Australian Shepherd, and cantankerous, bossy little Muffin. He also lives with three cats, two parakeets, and one incredible mistress.
Fans of classics like Black Beauty, Thomasina, and Beautiful Joe, which feature redemptive bonds between animals and people, will find The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special offers a touching tale of love and triumph.

Amazon

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About Author Sunny Weber

Author Sunny Weber

Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.

Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.

Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.

Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.

Connect with the author:    Website Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.