* Frankie, the dachshund with “wheel legs” who helps a boy with a leg brace find hopeoy and his dog, girls and their horses — the clichés click because they’re so often true. But some kids do more than play with their pets, and some animals do more than fetch and purr. These kids and animals love unconditionally, and through that love, the condition of each is transformed. This collection is for animal lovers of all ages — and for anyone who wants to smile or needs to heal. You’ll meet:

* Ricochet, the golden retriever who surfs in charity events to raise money for children with disabilities

* Casper, the rabbit who helps a boy sleep through the night in his foster home

* Sparkles, the Dalmatian whose fire-safety lesson saves the lives of a five-year-old and her father

* Snazzy, the black pony who helps a boy learn to talk

* Cocoa puff, the guinea pig who loves hearing children read

* Frankie, the dachshund with “wheel legs” who helps a boy with a leg brace find hope

Reviewer's Notes. Reviewer, Laura Darms. I am strongly connected with animals in my life and can relate to all the stories brought together by the Andersons.  I found that the book gave a little pick-me-ups where there is so much negativity involved in our daily lives.  

This book is easy to read with stories divided up into three categories; Hope, Healing and Compassion.  I found that I did not have to read the stories in any order but could pick a story that related best to me at that time.  After each story there is what I call “food for thought” (they call Meditation) to think how the stories relate to my life.  Some of the stories I would pounder over a while on the animals that have passed through my life and others just made me feel good inside.  

In the back of the book they gave a little background on each of the people telling their stories.  I even found myself looking up a few of the stories on the internet that resonated with me the most.

The other thing I found interesting was that they touched on the subject of “What to consider when deciding to bring a pet into the family.”  I think this is a very important discussion every family should have before bringing any animal into their lives. I know that not everyone has a lot of time in there busy schedules to spend with their children, let alone a pet, and it falls upon the parents solely to take care of the animal.  At least the book helps addresses questions that need to be asked when deciding what is best for your family.

Overall the book confirms my thoughts that children who learn to interact with animals at a young age will carry that compassion throughout their whole life. I know this for a fact because my heart has been opened and my life has been forever changed with every animal that has interacted in my life. 

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: New World Library (November 15, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1577319591

ISBN-13: 978-1577319597

Available from New World Publishing, retail, and online booksellers