Tag: Human-Canine Bond

Posted in Doggone Good Reads!

“Dog Medicine”

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

“Dog Medicine,” written by Julie Barton, is a phenomenal read that offers insight into the emotional support and companionship offered by our best fur friends.  Throughout the book, Barton details her experiences with mental illness and utilizes a heartfelt approach to depict how her best fur friend, Bunker, aides in alleviating her debilitating symptoms.

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“Dog Medicine” is a relatable read for those with and without mental illness.  The author emphasizes the supportive role of Bunker in adding structure, routine, and purpose in her days.  With Bunker, Barton is able to return to her normal activities, including socializing, working, caring for herself, and living independently.  In her book, Barton states, “I want to get out of bed.”  Readers can interpret from this statement exactly how dogs can serve as a natural antidepressant.  Through the development of their bond, it is observed that Bunker serves as a source of safety, provides comfort and companionship, promotes mindfulness, and encourages laughter.  “Dog Medicine” exemplifies what we, as a social species, need but are often neglected.  The author highlights how she has become more attuned to her own emotional experiences by observing and attending to Bunker’s emotional needs.  Through immersing oneself in “Dog Medicine,” readers begin to understand exactly how Bunker shaped Barton’s mental health recovery by teaching her how to embrace, welcome, experience, and ultimately accept pleasant and unpleasant emotions.  Barton succeeds in creating a powerful anecdote about the healing effects of animals and the human-canine bond.  “Dog Medicine” is a Doggone Good Read that is sure not to disappoint!

Visit Julie Barton’s Blog here:  https://byjuliebarton.com/

An in-depth interview of Julie Barton and “Dog Medicine” can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RikLo6TQB7g

 

 

 

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Posted in Doggone Good Reads!

“Craig & Fred”

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

“Craig & Fred,” written by Craig Grossi, is a doggone good read that is certain to raise the question “Who rescued who?” A heartwarming story, “Craig and Fred” details the unique circumstances that brought man and dog together as one.  Grossi utilizes an easy-to-read narrative to depict his inter and intranational journeys alongside his best four-legged pal, Fred.

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Told through the eyes of an eight-year Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, readers can expect to gain insight into Grossi’s wartime experiences, including the often difficult transition to civilian life.  In sharing his story, the author outlines how Fred served as a social lubricant, allowing for more seamless discussion of difficult war stories.  Throughout their experiences together, Fred faithfully served (and continues to serve) as a constant source of companionship, comfort, and guidance, and their relationship together truly embodies the human-canine bond.  Through this inspiring story, readers gain clarity into why dogs really are man’s best friend.  Although the question remains of “Who saved who?,” it is clear that both Craig and Fred played important roles in one another’s journeys toward healing and recovery!

Interested in following along on the many journeys of Craig and Fred?  Follow them on social media!
Facebook:  /FredTheAfghan
Twitter:  @fredtheafghan
Instagram: @fredtheafghan

Posted in Doggone Good Reads!

Haatchi & Little B: The Inspiring Story of One Boy and His Dog”

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

“Haatchi & Little B,” written by Wendy Holden, is a twist of heartwarming and gut-wrenching.  Holden begins by introducing readers to the saddening story of Haatchi — an Anatolian Shephard who began his life misguided by humans.  Haatchi’s fate appears dismal.  That is, until he is introduced to Little B, a young boy with a rare genetic disorder called Schwartz Jampel Syndrome.  Little B experiences physical limitations that negatively impact his independence, comfortability, and sense of self.

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Image Credit: Google Images

While the story of Haatchi initially invites feelings of upset and fury, readers experience firsthand how a twist of fate, dependability, relatability, trust, and unconditional love brighten the future for both Haatchi & Little B.  This story is nothing short of remarkable and is a tail-wagging good read about the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dog!

Want more Haatchi & Little B?  Check out this video: 

 

Posted in Doggone Good Reads!

“Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, & The Triumph of Trust”

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

“Thunder Dog,” written by Michael Hingson and Susy Flory, is a remarkable, awe-inspiring story about the trust and triumph of a guide dog team.  Hingson, who is blind, writes about his guide dog, Roselle, who was by his side as he worked in the World Trade Center on 9/11.  Roselle can be described as a devoted, committed, and hardworking assistance dog who was trained by Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California.  Together, Hingson and Roselle portray a human-canine relationship built on trust, understanding, and dependability.  

Photo Credit: Google Images
Photo Credit: Google Images

In “Thunder Dog,” Hingson provides a near minute-by minute recollection of his experiences during 9/11.  He depicts how the power of the human-animal bond and the trust in his partner, Roselle, ultimately led both of them to safety. Through this story, readers learn about blindness and the role that guide dogs play in mitigating this disability and promoting independence.  Hingson also provides a raw, insightful look into his life with blindness, while educating his readers about “Courtesy Rules for Blindness.”  He promotes person-first language and encourages readers to take interest in others for who they are, not for their disability.  This tail-wagging good read will certainly leave you on the edge of your seat and wondering how the bond between Hingson and Roselle could get stronger with each turn of the page! 

Click here to read more about Michael Hingson and his guide dog, Roselle! 

canva-rainbow,-rain,-nature,-weather,-umbrella,-colourful-MACZWVy2lSYThis post is dedicated to those who lost their lives due to the events of September 11, 2001, including Roselle who ultimately crossed the Rainbow Bridge in June 2011.