Dogs and the Women Who Love Them

NEW -- ONE WEEK ONLY PRESALE UNTIL OCTOBER 2 -- Dogs and the Women Who Love Them by Allen and Linda Anderson. Twenty true stories of dogs and women who changed each other's lives. Endorsed by Betty White, Wendie Malick, Vanessa Williams, Linda Tellington-Jones, and American Humane Association, among others. Reviewed or mentioned in Modern Dog, Publisher's Weekly, and Library Journal so far. Rory Freeman, #1 New York Times best-selling co-author of Skinny Bitch, an Oprah and Ellen DeGeneres favorite book, says in the foreword, “This book will open your heart, warm your soul, and make you proud to be a dog-loving woman.” Visit the Angel Animals Online Bookstore at http://shop.angelanimals.net/product.sc?productId=24 to pre-order now.

Dogs and the Women Who Love Them

SCHEDULED BOOK EVENTS AND AUTHOR SIGNINGS FOR DOGS AND THE WOMEN WHO LOVE THEM

Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Barnes & Noble Bookseller, 3940 Division Street, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Phone: 630-355-2665
Website: http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2967

Date: Thursday, November 4, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Garrison Keillor’s Common Good Books, 165 Western Ave. No., Ste. 14, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-225-8989
Website: http://www.commongoodbooks.com/

Date: Saturday, November 6, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Border’s Books & Music, 1501 Plymouth Road, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone: 952-595-0977
Website: http://www.borders.com/online/store/StoreDetailView_31

Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: A Room of One's Own Bookstore, 307 W. Johnson Street, Madison WI 53703
Phone: 608-257-7888
Website: www.roomofonesown.com

Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Boswell Book Company, 2559 N. Downer Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: 414-332-1181
Website: http://boswell.indiebound.com/

Allen & Linda Anderson with Contributing Author Rosanne Nordstrom
Date: Thursday, November 11, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Anderson's Bookshop, 123 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540-5310
Phone: 630-355-2665
Website: http://www.andersonsbookshop.com/

Date: Thursday, November 18th
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Valley Bookseller, 217 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: 651-430-3385
Website: http://www.valleybookseller.com/



Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network - Where Pets Are Family
www.angelanimals.net

We're looking forward to seeing what you can share with others who are "clueless" about training dogs.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT:

We are looking for tips from ordinary people, who are not professional dog trainers, about what you have discovered works with your dog. How have you applied things you learned from dog trainers and failed or succeeded with them? What are you doing to get into more balance and harmony with your dog? What have you done to make peace with a dog who has a strong will and a determination to go the opposite direction of what you want him/her to do?

Tell us a little about your dog and the tip you have found - the more creative and/or humorous the better -- in no more than 300 words. Send your tip to cluelessbooks@aol.com. This is for possible publication in an e-book we are writing on the subject. We will get back to you if we can use your tip.

We're looking forward to seeing what you can share with others who are "clueless" about training dogs.

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net

Send a blank e-mail to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com to automatically receive your free Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter. Visit http://archive.mail-list.com/angelanimals to read past editions of the Angel Animals newsletter.

The Book Betty White Says You Should Read with Your Pets

The Book Betty White Says You Should Read with Your Pets

"As a lifelong animal lover, I am delighted to see them celebrated in such a positive way. You and your pet will enjoy reading this together."
--Betty White, actress and author

What is Betty White doing these days besides hosting Saturday Night Live? She's helping the animals in every way she can. This is why she gave her endorsement to a groundbreaking book, ANGEL ANIMALS BOOK OF INSPIRATION: Divine Messengers of Wisdom and Compassion by Allen and Linda Anderson (New World Library, 2009). In these times of uncertainty and negative energy, a book that fully delivers good news is needed more than ever. Still in time for Mother's Day and a great gift book for every animal lover, it is available at online bookstores, regular bookstores, and at angelanimalsbookofinspiration.com.

Angel Animals Book of Inspiration contains an original story from Richard Simmons about the incredible Dalmatians who cared for his mother Shirley. The Andersons offer a little insider-scoop on how Richard's story came to be in our book. "When we wrote to Richard to ask if there was a special animal story he wanted his enormous fan base of millions around the world to read, he called us and asked, 'Allen and Linda, how can I help you?' Then he graciously shared an experience that had deeply affected him."

Richard's story is an exclusive for Angel Animals Book of Inspiration. He wanted it to be in this book that would honor the spiritual contribution to his mother's life that the dogs Brent and Rhett had made. These dogs had consistently reassured Richard that his mother was in good paws and eased his pain over her passing.

After the Andersons sent the published book to Richard, he wrote to them, saying, "Congratulations on the beautiful success of your new book. Of course, I flipped to Shirley's story. Yes, of course, I cried. Each night before I go to bed, I read two other stories. I do love your new book."

In addition to Betty White's words of praise for the book, there are over twenty other endorsements and
comments reviewers and celebrities have made about its impact:

"Allen and Linda have taken the concepts that I share in my books to a whole new level, asking the most profound questions and finding the most wonderful, joyous answers through our animal friends. I am grateful that they have the courage to explore and share the deepest levels of our kindred connections. I love this book. Read it and open your heart, and transform into the loving beings that we all are!" --Allen M. Shoen, DVM, MS, author of Kindred Spirit: How the Remarkable Bond between Humans, from his Foreword to Angel Animals Book of Inspiration

"In this collection of true stories the Andersons show how animals serve as conduits for messages of spiritual love and help in times of despair, loss, and confusion. Meditations following each story guide those in need of some soul work, making the book even better. . .Pick up several copies as gifts for all the animal lovers on your list. Yes, it really is that good!" --Sally Rosenthal, Best Friends Magazine

"Any story in Angel Animals Book of Inspiration will lift your spirit. These truly heartwarming stories prove the power of unconditional love we receive from our beloved animal friends." --Tippi Hedren, actress and animal advocate, winner of the Genesis Lifetime Achievement Award

"Animals truly are angels upon the earth, as Allen and Linda Anderson so beautifully remind us in their wonderful book. Their heart-opening stories are inspirational, and remind us to take wonderful care of our animals friends." --Doreen Virtue, Ph.D., author, Messages from Your Angels and Angel Therapy

Some of these extraordinary true stories will make you smile. Others will bring tears to you eyes. Each one will open your heart to new revelations of love in its many forms and shapes.
Angel Animals Book of Inspiration: Divine Messengers of Wisdom and Compassion, By Allen & Linda Anderson (New World Library, 2009), trade paperback.

When have you taken a roller coaster ride of emotions with a sick pet?

Leaf's Close Call

As with many people reading this newsletter, when your beloved pet becomes ill, everything that took up time and space and seemed to be so very important is pushed to the background. All your focus goes to how to help your pet heal.

Last week was like that with Leaf. He was sick dog. He barely ate and when he did, he couldn't keep the food down. Among other symptoms he showed signs of lethargy, depression, and physical pain. He would look at us with his wide-open, innocent, childlike black eyes as if to ask, "What is happening?"

After phone calls to the veterinarian, we thought he might have eaten something that didn't agree with him. He likes to sample the rich cat food and this time, we thought he might have managed to do that without our knowledge. Something had caused his bodily functions to close down, and he was bleeding. We took him to the vet for tests.

Normally, Leaf is not a dog who likes visiting the vet. In the past, with his annual checkups, he let it be known he can't tolerate being touched all over his body. Vet visits are always stressful with Leaf not cooperating, especially after the exam begins. Trying to get a blood sample has proven to be an impossibility. Normally Linda tries to keep eye contact with him, and Allen stands nearby so Leaf will be reassured.

This visit to the vet was different from EVERY other time. Clearly, Leaf knew he was in trouble. He had so much pain around his middle section. Without hesitation he walked into the lobby, sat quietly, and waited for his appointment without any attempts to head for the front door.

A vet tech escorted us to the examining room. With no prompting but with painful effort, Leaf jumped up on the examining table. He appeared to be exhausted after the exertion. He spread out on the table with all four legs going in different directions and waited for the vet.

The vet examined Leaf and took blood and other samples for tests. Leaf handled this level of invasion like a trooper. This time, he didn't object to being probed even as we worried about his pain level, since we knew how much he was hurting.

Soon, the vet returned to the examining room with the test results. She told us that Leaf has pancreatitis. We're still trying to understand what this means and have read the literature the vet provided about it. It's clear that this is a serious, life-threatening condition. He could have died from this attack.

With a restricted diet, he'll stay with us for what we hope will be a very long life. For now, we're not leaving him alone for any extended periods of time and making sure he gets plenty of rest and liquids.

Those of you, who have been through this type of experience, know the feeling of dreading that you'll get the worst news. Sometimes, you (and we) have heard the test results for our beloved pets and felt as if the world was collapsing. This time, for us, thank God, Leaf is still with us.

When have you taken a roller coaster ride of emotions with a sick pet?

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
angelanimals@aol.com

Note: To subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

The Crazy Dogs of Winter

We wrote in a Twitter/Facebook post last week that our cocker spaniel Leaf is going bonkers with all this cold weather. He likes snow but below-zero temperatures make it too frigid for us to walk him for a long time. So he's not getting enough exercise.

We take him for a couple hours to doggie daycare, but that can be expensive if we do it too often. So we asked people what they do. Here are some of their responses. They may help those of you who are coping with the winter crazies.

Mary T.: I have just trained my dear darling beagle on the treadmill. She happily sits and waits for me to put her collar on and then trots for 20-30 minutes. Has made ALL the difference this winter!!!

Richard O: Live in Vermont with 3+ feet of snow on the ground right now. In 2004, I put in a big doggy door leading to a covered porch, leading down 3 steps into a BIG fenced yard. Even when I'm off at work, the dogs can come and go as they please. I keep a wide path shoveled in their yard. They both love to bound around in the snow.

Bob D: We're taking Mabel (rat terrier; no fat, little fur) to Petco and PetSmart for walks around the store and a little socialization. The staffs are very friendly and accommodating. Doesn't replace chasing squirrels outside, but better than nothing.

Judy M: If I get desperate, I'll do some "living room rally" and set up a few cones. Or figure 8's using one dog as a post, and a cone as the other.

Jennifer W: My Hearing Dog, Hattie has numerous interactive toys, which I give her to play with. Sometimes I give these to her or a special chew bone, perhaps a stuffed kong. Other times we do training work indoors to keep her busy. We work on obedience and other commands. I also work on teaching her new things, so the usual commands don't become boring. It's a win-win situation for both of us and helps pass the time on these cold winter dreary days.

How do you help your pets keep exercised and stop boredom in beyond-cold temperatures?

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net

Note: To subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

Saturday Morning Animal Rituals

We have Saturday rituals. We tell our dog Leaf that Saturday is a day of great adventure and fun. Our bird, Sunshine gets new millet on Saturday and a complete cleaning of his cage. The cats, Speedy and Cuddles, also have a Saturday ritual that involves new kitty litter and Allen's purchase of their favorite cat food.

Leaf's alert attention to every turn helps Allen drive Linda to the screenwriting group she attends three Saturdays each month. The meeting is in the city's center, and Leaf is fascinated with all the downtown activities. He watches with a mixture of concern and excitement when Linda leaves the car to enter the front of a high-rise building.

After dropping Linda off for her workshop Allen drives Leaf to the dog park near a city lake. He repeatedly throws the ball so Leaf has plenty of playtime and running. After Leaf tires, they sit and relax on a large hollowed-out log and watch the other dogs and their people. Allen and Leaf often discuss the different dogs -- which ones are nice; which ones are too rough...

After the visit to dog park Allen and Leaf go to a local, small pet supply store to buy the very best dog, cat, and bird food. The boxes of dog treats are at floor level and they turn Leaf into a shoplifter. He also enjoys the row of dog toys and buckets of chew bones.

Because there is so much to smell and experience, Leaf is excited at this store, bouncing from one thing to another. He sniffs, explores, and enjoys every moment.

This morning, when Allen and Leaf were in the aisle that had anti-itch spray products for the cat, Allen was reading ingredients while Leaf poked his nose into each toy to discover which ones squeaked. A ten-year-old boy came up and asked if he could pet Leaf. Allen said yes. Still hyper from the nearness of so many goodies, Leaf ran over to the boy for a quick pat on the head. Then he rushed back to the toys to continue his investigation.

Allen told the boy that Leaf was excited to be in the store. The young fellow looked sad and tired. He spoke quietly and said, "My dog died yesterday."

Allen gently said, "It must hurt a lot."

The little boy replied, "Yes, it does." He added that his dog had died of cancer and lost any awareness of where he was at the end.

Leaf stopped poking his nose at the toys. This seemed odd, because nothing distracts this dog from a good toy hunt. But now, he seemed to be listening as the child spoke with such sorrow about his dog.

Abandoning the search for a perfect squeaky toy, Leaf walked back to the boy. This time, he stayed a little longer as the child petted him. Allen remained quiet while Leaf comforted this grieving child.

When Leaf moved away from the boy this time, he did not rush but walked with more of a deliberate and focused presence. The boy looked up at Allen. The sparkle in his eyes revealed that our healing little cocker spaniel had silently, for a moment, lifted the burden of loss from his heart. He said thank you and went back to his parents.

Leaf keeps his secrets to himself, so we don't know exactly why he does things like this. Our belief is that a loving animal like Leaf is an instrument of the Divine. Someone's heart is broken, and Spirit directs a creature with a wagging tail, soft fur, sweet eyes, and a kind heart in the direction where he's most needed.

What do you think? Has an animal intuitively sensed that you needed comforting and gave it to you?

What is it about women and dogs?

Awhile back, there was a poll that found women preferred the company of their dogs to their spouses or significant others. Guess the human males growled more than their canine competitors for female affection.

To be serious, though, over the years since we have been collecting and writing stories for Angel Animals books, etc. we've observed how deeply women and dogs bond. They seem to bring out the best in each other.

Now, we're giving all of you the chance to enter our Dogs and the Women Who Love Them True Story Contest. We're looking for stories about canine-female teams that formed deep bonds of companionship and led to compassionate and courageous acts of kindness or service.

Think about some of the following scenarios that you may have been part of and see if you want to write a story about any of them:

* Has a dog(s) been there for a woman during challenging times or major events in her life?
* Have there been times when a dog has protected people from danger or warned them of possible danger?
* Have a woman and a dog teamed up to fulfill a life purpose and/or perform extraordinary acts of service?

This contest hopes to find life stories of remarkable women with dogs who are fulfilling their callings to the benefit of themselves and others. It will also focus on finding the best stories about dogs' unconditional love and acceptance. From dogs as protectors to partners in the dance of life, the contest will honor a relationship that is like no other.

Any contest entries, but especially those of the winners, will be considered for possible publication in the new book Dogs and the Women Who Love Them by Allen and Linda Anderson to be published by New World Library in Fall 2010. Previous books in the Angel Animals series have included many stories that were contest entries.

We're looking forward to reading your stories, so go to the website, www.angelanimals.net/contests.html and fill out the contest entry form. Send in your stories.

What have dogs taught you about love, life, and yourself?

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to the free Angel Animals Story of the Week newsletter, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com.

What do you think the secret missions of Obama's new First Dog will be?

SECRET MISSIONS FOR OBAMA'S NEW FIRST DOG

The new White House canine will have an impact on controversial animal issues while providing teachable moments for the responsibilities and benefits of family pets.

With every wag of its tail the First Dog will accomplish secret missions for dogs everywhere. The White House dog will teach the Obama children and their counterparts in homes across America about compassion, responsibility, and respect for animals while providing plenty of photo-perfect fun and stress relief.

But the dog has already sparked controversy and hope among people who passionately care about animals. The Obama dog will fulfill its missions as the nation's doggie trendsetter with every choice the family makes for their new pet.

First, there was the issue of whether the Obamas would get a dog from a breeder or adopt a rescue. Not everyone agrees that rescued dogs are the way to go. The First Dog will have to earn high approval ratings to convince skeptics that are opposed to bringing home a dog with an uncertain lineage or past.

The Obamas settled that debate by choosing a rescued Portuguese Water Dog, called Porties. Is this choice of dog delivering the same message as the Obama campaign that anyone, regardless of origin or parentage, can make it into the White House?

Next, pet pundits discussed whether Porties are a good representative of rescued dogs since so few of their breed are abandoned. With an estimated 6 to 8 million dogs and cats in animal shelters that euthanize 3 to 4 million annually, animal lovers hope the First Dog will demonstrate that any type of rescued animal makes a great family pet.

Other questions have been raised: Will the new dog be hypoallergenic enough and is there actually such a creature as an allergy-free canine? Can a Portie protect Sasha and Malia, or will the gregarious, happy-go-lucky dog be oblivious to danger?

Another secret mission of the White House dog will be to set an example for children and pets by offering the Obama children a chance to experience what it's like to have another creature depend on them.

The ASPCA's "Guide to Kids and Pets" on its website clue parents in on what to expect children of various ages to do with an adopted animal. American Humane Association states on its website, "We believe that one of the best ways to protect children and animals -- and, on a broader scale, create a more humane world -- is through humane education that teaches kindness toward other people, animals and the environment."

In line with the axiom that children learn leadership skills and empathy by having a pet, First Lady Michelle Obama has stated unequivocally that her children will do the walking and poop scooping.

Children who implore their families to adopt a dog typically face the dilemma of how to keep up with responsibilities of pet ownership when juggling school assignments and activities and thriving social lives. If Mrs. Obama succeeds in keeping her high-profile children engaged in daily dog duties, parents can point to the White House and say, "See? Sasha and Malia are taking care of THEIR pooch."

One example of dogs having a mission coming to the aid of children is in our new book, Angel Dogs with a Mission (New World Library, 2008). Zoom, a Cardigan Welsh corgi, and Deb Richeson of Smithfield, Kentucky began visiting a local elementary school and offering the dog's patient listening skills to special needs students. Not only "Zoom's Kids" improved, but also the entire school's reading test scores rose. Perhaps Sasha and Malia will read school papers to the First Dog that they write at the desk in the Lincoln bedroom and be encouraged by canine appreciation.

Some of the questions that will be raised about the First Dog are serious. The ways in which the Obamas deal with the following issues are sure to send important messages about responsible care to those homes that already contain America's 60 million dogs.

* Considering the pet food debacle, what will the First Dog eat? Organic pet food? Wheat and corn-free? Vegetarian? What brands?

* Will the snow and ice-melting products used on the White House sidewalks be pet-safe?

* Does everybody know not to use cocoa mulch on the Rose Garden?

* Who is in charge of patrolling the premises so plants and foods that are toxic to dogs - grapes, raisons, chocolate, onions, artificially sweetened products -- aren't at drooling-mouth level?

* Where will the Obama dog sleep at night? In the bedroom with the children or in a crate somewhere else? Will it be the right size crate?

* Are the Obamas using biodegradable poop bags? It might sound like a funny question but savvy environmentalists will want to know.

Then, there will be fodder for comedians and national news segments:

* Who will train the most famous dog in the world not to bite reporters or will that lesson be discreetly skipped?

* Will the dog have a Secret Service code name? What should it be?

* Will the dog sport a diamond-studded collar and sleep on a $500 dollar doggie bed as befits its celebrity status?

* When the Obama children have sleepovers, will friends bring their canines for doggie night out?

* What famous person or figure from history will the dog dress as for Halloween?

* Who will be the official White House doggie photographer?

* Which dog toys will grace the gleaming and carpeted floors and new playground?

* Does the dog's name have ethnic or historical origins? Does it more creatively top previous First Dog names such as Spot, Buddy, Millie, Lucky, Grits, Liberty, Checkers, Him and Her, Feller, Heidi, Duke, Pushinka, and King Tut?

Summing up the First Dog's capacity for bringing about change, we believe that although the new White House dog might become a source of debate and emulation, one of the dog's greatest missions is just to be the First Family's pet. Relief will come when the Obamas engage in a tug-toy pull instead of wrestling with the economy and other issues. For a moment, they can relax and forget the cares of the day.

Hopefully the First Dog will unite more than divide us. After all, who can resist a cute face and unconditional love? But the dog's greatest mission may be as a pack leader for the two out of three American households with pets, so that all dogs will have good and safe homes, even if they're not living in white houses.

What do you think the secret missions of Obama's new First Dog will be?


Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
Note: To subscribe to our free Angel Animals Story of the Week newsletter send a blank email to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com.

Dr. Marty Becker, D.V.M., America's Favorite Vet

We want to bring to your attention three new books by an author who has been a dear friend to us and Angel Animals ever since our first book, ANGEL ANIMALS: Divine Messengers of Miracles, for which he wrote the foreword.

Dr. Marty Becker, D.V.M., America's Favorite Vet, resident veterinarian for Good Morning America, bestselling author, and pet care columnist, has teamed up with Gina Spadafori, Carol Kline, and other authors for The ULTIMATE Series. These books are filled with advice and inspiring stories from the country's best experts and photographers. The stories and articles address behavior, sports and leisure activity, and preventative health care issues for dogs, cats, and horses.

This series is published by Health Communications, Inc. (HCI)
It includes:

THE ULTIMATE DOG LOVER; The Best Experts' Advice for a Happy, Healthy Dog with Stories and Photos of Incredible Canines

THE ULTIMATE CAT LOVER, The Best Experts' Advice for a Happy, Healthy Cat with Stories and Photos of Fabulous Felines

THE ULTIMATE HORSE LOVER, The Best Experts' Advice for Happy, Healthy Horses with Stories and Photos of Awe-Inspiring Equines.

To support the release of these books, HCI is offering an article by acclaimed animal photographer Troy Snow on "How to Photograph Your Pet." You'll find the article at www.authorviews.com/authors/becker/excerpt.htm

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LIMITED-TIME SPECIAL

Buy any TWO books from the Angel Animals Online Shopping and get ONE Angel Dogs with a Mission book at no cost. This offer will end on December 15th. After purchasing any two books at the reduced sale price you will automatically have a third, autographed Angel Dogs with a Mission placed with your order at no additional cost. Note: Do not add the third (no cost) book to your order form or you will be charged for it. The free book is automatically added to your package. Visit the Angel Animals bookstore at www.shop.angelanimals.net/main.sc

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Visit our wonderful publisher's website at www.newworldlibrary.com to see the wide array of animal books and outstanding authors published by this company. New World Library always supports animals, the environment, spiritual awareness -- and us - in innovative ways.

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We have posted a NEW video for your viewing pleasure. It shows two of the stories from our book, ANGEL DOGS, that were presented on Animal Planet's DOGS 101 and the MONTEL SHOW.

www.angelanimals.net/ytjohnson.html
www.angelanimals.net/ytdugan.html