Service Animals Books

This book took me a little longer than normal to finish because I had to put down between stories as it kept tearing my heart out. The stories of healing and compassion are so very heartwarming but it was the author's own story of overcoming tragedy and how she managed to turn her life into one of servitude to broken souls is what truly captured my attention. Many people would have sunk into a deep depression and a life of "why me?" but she instead turned it around to help others and if she got a little preachy I was able to brush it off because it seemed like her faith was something that helped her get through the rough days. This was a very inspiring book and I hope she someday writes a book based on her life and her struggles to get where she is today.

To all of us men that grew up not knowing how to cry (and being ashamed if we did), it is probably best not to get this book. Otherwise, you will shed tears and it will touch your life.

If you can overcome that, make sure you get the next book that Kim Meeder wrote after this one.

Finally, if you are going to say how great these things that the Meeders' organization is doing, don't just spell it out here. Support what she is doing!

[...]

I loved this book and could not put it down. It tore at my heart strings and lifted my spirits. To the author, Kim ..Thank you for such an honest and incredible book. Even more importantly thank you so much for what you do at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. I have every intention of visiting and supporting your cause. I was so moved by the heartache and the triumphs of each story, each life and each journey. There was so much honesty and thoughtfulness in each recount of each chapter. To be able to capture the power of the human spirit (in even small packages) and the willingness to still be magnificent .. (in the "angels in horse hair") was such an amazing thing to witness. Thank you for noticing, thank you for sharing and thank you for sharing it with others.

The one story of the little boy and the horse that hugged him...well you're just going to have to read it. This book is filled with wonderful stories that is a must for every horse lover out there! (Christian or not)

This book was recommended by a friend to read. Was a little uncertain about it it untill I reached the 2nd Chapter. Found it gives another insight to the neglect of horses and that someone is prepared to undertake to help. THe Christian aspect to where young people are helped through contact with such animals made it a great read. Found it difficult to put down. Recommend it to anyone and garantee you will come away a different person from having read it.

This book is a book that anyone who is considering a career in any type of child services needs to read. I myself am going into social services and this book made me realize what I will be seeing on a daily basis. Mary Ellen was such a brave little girl and I applaud her for surviving her early life!

The book Out Of The Darkness is an awesome book. It shows the hard time that a little girl named Mary Ellen had to go threw. She has such a hard life, but in the end everything work out. I recommend this book for everybody. This is an outstanding book, everybody should read it.

I'm Eric Shelman, co-author of Out of the Darkness. I just wanted to ask that if you buy this book, come on back and write a review of it when you're done. I've never had anything but positive feedback about it, but others can use YOUR personal experience with it to better judge it prior to purchasing. I thank all of you who have read and commented on our book.

The authors of this book have created a wonderful window of understanding how child abuse/neglect has evolved over the years. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in the human service field. Through the heart-felt story of Mary Ellen, we can see why there is such a strong need to protect children and continue to evolve for many more years. Thank you to Shelman & Lazoritz for telling such an important story.

Review of Out of the Darkness: The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson by Eric A. Shelman and Stephen Lazoritz, M.D. Dolphin Moon Publishing, 2003

I chose to review this book because it explains the job of a social worker in the early days of the profession. The book appealed to me as an author and advocate. Set in New York City immediately after the Civil War, this book offers a powerful story in a historical context. Using an original style that combines journalism with fiction, the writers completed a work of art that is based on a true story. The protagonist, Mary Ellen Wilson, was a real orphaned child who experienced devastating cruelty at the hands of the first woman to be tried and convicted of child abuse, Mary Connolly. The story climaxes when Etta Wheeler, a social worker; Henry Bergh, the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and Elbridge Gerry, ASPCA attorney, come together to rescue Mary Ellen. It's nearly inconceivable that animals were awarded victims' rights before children.

Thomas Wilson was an immigrant from Ireland who fled the potato famine to shuck oysters at a New York City hotel. In 1861 he married Frances Connor, an English immigrant who he'd met while she was a laundress at the hotel. While he was on the front lines during the Civil War, she gave birth to their daughter, named Mary Ellen. The year the child was born was the same year that Tom Wilson died in battle, 1864.

Frances found it difficult to work and care for her child, so she sought the services of a woman named Martha Score. Childcare for the working poor in the tenements of New York City provided meager nutrition and crowded conditions with no sanitation. However, Miss Score took good care of the baby while Frances worked long hours at the hotel. Travel through the tenements was treacherous at night, so Frances could not visit her child as often as she wished. After her husband died during battle, Fanny turned to alcohol for solace, leading to the loss of her job. Eventually, Fanny died in an "inebriate's asylum." When the war ended, working women returned to housekeeping as their husbands went to work. This left Miss Score with no income, thereby having to abandon the then two-year old Mary Ellen to Blackwell Island almshouse. Mary Ellen was illegally adopted to the evil Mrs. Connolly, where she suffered for seven years.

Etta Wheeler worked for St. Luke's Mission; she cared for the "outdoor poor" and frail elderly in the slums of the city. When neighbors spoke about the cries of a child called Mary Ellen, Miss Wheeler used all available resources to rescue Mary Ellen. However, she was often told by pastors, police, and lawyers to not interfere in the family's business. Undaunted by the advice, Etta persisted in her rescue efforts, eventually aided by Henry Bergh of the ASPCA. In 1874, with police assist, Mary Ellen was carried out of the abusive home, covered with a horse blanket provided by the ASPCA. The court proceedings set a precedent: "There had never been a recognized way to remove a child from an unfit home." The jury trial resulted in felony assault charges against Mrs. Connolly.

Etta Wheeler's sister, who lived on a farm in upstate New York, legally adopted Mary Ellen. Etta continued her social work in the tenements of New York City, where she was needed most. Mary Ellen eventually married, and her daughters spoke of their mother's burns and cuts that never fully healed. However, Mary Ellen lived until the age of ninety-two, surviving her husband by thirty-one years. Meanwhile, Mr. Bergh founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Mr. Gerry was responsible for forming the initial laws pertaining to the rights of children.

This story will cause the reader to wince at the cruelty and rejoice at the rescue. Perhaps the most poignant message in the book comes with the ending: "Perhaps we should see Mary Ellen not as the victim of abuse, but as the survivor, and as a persistent reminder that the efforts of a few people on behalf of one child can make a real difference." As a social worker, that is my hope.

The author rescues a beautiful golden retriever on advice from his doctor to get a dog. The dog however has the ability to alert the author to impending cardiac episodes and in doing so, gives the author the freedom to work and go about his daily life. This book touches the readers soul and lets us know that maybe there is more to the human-animal bond than we know. The book also dicusses the "Americans with Disabilities Act" as it relates to service dogs. Anybody who has loved a dog will love this book.

I could not put this book down. Mike and Dakota's story as a team was inspiring and transcended this world. Their devotion to each other was amazing. You do not have to be an animal lover to learn from this book. My hope would be that after you read this book you will see how special animals are in our lives.

I Absolutely LOVED this book! MY sister in law bought for my husband --animal lover...Anyway she bought it for him but I read it first because the cover called my attention. I like dogs but was reluctant to get one because I though of all the work there is involved with taking care of animals..besides with a little one, school, and work a dog would be more work for me....But after reading this book, I know I want a dog..The magic between Mike and Dakota is so overwhelming --that it made me think that that is what we need in our lives..Yea it will be work to potty train and take care of ..but then again things in life that are worth anything sometimes require alot of work--..God Bless you Mike and Dakota and thanks!!!!

I enjoyed the book so much. Felt like I was right there with them and every time the author had an attack could visualize how much his Angel/dog helped him through it. They had a bond that is so hard to explain unless you have had an animal and then know what it means, they are not dogs, they are your family and in this case especially he was not only family but his life support and friend. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone, have since bought additional copies to give to my animal lover friends for gifts.

I recently lost my Golden Angel too, and while I was looking for a book to help
Me cope with my pain, I found this book. I am a very busy person and don't
Have much time to read, but this book took me 2 days. It is full of feelings and even humor. No matter what the situation is, our Golden's will manage to put a smile on our face. When you start reading this book, make sure you have a box of Kleenex
Near by. This book goes into my favorite book list, and I purchased a few more as
Christmas presents.

This book is a great read. It was very sad and tragic to read how one woman corrupted adoption which is the only means some people have of having a child of their own. It was also refreshing to see that some of the children who were illegally separated from their parents were later reunited with their families. This is a great non-fiction account of one aspect of corruption that sadly occured in our past and unfortunately still occurs.

Excellent recollection of a horrible, horrible time in our so-called Democratic Society. I appreciate the efforts of the author and all who helped her. I wish Steven Speilberg would turn this into one of his epics. His Holocaust movie set in motion positive reactions, respect and awareness. Let's hope he can bring this to fruition. But more importantly-the research presented here and the stories told should affect our Elected Officials and our Supreme Court....they should OPEN ALL THE RECORDS sealed because of the manipulation of a criminal, evil woman and her corrupt support system. As an adoptee I want to know who I am-it is my constitutional right to know. To quote Alex Haley:"In all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage, to know who we are, and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning; no matter what our attainments in life, there is the most disquieting loneliness." Alex Haley Thank you again Barbara-Bravo

A couple of years ago I watched a docudrama on A & E starring Mary Tyler Moore as the depraved monster Georgia Tann. When I searched for a book written about Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children's Home Society, I found this one and read it in two days. It was riveting, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking. What a shame that her lies were not exposed years earlier when more of her victims may have had the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones. She and her cronies destroyed countless lives with their deceitful practices, and I hope that this book will create an awareness of people who prey on others so that history can never repeat itself in this way.

In the beginning of her tale of *the Baby Thief: the Untold Story of Georgia Tann, the Baby Seller Who Corrupted Adoption,* author Barbara Bisantz Raymond concludes that 'Georgia Tann had won. And Tennesseans had helped her. The facts are depressing, and shortly after beginning my research, I became depressed too."
Readers will likewise be very depressed, and then, hopefully, very angry. Angry enough to join BN (no - not that "other" Bookseller, I'm talking about B (rhymes with custard, and I'm pretty sure if I try to type it here, Amazon's censors will "gong" it) Nation (see their website) in the fight for basic civil and human rights of adult citizens who were adopted as children.
Bisantz-Raymond's book details how and why, as a cover for her schemes and scams and crimes during her 26 year (1924- 1950) reign as North American impresario of Black market babies, Georgia Tann and her powerful cohorts and co-conspirators convinced other Powers That Be that these pilfered children, and all other legally or illegally adopted children, should forevermore be barred from accessing the simple facts that most people take for granted: "Who am I?" "Where did I come from?" "What is my family's medical history?" "Am I a walking/talking genetic time bomb?"
The GT hang-over hangs on in the laws of almost every state in the United States.
This reviewer frequently reviews books in the True Crime genre. This book is sickeningly and shockingly true, and recounts horrendous crimes of continuing victimization. Take some chill pills, read it, then write your legislators! /TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer.

My wife was put up for adoption throught Georgia Tann's Children's Home. She has told me some of her experiences from being in the home in the 1940's but I just didn't believe all that I heard from her and others until I read the book. I could not read but just a few pages at a time due to the impact this book made on me. I bought my wife another book for her to read while I read this one. We both would go to bed very disturbed each night after reading the books. I would never have believed anyone could do such things to children such as Ms. Tann did and get away with it. What is amazing is all the other people in high positions in government who also got away with helping her with her twisted ideas. One of my surprises was the participation by Evangelist Pat Robertson with his misguided ideas toward adopted children. Fortunately he and his team of lawyers didn't prevail and adoption laws were changed for the good in Tennessee. It's about time that someone exposed what adopted children go through at no fault of their own. I hope this book gets great exposure all over the world because this kind of thing is still going on today in other countries. I only wish this book was written 50 years ago.

Bridge Called hope was a great read, filled with inspiring, uplifting and triumphant stories that really help define the important things in life, that we should all be striving for. The emergance of Hope..

Kim Meeder is a great person. I've met her while attending a women's retreat here in Oregon. I have both books signed and she was giving them away. Both her husband and her have big hearts. They have a great ranch in Bend, OR. I have never been there, but I do plan on visiting with them, they only live 100 miles away. My horse will be 26 this year, and she's doing fine, but I've told Kim that when it's time to retire her, that she gets her. She's not a kids horse yet. But she loves attention.

I believe God has a purpose for us all. And to know that I met Kim, it's the greatest thing of all, and to get two of her books. She is a great down to earth person. Normal like the rest of us, lol.

One of the most touching, and powerful books I have ever read. I tend to be drawn to true life stories, especially with a Christian or inspirational message. This book had both.

Even for someone who doesn't love horses, this book is an amazing read, but if you know or love horses, you will understand the power that these beautiful creatures possess.

Kim Meeder presents the real life stories that will touch your heart and soul in ways you might not have realized. I would read every book that she writes, because of her beautiful writing style and her amazing gift and telling a story with a message.

Anyone who enjoys watching someone who is undergoing trials and tribulations, turn their life around and conquer internal battles of pain and anguish, will absolutely love this book.

This collection of stories about how horses and humans can interact will touch the most hard-hearted among us. Not only do the stories relate the astounding human/ horse miracles that can take place, they also follow the author's walk of faith, doing the very things God has called her to do, putting everything on the line at times. For anyone who loves horses, or even those who don't, this book will inspire readers to look differently at animals in general and wonder what further things they can tell us. Reverence for all life should follow. Highly recommended.

Both Kim Meeder's books are wonderful...miraclous in fact! I bought them both and it's probably the best books I have ever purchased!Names of the books are: Hope Rising and Bridge Called Hope. Would recommend them to anyone an d everyone!

An absolutely wonderful book even if you aren't interested in pursuing an assistance dog it is a must read. The authors ability to share not only her family's experience but others as well is deeply touching. I found it informative, educational and heartwarming.

Patty Dobbs Gross presents an inspirational story of her personal struggle and triumphs as she tries to find the best resources for her son with autism, one of which is a service dog. Patty is honest and direct as she explains her feelings of isolation, frustration, and sometimes even anger and embarrassment with friends, the school system and Danny's peer group. Later chapters in the book focus on training and incorporating service dogs into the lives of children with developmental disabilities. These chapters are contributed by experts in their fields and should act as a model for any service dog organization.

This is the definitive text on the use of assistance dogs for autism from an author who has placed more dogs for autism in the United States than anyone else. She speaks with authority and the compassion of a mother who has raised a child with autism through the assistance of a service dog. I highly recommend this book to all those with a family member who is affected by autism.

This was a great book with a great deal of useful information. My only caution is that you need a box of Kleenex when you read some sections...it is very moving. This book gives great insight into how a well trained dog can help with an Autistic child. It also gives useful information on how to train a dog to work with an autistic child but it is not a do it yourself book...professional help is needed.

I bought this book to help guide us through the process of possibly getting a dog to help our 4-year old son w/ autism. What I found is that this book is so beautifully written, touching on the very essence of living in a family with a child who has a disability. It's inspirational, heart-breakingly true, yet heart-warming and realistic. I highly recommend it for all parents or older siblings of family members with autism.

thanks for a book like this i have a therapy dog myself i trained for me and then i followed his lead when he showed he wanted and needed and was so good at helping others
i have only read excepts of the book but will buy it my dad is dying of parkinson disease 1000 miles away i am a daddy girl so this time is hard anyway since i have no way to see him
your book helps so much
turns out my dads dog-has saved my dad a few times himself by going to get mom everytime dad falls or needs things
i know if i could get up to dad i could train the dog to do more
the dog is a cocker spaniel raised from 2 weeks old by my mom,but seems to glue itself to dad as dad got sicker
as i always said dogs know more then we think they do and do so much for people
what a gift god gave with allowing us a small time with his critters
[...]

I am grateful to Lynne Hugo for her heartwarming and insightful book. She encouraged me to continue to visit nursing homes and Alzheimer patients with my toy poodle, Lucy, even though she is not trained to perfection. Lucy brings joy to residents and care providers. God has presented me with the opportunity to share my dog and I am proud to serve Him in this way.

I can see why this book won a national writing prize. What a sheer pleasure to read. It's thoughtful, deeply considered and the language sparkles as the author deals with terribly difficult issues but helps us through them by injecting literally hilarious episodes at just the right moments. Marley and Me has nothing funnier than sections of this book. My dog and I are Delta Society volunteers, and I, too, have aging parents. Much of this helped me think about my own life as well as my parents' situations, and I'm really grateful that a friend recommended this book. Now I'm passing the favor on and giving this my most enthusiastic endorsement.

An enjoyable book! I was moved emotionally by the connections of the dog therapy team, the residents they visited, and the nature around them. Nice symbolism showing how human life events parallel changes in nature.

I throughly enjoyed reading "Where the Trail Grows Faint: A Year in the Life of a Therapy Dog Team" by Lynne Hugo. Lynne Hugo is masterful at blending the story of Hannah, her beautiful chocolate lab therapy dog, with the lives of the people who are in the nursing home, along with the lives of her own aging parents. Ms. Hugo has a beautiful way with words; her prose creates atmosphere and feeling....so much so that at the conclusion of the book, I immediately went to visit my own aging mother-in-law, who is in an assisted living facility. This book was clearly written from the heart!

This is such a cute funny book. My girls love it and love to say " you throw him out!!" My husband had this book when he was a little boy and now my girls have it and i know it will be passed down forever. Great book for years to come

I've owned this book for twenty years. I was a small child when I first got it as a present, and forced my parents to read it to me again and again and again. Now that I am an acting and storytelling teacher for young children, I was looking through old books to use in my class. I came across this one, read through it again, and was won over all over again. Whether you are a young child, a parent of a young child or a teacher of young children (or perhaps just young at heart) you will no doubt have a wonderful time reading this book. (And, even if you're all alone, I suggest reading it out loud.)

What to do? Great introduction to problem solving and the silliness of animals. A joy to read using your best animal voice!

This book is on the Kumon required reading list. Wonderful illustrations, amusing, and easy to read. You and your child will laugh.

This was the longest book my two-year-old would sit through... again and again and again. She loved acting the part of the little heroine and readily recited "you throw him out!" with much enthusiasm. The drawings are entertaining and the end is lovely. I would whole-heartedly recommend this darling story.

Martini is the answer! No matter who you are, if you're studying the human body- Martini is your new best friend. I ran across Martini in Chiropractic school per a professor's recommendation. From then on it was just short of a love affair with Dr. Martini (or his work at least). Unbelievably well laid out and basically thorough. Bravo Dr. Martini! It is a miracle work if you want to read it to gain a SOLID foundation before you attempt more advanced (both) anatomy AND physiology courses and books. Bravo Bravo Bravo!

Book is in pretty good condition with slightly bent edges as is nearly every used book. The spin is not damaged and all of the pages are intact. Nothing is highlighted in the book.

I ordered this textbook for my daughter for Christmas. It arriveed at my doorstep within 6 days of putting the order online! It was in great shape, exactly what I wanted, and short turnaround time! I will definitely order from this company again. They were great!

I'm taking Human Anatomy now in college and LOVE IT!!! This book is great and makes learning fun. The human atlas that comes with the book is great for when you have to learn all the bones and it has some cool pictures. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Anatomy.

I have to say, I used the 5th edition of this book and know that the 6th is better as I worked with another student who had the 6th edition. EVERYbody who wants to know, particulary physiology, should have this book for reference. The anatomy is also excellent particular the discussions on vascular and the venous / arterial systems and the nervous system discussions are clear!. I reference this book all the time.

I read all sorts of books to my brother. Grandma bought this one for him. He loves the colors and the poetry and always brings it to me so that I can read it to him. He's only 19 months old. Casey Hoffman

THIS IS THE BOOK I WAS LOOKING FOR. A EASY AND ENJOYABLE WAY TO INTRODUCE MY CHILDREN TO FOOD AND WHAT FOOD REALLY IS. THE KIDS TOOK IT ALL IN WITH A REAL POSITIVE ATTITUDE. BELIEVE ME THIS HAS MADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS EASY. ALL MY BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S KIDS ARE GOING TO GET THIS. MS. O'DONNELL HAS A RARE GIFT AND I HOPE SHE TURNS OUT MANY MORE SIMILAR BOOKS.

I liked the animals and what they did. my daddy read me the story and it was fun. I specially liked the long dog he looks like my dog he doesn't wear hats

This little book is a delightful Ogden Nash - Aesop romp through our alphabet; the children will love the wonderful illustrations. Well done - just in time for Christmas.

Tom Scott, M.D. Orlando, Florida.

Sallie O'Donnell's delightful book deserves a worldwide audience. Chuckles will echo from continent to continent as adults and children savour the amusing rhymes - then slowly absorb the good advice contained in them. Sallie is a standard-bearer in the fight against the 21st Century's greatest scourge: obesity.

Peter Hinchliffe, Yorkshire, England.