One of the wonderful things about working in the library is seeing all the new, interesting, and diverse titles going out on the shelves: biographies, captivating stories in fiction, or even children’s picture books—all these have their own unique appeal.
Perhaps you have heard of Haatchi and Little B: the inspiring story of one boy and his dog which has been featured in bookstores recently, and on our library’s shelves. I have been deeply touched and humbled by this wonderful story, and I hope you will be too.
A young, three-legged Anatolian Shepherd dog, Haatchi, originally dubbed “Stray E10” is adopted by a family in a suburb of London as a companion for their wheelchair bound son, who has a rare genetic disorder. The first meeting of the boy, Owen, and the rescued gentle giant of a dog was remarkable: “What Will [the boy’s father] found so interesting was that neither boy nor dog backed away from each other or appeared to be in the least bit fazed. Both seemed to realize that there was something unusual about the other. Haatchi wasn’t perfect and he wasn’t normal, but Owen could see that, although he was so big, he was just getting on with being disabled and didn’t let it bother him. Will thought that really struck a chord.” [p.86]
Even though both Owen and Haatchi have severe physical difficulties to endure, their companionship strengthens as each day passes. The full story of this exceptional pair is truly inspirational. To find out more of their shared journey together and how they have touched many lives beyond Britain’s shores, you can check them out on Facebook and YouTube.
Although my sons are now grown, I still enjoy leafing through a children’s picture book. I recently discovered Kim Norman, and found that this simple book delighted me with the antics of a cute little Pug who relished splashing in puddles, while making new friends. It was especially fun since I have two Pugs of my own!
If you have small children in your family, I’m sure they would be happy sharing this fun story with you while you laugh at the wonderful illustrations! It’s always uplifting to see how simply and joyfully these stories are written, just begging to be shared with someone.
Ellen Cooney is the last “tail” in my writing, so it is appropriate to include this at the end! Cooney, an accomplished writer, has published several novels and has written for The New Yorker. The novel centers on Evie, a young woman searching for a place to belong. Surfing the Web, she discovers a dog rescue haven up in the mountains. She is a “newbie” when it comes to understanding dogs and their unique issues, but she starts to learn how to train these homeless dogs and find a purpose for her scattered, lonely days.
Written in an introspective style with Evie’s thoughts and observations, The Mountaintop School for Dogs is truly for the dog lover and those who know the embracing effect of redemption. As Evie learns how to train the dogs in her care, she is constantly reading to discover more about how to help the unique shelter dogs overcome their adverse start in life. Here is a sampling of Evie’s struggle to understand the dog’s mixed cues to her:
“Dogs, having idealism for. I am so totally ideal, Tasha [the dog] is saying.
How could I think there is something flawed in being idealistic about dogs?
Dogs, love. The Rottweiler’s on me, placing her big head where my heart is. She’s listening to the beat of my heart, like maybe she is memorizing me. I put my arms around her. I have zero words…” [ p. 216]
It’s all about dogs, and our relationship with them: our unabashed joy, comfort, companionship, and the return of the dog’s devotion, with love given thousand fold. I hope that you are able to enjoy a happy wagging dog at your arrival at home today!
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