Here's a great "up" ending to the year: the story of Lemon the Duck. Lemon is a crested Pekin. He was born with neurological issues which affect his coordination and balance. He is unable to stand or walk on his own, but he has a sling, a scooter, and other ways to get around. He grew up in a classroom and with his teacher friend, Laura, so he's an imprinted duck. He just loves people, especially
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The TIMES, They Are A-Changin'
That's right, folks: The L.A. Times, to be exact! Almost Perfect got a real nice write-up on "L.A. Unleashed," the blog from LA Times editor Alice Short. Thanks, Alice!And that bit of exposure got our little book noticed by the people at Purina, where it was mentioned on their Purina Pet Charts. We made the #1 spot on their Top Stories column at what Purina calls "The Definitive Guide to the Best
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California Dreamin'
What IS it about California that attracts so many wonderful people who love and care for injured, abused, neglected and disabled animals? Must be something in the water, but I think this is a great place to give a few of these special places their props.One of the most miraculous stories to share is that of Brighthaven in Sebastopol, where Gail and Richard Pope have dedicated their lives -- and
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Saving Face
Here's a story my brother told me about, which just proves how easy it is for any critter -- or person, for that matter -- to find themselves "almost perfect" in the blink of an eye. Check out Edgar's story about almost losing her (yes, her) face in this video.
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Diva Dog!
"There is an emotional connection where animals and human beings have created exactly what the universe wants, which is a bonding that saves each others' lives." Debra Wilson gets it right in "Diva Dog," a Chris Cory film now running on YouTube. It's a brief introduction to Coral, a spunky, lively and altogether charming pitbull who's teaching the real meaning of getting on with life despite
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Bounce on over to Rebound Hounds!
Okay, here's another blog that's right up our alley: Rebound Hounds. It's devoted to disabled dogs, and has some great info on dachshunds, especially. You just gotta love Greta, the elder stateswoman dachsie, modeling the fashions worn by all the hip senior pups this season. You'll also find some links to other related websites, and a great list of disabled pet-friendly holiday gift suggestions,
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Altruism - This is what it's all about.
Okay, it may be a stretch, but I just HAD to include this one here. Actually, perhaps it's not a stretch at all, but actually the most pointed example of how animals can inspire us. This vid is about one dog disabled in a most profound way -- being run over by a car on the freeway -- and another coming to his rescue. Amazing. Don't miss it.
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How Comet Got His Groove Back
Here's a heartwarming story on YouTube about Comet, a golden retriever that lost the use of his back legs, but regained his mobility through a unique partnership between his vet, students from a local school, and the generosity of HandicappedPets.com.Just another example of what can happen when people care enough to do something, and not unlike Inspiration In Our Midst: Ruby, the fabulous cover
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Yet more good news!
Sadly, animals can and do become "less than perfect" through their treatment at the hands of human beings. Though nothing can ever really restore an animal's full trust once damaged, there are happily programs to help make up for it. Here's one to read about.
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Finally! Some Good News from the Gulf
Back on Nov. 5, I posted about the American military's policy of leaving behind "adopted" pets in war zones. Now, thanks to one of the contributors to Almost Perfect, I can pass on this wonderful followup to this story. Very heartening, indeed.
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It's just the way he rolls...
See, y'all -- kewl karts aren't just for dogs! Check out this great vid of Woolly the Rabbit and his homemade wheels. I'm guessing this would get the Flyin' Ruby Stamp of Approval!
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Dog-A-Blog!
Two of my fellow contributors to Almost Perfect were interviewed this week, and I want to share these great audiocasts with you!Cheryl Caruolo, who wrote about a friend's special relationship with Krieg, a special German Shepherd, appeared on November 14th's episode of "The Booth." This unique show describes itself as ""Imagine sitting in bar next to a booth with 4-5 guys chatting away about
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Almost Perfect: The book
Okay, time for a little shameless self-promotion. After all, my new book was the reason I started this blog, and I want to make sure you all know about it.Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them just came out in October from Enspirio House, an imprint of Word Forge Books. This publisher has several different imprints covering many different subject areas, but Enspirio House
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Sometimes you find the purr, sometimes she finds you!
Following my last post, this one seems appropriate: a very different kind of story about war in the Gulf, and a tiny purr that just wouldn't die. Take one hot desert, mix in one new family and a litter of abandoned kittens, and...well, you'll see.Bless Ginger for posting Susan Dart's story, Heart of a Lion.
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