I’ve
been a fan of the “Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with Your Coffee)” blog (http://dogsandcats.typepad.com/) for
about two years, so I was delighted to learn that private animal rescuer
Chrystal Parker – the person behind the blog – had written a book about her tireless
efforts to save animals in rural Southern Illinois.
The
book, which shares its title with the blog, is Chrystal’s first, and chronicles
one year in her ongoing mission to help the homeless creatures – big, small and
every size in between – that cross her path.
Writing
in an engaging diary style (the prose in the book is taken directly from
Chrystal’s blog entries), she invites her readers to share in the daily triumphs
and heartbreaks that come with animal rescue.
She entertains, teaches, and encourages, and in doing so helps her
readers believe that even the smallest kindnesses can – and do – make a
difference.
For
those who wonder what keeps Chrystal going, there are insights galore to be
found in the book. What started as a way
to help address animal overpopulation in rural Southern Illinois has shaped
her, and given her a certainty that everything
matters. The essence of this point is captured poignantly when she writes:
…once you love something, that
love never ends. It extends into
eternity. Love is forever. We move through this life experiencing joy
and heartache. Love is the basis for
both. I wouldn’t give up the Love even
to avoid the heartache.
Also
included in the book is the genesis of Chrystal’s rescue (named “Winnie’s
Wish”), and happy follow-up tales of the animals adopted during the year it was
written, including one (once known as Ash, and now named Jimmy) who went all
the way to Toronto, Canada. (Note:
Chrystal’s rescues have found new homes in her area, and in places as far away
as Georgia, California, Montreal, and Toronto.)
 |
| "Circe" |
“I hope
this book will help people feel good about what’s happening with homeless
animals in one little corner of the world,” Chrystal recently wrote in an
email, “and that it instills a belief that together, we can make a difference
for animals everywhere.”
I
STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS “FEEL GOOD” BOOK.
Its nearly 600 pages are brimming with stories of love, selfless giving, and the
incredible bonds that exist between humans and animals. You will almost certainly be changed after
reading it. You will be encouraged. You will come away knowing that the little
things DO matter. For these reasons and
more, Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with
Your Coffee) would also make a wonderful and uplifting holiday gift. And here’s an important added bonus: ALL
proceeds from sales of the book go directly to fund Chrystal’s Winnie’s Wish
rescue (http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IL682.html),
and the amazing work being done there.
 |
| "Frosting" |
For more
information, or to purchase Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with Your
Coffee), please visit the book’s pages at Amazon (http://amzn.to/P0HCSs), Barnes & Noble (http://bit.ly/P6p8l3), or Xlibris (http://bit.ly/MQWeRK); or contact Chrystal
directly at c3k@lazernetwireless.net. [ISBN: 978-1-4691-8854-6 (soft
cover) / 978-1-4691-8855-3 (e-book)]
Kevin
(aka “meowmeowmans”)
