Nurturing Paws edited by Lynn C. Johnston
Description
Pets play a crucial role in our lives. They are not just four-legged and two-winged occupants in our home; they are members of the family. You only need to spend some time with these family members to know that they are the very definition of unconditional love, friendship, and compassion.
Nurturing Paws offers a compilation of more than 80 uplifting and inspirational short stories and poems illustrating the physical, emotional, and spiritual healing effects of animals in our lives. This book will warm your heart and uplift your spirit as it celebrates the love, friendship, and comfort we receive from cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, horses and more.
You’ll meet Sasha, a curious Bichon Frise, whose gentle nature helped women in crisis counseling overcome traumatic life events. Contributor Nikki Rosen writes how her dog became her unlikely counseling partner by helping her patients feel comfortable enough to tell their story — usually with Sasha in their arms.
You’ll meet Mosby, a disabled Mockingbird with an indomitable spirit. Despite losing a leg and suffering multiple life-threatening injuries, he battled back from brink of death to flourish and give encouragement to others. When contributor and wildlife rehabilitator Elaine Morgan learned she was battling cancer, she embraced Mosby’s resilience. She writes, “If you could do it Mosby, I can do it too! I’ll live to sing about it and fly in spirit just as you have!”
And you’ll meet Poco, an adventurous cat, who taught her pet parent that caring for something beyond himself – even a cat – made him a more humane and compassionate person. Contributor Scott Peterson writes, “I always thought I was taking care of Poco, fulfilling her needs and making her happy. As it turns out, she was passing back to me just as much as I was giving to her.”
Nurturing Paws is written by more than 70 of today’s most prolific writers and poets. Among them include three-time Senior Poet Laureate Elaine Morgan, New York Post and Huffington Post columnist Tina Traster, and a dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul ® contributors.
Hope Whispers
Discover the awesome power that hope and faith play in our physical, emotional and spiritual healing with this collection of uplifting and life-affirming poems and short stories. Each piece demonstrates the resilient spirit of individuals coping with such devastating issues as chronic and life-threatening diseases, death, and the struggle to regain faith and pursue life-long dreams. Its inspirational and uplifting messages will touch your heart and fortify your desire to succeed over adversity.
Writers include noted authors and Chicken Soup for the Soul® contributors: Glenda Barrett, Linda O’Connell, Francine L. Bilingslea and Perry P. Perkins, along with Pushcart Prize nominee, Lyn Halper and Pulitzer Prize nominee, Ed Roberts.
My Thoughts
With more than 80 uplifting short stories in each of these books, I was incredibly inspired by the many authors and their experiences. First off, as an animal lover and owner of two dogs, I absolutely loved Nurturing Paws! This book truly shows the unconditional love that animals bring to our lives everyday. Every animal, whether they are a cat, dog, bird or fish has a story…and this book will encourage you to snuggle up to your pet a little closer each night. Life should never be taken for granted, and that includes animals as well.
For anyone who may be fighting an illness, cancer or maybe someone you know needs some extra faith…then this book is definitely something you should have. The quote on the back of the book really sums it up ~ “When the world says ‘give up’, hope whispers, ‘try it one more time’.” Each story truly is heartfelt, and although I did not cry with each one…I was definitely filled with hope and love. I would highly recommend both of these books to any person, ages young adult and up.
If you would like to learn more about these two books, then be sure to visit the publisher’s website, like them on Facebook or follow on Twitter.
Post published by Melissa Roach, our new Product Review & Giveaway Specialist.
Melissa is a Full Time Mom & Blogger HERE (please check out her blog!)
Disclosure: I received a copy of the books mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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