The Story of Penelope, a Puppy Mill Dog |
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When Dogs Bite—The Story About Penelope
My first ebook has been published by LuLu.com. I have also hired them to market my book, and it is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at other book stores worldwide, in different languages, if desired. However, I didn’t rely on Lulu to do all of my marketing. See the marketing your eBook page for more marketing ideas.
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Located in Central Florida
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My First eBook for Kids |
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You must wear many hats to be a first-time author, especially if you’re on a tight budget. You may find that you need eBook Support. Here are a list of questions you should ask yourself: I want to write a book, but where do I start? How will I market my eBook? How will I design my website introducing my eBook? How will the search engines find my new book? Can I optimize my website so Google searchers will find it? What is a resellers submission? How much money can I expect to make on an eBook? Can I sell an eBook in PDF and hardcopy format? What is Mobilpocket Creator software? Can I sell my book on Amazon without converting it to Mobilepocket Creator? How do I convert my Word document to PDF? How much does it cost to have my book cover designed? Where can I find a cover designer? Can I design my book’s cover myself? How much does it cost for someone to edit my book for me? Do I need a ghost writer? Is my book a technical manual? What’s the difference between a technical book and a how-to book? Where can I find a technical writer? Should I hire a technical writer? Who can create a table of contents for me? How do I format my book for double-sided printing? How do I create odd and even headers and footers in my book? How much does an ISBN Number cost? How do I get my book Copyright protected? How much does it cost to copyright my book? Do I have to copyright my book? How do I market my book once it’s published?
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There is no technology that can make you a great writer. Technology itself changes too quickly for any busy person to keep up with. Software doesn’t solve your challenges… people do. Books are written by story tellers. Story tellers are people. If the human factor is not lost, any book can find its audience and be enjoyed. |
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Fully Illustrated by Tammy Ubach |
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Foreword
I have known the author of this book, Gisele, for many years. The love that we share for the Border Collie breed has created a bond and a lasting friendship between us. I was offering her support during her time of chaos - during the time that Penelope ruled her world. We exchanged many emails and shared many phone calls on the subject of “what to do” with this little dog.
When I first read this book, I was thrilled, impressed, and riveted throughout the whole story. Every page kept me spell bound, and even though I knew the dog Penelope, I was amazed with how Gisele depicted her children’s reaction to the entire situation.
As a retired teacher, I believe this book needs to be in every household, and in every school library. This book is a tremendous story for children of all ages. It is very factual and informative, and dives deep into a very sensitive subject.
This book is very insightful about life’s lessons with a tremendous moral lesson as well. What Arthur’s family experiences could have had detrimental consequence for the entire family, had it not been for his mother, who was conscientious and diligent in finding a reasonable solution.
When I read Arthur’s story about Penelope, it reminds me of the hundreds of families that have come to me for help, because they bought a puppy for the wrong reasons.
I call on all parents and educators alike. It is time for us to educate and empower our children and young adults with knowledge.
The Story of Penelope will not stop here, as it is the first part of a series of inspiring stories. As Arthur matures, he will take you on a journey, a journey where he will share his quest to address the issues of animal over-population, and then solve them.
Jerri Carter, MA in Education Animal Behavior Consultant Founder, Southeast Border Collie Rescue League, Inc. http://www.BCRSQ.com |
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A Review The Story of Penelope, A Puppy Mill Dog When Dogs Bite By Gisele Veilleux |
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Jim Willis Reviews The Story of Penelope
Dear Gisele: Finally, my review - use it any way you see fit and after reading your work, I am so impressed that I'm going to put out a separate message to my address book about it. I don't know if that will count for much, but you've certainly impressed me and I hope many will read your book and take its message to heart. Some of my very good friends have large and international animal-related websites and I expect they will write their own reviews and further promote your brilliant work.
"The Story of Penelope—When Dogs Bite" by Gisele Veilleux
As a writer, as the writer of "How Could You?" and "The Animals' Savior" and the book, “Pieces of My Heart”, I hear from a lot of would-be animal-people authors who ask me to write a review, or want a critique, or want to know the "secret" of publishing. I take that so seriously that I even included a chapter in my book "On Writing." I believe everyone in this world has a story to tell, but as a reader, don't we all expect that that story be told well? As all writers know, there is no "secret," and it is all about honing your skills and craft, believing in yourself and your message, and expressing yourself well, with heart and sincerity. Frankly, a lot of what we "published" authors have to read is not very good, but I also believe that we have an obligation to be teachers and to encourage everyone in the discipline, and I suspect most of us consider that responsibility seriously and akin to passing on the torch. (With the constant reminder to "don't give up your day-job.")
What a pleasant surprise Gisele Veilleux and her new work is.
Without being self-indulgent, I have to tell you why, based on personal experience, starting at the end, rather than the beginning. After I wrote "How Could You?" inspired by a real senior dog, I rescued on her "last day" at one of America's kill shelters. Among the many people I heard from were euthanasia technicians who thanked me for understanding the job they do. I never saw that coming, that was not my intent in writing the piece, but how important a job they do (a job most of us could never do!) in the absence of compassion in the world's wealthiest country that still considers murder as a solution to its unwanted animal problem.
Years before that, at my home in another country, I adopted an abandoned dog without the benefit of any knowledge of her history and on her first day there, she threatened the lives of all of my other animals. She was the largest female Saint Bernard I've ever known and that's a breed known for its gentleness. I had part of my property fenced for her, re-arranged my schedule, she slept in my home office at nights, and with some detective work, I found that she had been struck by a vehicle and suffered brain damage. I am an animal behaviorist, and therefore would never give up on a dog, but even during playtime with her, I observed her going out of control, non-responsive, not behaving like a dog, and felt that I was possibly in danger, and my totally no-kill philosophy was challenged. I suffered greatly because I realized that I might, after decades, finally have to make the responsible decision about an animal, not just pass her on and jeopardize someone else. Sadly, thankfully, the decision was taken out of my hands when she suffered a stomach torsion and died under anesthesia on the operating table. I'd only had her a few months, but I bawled like a baby when she died.
I know from decades of experience, hundreds of dogs, and studies that biting is normal communication for dogs - albeit not "acceptable" behavior to humans. (Like their predecessors, wolves, most bites are not intended to kill or maim, because decimating your pack members is not in the best interests of the pack.) The same humans who urinate anytime they like, but will leave an under-exercised, under-socialized dog home alone for 10-14 hours per day, sometimes in a crate, without the companionship of their own species. I don't have a lot of faith in the "general public," insurance companies, the law, and the courts in interpreting dog behavior.
Among the things that I never even thought of, or had time to write - what happens when a well-informed, compassionate person, dog-knowledgeable, with children, chooses to rescue a dog, and then finds out the dog bites? When the whole family, including the children love the dog? What if the family chose a breed that doesn't fit their lifestyle? Well, the easy answer is have the dog killed quietly by any vet willing to do the dirty work and violate the oath they've taken, or further burden this country's put-upon, hopelessly behind the curve "animal welfare" system, and convince the kids that the dog went to "a farm in the country."
But, no. Ms. Veilleux exhausted the resources available in order to ensure Penelope's welfare.
She talked to her children along the way, and explained the issues. She has written a simple, heartfelt description of the experience that is not only appropriate for children, and written so they can understand, but it is telling and meaningful. This book will find a resonance among any of us who once had to, or might have to face the reality, and find a responsible solution for an animal who doesn't fit into our family.
There is nobody informed and involved in animal welfare/rights in this country that doesn't understand the reality. It would take no-kill animal shelters across this country to warehouse all of the unwanted animals, which would still deny them the kind of individual attention they deserve. Even by the current statistics, 25% of animals delivered to shelters are purebred. We wish the public knew that there is a "breed rescue" for every breed in this country (and they aren't miracle workers either).
It would take a public to understand that EVERY animal sold by a pet shop is the product of a puppy/kitten/or other "mill," because no responsible breeder would consider a pet shop (or pet store) the proper venue to responsibly place an animal. It would take a public to recognize that those cute, under-socialized animals are time-bombs of genetic, medical and behavioral problems.
Ms. Veilleux alludes to many of those issues in her poignant text and most importantly, at the end of this book, she includes a list of resources to learn more and investigate the options to "giving up" on an animal.
She has made an important contribution to the education effort.
Anyone of my generation or older hopes that the youth of this world can accomplish for animals what we couldn't and it is because of skilled, caring authors like Gisele Veilleux that our youth will be touched, inspired, and educated to do so.
I can only apologize to the author for the length of my review; as an author who has sometimes been reviewed inefficiently (rarely badly), reviews that exclaim "great!", "must read!", without trying to understand the author and her message, just don't do it for us authors. I read her work, I appreciated the resources she provided at the end, I look forward to more great writings from her, and while the rest of us go about our attention to animals, I'm relieved that there's a Gisele Veilleux out there helping the rest of us educate the masses.
Jim Willis http://www.crean.com/jimwillis |
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Photo by Gisele Veilleux |
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I have no doubt that everyone has a story to tell, and an experience to share. If you’re timid about writing, considering testing the waters by writing children’s books.
Some examples may be: · your dog or cat · your first date · your first prom · your first job · your first car · how you felt when you didn’t make the cut on the football team, etc.
Our children desperately need mentors. By writing a children’s book, and sharing on one of your life experiences, your contribution could be profound.
Not sure how?
I suggest that you start by reading “Writing Your Life” by Lou Willett Stanek, PH.D., author of “So You Want to Write a Novel”.
Start now! |
