I need your therapy dog stories. I currently work with two therapy dogs in my work at a local health department in the Denver area. As therapy dogs, they have made an incredible difference in both my personal and professional life. So much so, that I wrote a book about my work with them that was released by Haworth Press in 2007 (Animal Assisted Brief Therapy: A Solution-Focused Approach). My editor was so excited about this work that she asked me to write a second book about therapy dog stories, however this one will be marketed to the general public and will focus on raising the awareness of the importance of the work these therapy dogs do. I am looking for therapy dog stories that I can use in the book. Here is a little more about my current book and the type of therapy dog stories I am looking for:

Because of the work of people like you, therapy dogs are becoming increasingly common in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and many other settings throughout our communities. Everywhere these well trained therapy dogs go, they attract interest from those of all ages. People smile at the sight of them, and many gather to interact with the therapy animals as they work their magic. While these dogs spark countless miracles in the lives of those with whom they visit, I believe there are untold stories in the hearts of all therapy dogs. We frequently hear about how therapy dogs touch the people they visit, however, we rarely hear the stories about how the therapy dog touches his or her own human partner. This book will be a heart warming book that tells the stories of therapy dogs. Each of the stories will not only tell the tale of how the therapy dog helps a person he or she visits, but equally important, it will tell the stories of how the therapy dog heals the soul of his or her handler in the process.

If you and/or anyone you know are interested in telling your stories, I need to hear from you immediately. I will arrange a time at your convenience to interview you (and your therapy dog) in person (if you are in the Denver area) or by phone. People's whose stories are chosen for the book may chose to have their names mentioned in this therapy dog book, or if they prefer, people may have their names and therapy dog stories listed anonymously. Either way, the public needs to hear these stories to learn how much these dogs are changing us as handlers as they do their therapy dog work with those we visit.

Sincerely,