I am a dog lover. I believe dogs change lives.  They offer unconditional love.  They see the divinity in their owners.

[amazon_link id=”0615764290″ target=”_blank” ]A Day with Dutchess: Life Lessons from a Blind Therapy Dog[/amazon_link] by Mark Condon and Julie Phillips is the story of a dog that positively affects people and other dogs he encounters. He inspires people to live better lives. Does your dog inspire you to live a better life?

Dutchess, a real-life blind therapy dog, works with individuals with autism, AND stars in a new book for children, A Day With Dutchess: Life Lessons from a Blind Therapy Dog by Mark Condon. Inspired by a true story, the book follows Dutchess and her buddy, Droopy, as they work with children at an autism center, sample treats at their favorite pet boutique and organize an adoption fair to help lonely cats and dogs find loving forever homes. The real Dutchess has a gentle and joyful heart. Prior to the hereditary illness that claimed her eyesight in 2011, Dutchess worked with children with autism. Her story reached many with features in The New York Times and The Bark. Though her loving owner, Mark Condon, was unsure how Dutchess would react after surgery, he was grateful that her gregarious and gentle personality and joyful heart remained unchanged. This enabled her to continue her therapy work. Dutchess’s zest for life and triumph over adversity teaches our little ones that helping others is important, rewarding, and a great way to embrace life! Dutchess’s example demonstrates how small actions can make a world of difference. The book will inspire children–and adults–to help each other every day at home, school and in their own community.

Normal dogs are amazing, but therapy dogs really do change lives! An acquaintance of mine’s son has severe diabetes and depends upon a dog to wake him if his sugar levels are dangerous. I’ve read about other children that have overcome Childhood Apraxia of Speech, which afflicts my son, when dogs are used regularly in school-based therapies.

I know what dog companionship offers me. I can only imagine the benefits to those needing therapy…well, my dogs do offer my psychological therapy! Dutchess knows:

It’s the big things, the small things, all done with such care, that make our world one special place.

This book is printed in the USA, and portions of profits are donated to charities.  I wish it was printed on recycled paper.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.