Special Needs Dogs

Dale was still a baby when his parents realised that something wasn't right. Worried, his mother Nuala took him to see several doctors, before finally hearing the word 'autism' for the first time. Dale's autism was severe and violent and family life was a daily battleground. But the Gardner's lives were transformed when they welcomed a gorgeous golden retriever into the family.

Rose Howard has OCD, Asperger's syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose's rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog Rose's father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose's father spends most evenings at a bar, and doesn't have much patience for his special-needs daughter.

Imagine your dog telling you what she wants, needs, or feels — using real words. Button training opens a powerful new channel of communication between you and your dog, giving your dog an empowering way to express herself — even if you’ve never trained a dog before. In this practical, science-informed, and heartwarming guide, veterinarian Karen E. Mueller, DVM walks you step by step through teaching your dog to “talk” using sound buttons. With clear explanations, real-life examples, and thoughtful problem-solving strategies, you’ll learn how to build a communication system that ...

Author Annie Bowes grew up having dogs throughout her childhood and adulthood that helped her with her autism. Her love of animals, especially dogs, eventually helped her find her passion in life to help animals and become a veterinarian. Through many years of working with dogs in her practice, she grew interested in how canine companionship helps people with autism. Dogs and Autism is a result of her many years of research and first-hand experience understanding the benefits of dogs as an alternative treatment to those on the autism spectrum.

Kristy's newest sitting job is challenging. Ten-year-old Erin was recently blinded in an accident and is not ready to rely on people. At the same time, Kristy's family is training a puppy to be a guide dog.

Ajani loves having a dad from Denmark and a mom from Jamaica. Ajani speaks three languages and gets to spend summers with his grandparents in the coolest places. But when a classmate overhears dark-skinned Ajani speaking Danish, the boy makes a hurtful, racist comment. Ajani is crushed. Until a chance encounter with Louis the Helper Hound helps Ajani feel proud of his heritage and helps him and his classmates fight racism.

One summer's day could change both their lives... Catriona Maclean is determined to give the special needs children in her Edinburgh church a seaside day out. She’s a nurse, her older brother is disabled, and she knows just how tough that can be for a family. But when a last minute hitch means she must call on the man she’s been secretly in love with since her teens for help, only her promise to God will carry her through. Alistair Murray has seen Catriona almost every day for the last twenty years. She’s a work colleague, his best friend’s little sister, one of the guys. They even ...

Eric Morrison and his bomb-sniffing dog, Trigger, worked in tandem to make sure the team was safe… but ‘safe’ was a relative term. When the world around you falls apart, it’s easy to pour out your soul via email, when you can’t see the other person’s reactions. Madison Keene figured something was up when she was asked to write some unknown soldier a letter – and frankly? She could use an outlet to talk to, when her own life was currently imploding before her eyes. Fighting the enemy is hard enough, but what happens when you recognize the foe? *** These standalone sweet, clean ...

The Joy of Adopting a Pet: How Rescue Animals Change Lives Forever is a heartwarming and practical guide for animal lovers, first-time adopters, and anyone curious about the transformative power of pet adoption. Discover the emotional, physical, and life-changing benefits of giving a second chance to a rescue dog, cat, or special needs animal. Packed with real-life success stories, expert advice, and gentle guidance, this book walks you through every stage of the adoption journey — from choosing the right pet and preparing your home to overcoming behavioral challenges, building trust, and...

Ashley wants the perfect dog to play Sandy in her school's play, Annie. After passing over other dogs, she is left with a three-legged mutt named Farley. Worried that Farley isn't the perfect dog for the stage, Ashley must work to change her own prejudice and identity. Will Ashley accept Farley despite his handicap? Will she overcome her own anxiety before it stops her from performing?

Miryam’s body doesn’t fight off germs like it should. While doctors figure out how to make her better, Miryam needs to stay home for online classes. The trouble is: Miryam struggles to focus on her teacher and schoolwork when learning online. She likes in-person learning at school much better! Plus, she misses her friends! When Miryam’s dad hears about the Helper Hounds, everything changes. Brisket the Helper Hound knows all about learning to focus and about staying in touch with friends, even from a distance.

Portia has overcome a lot in life. Born with Down syndrome, Portia has been through many surgeries, lots of doctor's appointments, and strange looks from people who want to limit what she can do. Inside herself, Portia knows she can do anything - including getting over her fear of dogs. But when Penny shows up at Portia's house, she isn't so sure

This is both an assessment tool and an aid to probe into your dog's brain to see whether they may suffer from a cognitive impairment. This also provides some potential modifications surrounding how you can aid your canine companion.

It was never supposed to happen ... Rylee Willet feels like she's caught in quicksand. She's always dealt with anxiety, but the fact that her dad's a highly respected fireman bolsters her shaky self-esteem and makes things okay. But her world turns upside down when her best friend takes part in a reckless prank that leaves her dad paralyzed, effectively destroying his firefighting career. Lacking the courage to confess her own part in the tragedy, Rylee places the blame squarely on the shoulders of her best friend and cuts her out of her life. But when unexpected circumstances bring the ...

Derek, Chris, and Brian, three seven-year-old boys, befriend Derek's new neighbor, Mike, who is blind. Cubbie, a three-inch-tall special being with supernatural powers, and his dog, Dot, help the boys learn about Mike's limitations and needs. This important knowledge allows the boys to properly welcome Mike to the neighborhood. In turn, the boys help Cubbie escape from the evil soldiers trying to capture him, and he is saved thanks to their bravery.

Aydin is a sweet boy who loves adventures, especially when he gets to bring his best friend, Sam. But sometimes his curiosity can be dangerous when he isn't safe. Aydin sees the world differently, and he learns differently, too. He might put things in his mouth to understand them better, like a flower. He loves animals, so he might approach a dog, even when it might not be as friendly as Sam. He loves to watch the cars, bikes, and trucks that pass him by, but it's dangerous to get too close.

Sensitive Bash gets grumpy and disruptive when his life is too bright, too loud, too smelly, or too busy. To help stay calm, he counts on his librarian sister, Ally, his friends, and especially his dog, Lucy. But Lucy has become a local superstar because she's a soccer coach who barks, wags, and kisses Bash's team to victory. Now, all the kids want Lucy to coach their teams, especially Paula, Bash's girl-power cousin.

Bash's dog, Lucy, helps coach his soccer team, and Lucy leads the team to the championships. But Bash is overcome with jealousy when Lucy enchants a team of Special Olympics kids who say they want her to coach their team. Can Bash overcome his jealousy and learn to share Lucy with kids who say they need her?