This was an incredible book. I have always known that dogs are an amazing species and are much smarter than most human beings give them credit for and this story just drives that point home.
Leigh has cerebral palsy. She has struggled with it all of her life. She has trouble walking, picking things up, and often falls down the stairs. People have laughed at her, called her a cripple, and discriminated against her countless times. When she goes to the doctor one day during her college years and he says to her that she is so beautiful she wouldn't have any trouble finding a nice man to take care of her, she doesn't go find a man. She gets a dog!
Leigh has cerebral palsy. She has struggled with it all of her life. She has trouble walking, picking things up, and often falls down the stairs. People have laughed at her, called her a cripple, and discriminated against her countless times. When she goes to the doctor one day during her college years and he says to her that she is so beautiful she wouldn't have any trouble finding a nice man to take care of her, she doesn't go find a man. She gets a dog!
Picture of Slugger from the author's website:
A yellow lab named Slugger becomes her assistance dog and serves as her crutch, picks up things she drops, fetches files for her, turns lights on or off and also serves as her friend when she really needs one. Slugger also boosts Leighs self esteem and Leigh finds that she speaks up for Slugger and eventually, that leads to Leigh speaking up for herself.
Leigh and Slugger even opened the door for service dogs in the workplace at one very difficult and discriminating company.
A great book. I can't say enough good things about it. It had sad moments and funny moments and moments that just made me very angry. Funny moments usually consisted of Slugger's obsession and love of manure piles. I got angry and frustrated when ignorant people taunted either Leigh or her dog or refused to hire her because of her disability or her need for a furry companion. FIVE stars.
I got this e galley from netgalley.com.
I know it's getting off track of the book itself, but I found this interesting and heart warming article when I sat down to google more information about service dogs for those with cerebal palsy and I highly encourage everyone to click the link and take the time to read it. http://www.childrensdisabilities.info/therapy-service-animals/assistance-dog-cerebralpalsy.html
Leigh and Slugger even opened the door for service dogs in the workplace at one very difficult and discriminating company.
A great book. I can't say enough good things about it. It had sad moments and funny moments and moments that just made me very angry. Funny moments usually consisted of Slugger's obsession and love of manure piles. I got angry and frustrated when ignorant people taunted either Leigh or her dog or refused to hire her because of her disability or her need for a furry companion. FIVE stars.
I got this e galley from netgalley.com.
I know it's getting off track of the book itself, but I found this interesting and heart warming article when I sat down to google more information about service dogs for those with cerebal palsy and I highly encourage everyone to click the link and take the time to read it. http://www.childrensdisabilities.info/therapy-service-animals/assistance-dog-cerebralpalsy.html
what an incredible story. Very good review. Thanks for sharing it on your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitley going to have to read this one.
ReplyDeleteSusan, it's free on netgalley and available to all who request it so you don't have to worry about being declined.
ReplyDelete