Children's Book Review: Ruby (Service Dog, #1) by Jack Heape

Ruby by Jack Heape
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Inspirational and informative story of Ruby and Toby’s journey from show ring to service dog.

Ruby is the inaugural book in author Jack Heape’s new middle-grade series about service dogs, telling the inspirational story of a budding champion show dog and her young handler who discover another calling in their lives as a service dog and a service dog trainer. Readers of all ages will surely find the story informative and heartwarming.

Toby Durham developed a passion for handling dogs in the show ring early and became one of the youngest and most successful handlers in competition. He longs to start and finish his own champion, and he gets that chance with owner/breeder Madeleine Fulbright and a young Irish Setter puppy named Ruby. The story details much of the behind-the-scenes work and commitment involved in pursuing his dream, including the considerations and accommodations his family and parents make to help him realize it.

While this aspect of the plot is awesome on its own, it’s not the only storyline. When Toby’s family moves for his father’s job, one of Toby’s new neighbors is Rachel Parker, a girl about his own age who experiences seizures of such an unpredictable nature that she is literally restricted to her own home. A chance meeting and Ruby’s instinctive actions, which appear to warn Rachel of an impending seizure, changes life for everyone.

Ruby, Toby, and Rachel’s story is inspirational reading and chock-full of dog care, dog and handler training, and the amazing collaboration between one incredible dog and the humans in her life. I recommend RUBY for readers of middle-grade fiction, especially those who love books about dogs.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

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Children's Book Review - Harry: A Service Dog (Service Dog, #1.5) by Jack Heape

Harry: A Service Dog Series Novella by Jack Heape
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Warm and wonderfully inspirational story of the making of a service dog and a service dog trainer.

Harry: A Service Dog is the second book in author Jack Heape’s lovely middle-grade series about service dogs, their selection, development, and training, as well as the variety and range of assistance areas, and their young human volunteer trainers. However, while featuring youthful main characters and their experiences, readers of all ages can enjoy their journey and learn about this absolutely amazing partnership between humans and these special dogs.

Sophie Martin is the young teenage protagonist of the book, who, as a budding writer, attends a two-week intensive summer creative writing camp. There, she meets a deaf teenager named Lucas Walker, with whom she develops a close friendship and discovers the extraordinary ways he interacts with his world, using senses other than hearing. Curiosity piqued, she asks him to teach her about ASL (American Sign Language), and he shares some common signs with her during the waning days of their camp session. However, most of their conversations are conducted through written messages in notebooks they pass back and forth. It is an offhand mention by Lucas about how his sister’s dog alerts him to their doorbell ringing at home that sticks with Sophie and inspires her to research service dogs. Kudos to the author for crafting engaging dialogue and realistic interactions between the two teenage protagonists, which felt both natural and authentic.

The author tells a fun and absorbing story of a platonic friendship between a hearing girl and a deaf boy, who meet because of their shared interest in creative writing. However, their collaboration launches a deep desire in Sophie to help Lucas live a safer, fuller life, with the freedom a service dog of his own would grant him. Heape deftly shows the depth of commitment required to undertake the training of these dogs, as well as the reality of day-to-day life while doing so. I enjoyed Sophie’s determined campaign to convince her parents that she was serious and would be dedicated to following through on her plans. There is also the emotional side of the partnership; the trainer will be completely engaged with this dog, from puppyhood until they are certified, and then will part with them as they are sent to their new owner. The training is rigorous, and the dog could be determined unsuitable to continue in the program at any point along the way: not a bad dog, just not the right dog.

I recommend HARRY to middle-grade readers with an interest in dogs and dog stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Porter & Midge: Paw and Playtime by Jennie Chen & Giselle Nevada

PORTER & MIDGE:

PAWS AND PLAYTIME

by

Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada

Children's Picture Book / Pet Care / Dog Training

Series: Porter and Midge series

Publisher: Raise the Woof Press LLC

Page Count: 32 pages

Publication date: December 12, 2023

Scroll down for Giveaway!

Discover the enchanting world of Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime - a rhyming children's book that follows the heartwarming bond between two furry friends, Mastiff Porter and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Midge, and their devoted companions, CJ and Lora.

On a sunny day, CJ's thoughtful idea sets the stage for a joyful exploration of new ways to make Porter and Midge's days even brighter.

Through rhythmic verses, follow their journey as they uncover imaginative games, canine enrichment activities, and thrilling dog sports, all while strengthening their unbreakable connection.

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Giselle Nevada has owned several mastiffs, acquired both from reputable breeders and via rescue. Fostering rescued mastiffs and helping them work through their issues led to a keen interest in socialization as a means of preventing future issues. She loves working with her dogs and has dabbled in carting, conformation, agility, rally, trick dog, nose work, and many other canine sports. Her puppy Porter is a testament to early socialization - he has achieved many performance dog titles and has done commercial work. He also has a role in a movie called Match Me If You Can directed by Marian Yeager.

Jennie Chen is a homesick Austinite who founded Keep Austin Dog Friendly. Over the last 20 years, Jennie has owned Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Lowchen. She has earned numerous titles in conformation, competitive obedience, rally, herding, animal assisted therapy, and more. She is passionate about the relationship people build with their beloved canines, and she has been an advocate for people living with disabilities who need a service dog to live independently. She is active in various dog clubs and can be seen on AKC.TV from time to time.

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ONE WINNER

Pawtographed hardcover copy of Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety

+ a series water bottle

(US only; ends midnight, CST, 12/21/2023)

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