Everday Heroes: Extraordinary Dogs Among Us [Hardcover]

Sherry Bennett Warshauer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 29, 1998

These are the stories of heartwarming experiences with dogs bred and raised by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind. This book will have great appeal to dog lovers and those interested in innovative ways to assist people with special needs. Its greatest appeal, however, will be the human interest in the lives that have been dramatically altered by these wonderful dogs. Sherry Bennett Warshauer, from White Plains, New York, has spent many years volunteering at the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Breeding Center. Everyday Heroes was shot as a photo essay by the talented professional photographer Mary Bloom. All of the author's profits are being donated to the Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In Everyday Heroes: Extraordinary Dogs Among Us, photographer Mary Bloom and author Sherry Bennett Warshauer tell the remarkable stories of service dogs who are guides, healers, therapists, and, in many cases, the bridge to a normal, fulfilling life for many patients and owners. Through the eyes of individuals and owners who have seen firsthand the effects of their special dogs, the reader experiences the many ways in which canines are able to make a difference in our lives. One of the most inspiring stories is of a dog named Guapo, whose sensitivity caused him to be removed from the Guide Dog program, but made him a perfect match for working with emotionally abused children. In fact, for a young boy dealing with his parents' messy divorce, Guapo was the link that allowed him to communicate his feelings. Guapo's head in the boy's lap and a lick on the cheek were the keys necessary for the boy to break down the protective wall he had created and, eventually, to help him understand his emotions. Accompanied by Bloom's stirring photographs, such heartwarming, uplifting stories make this collection perfect not only for animal lovers, but also for anyone who needs to be reminded of the power of compassion and friendship, whether the friend is a relative, a significant other, or a special canine. --Jennifer Pugh

From the Inside Flap

Everyday Heroes extraordinary dogs among us In this heartwarming and inspiring book you will find the true stories of dogs who were raised and nurtured by volunteers from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. We call the dogs "heroes" because of their work as extraordinary guide dogs as well as crime fighters, lifesavers, search and rescue dogs and much more. Some of the heroes you will meet are Aris, an exceptionally sensitive dog whose nurturing created a bridge that led a disabled child to a new world of confidence and love; Hutch, a dog who saved his owner's life due to his intuition and quick response; and Woodsy, an invaluable narcotics detection dog. You will be amazed at the boundless effort these dogs continue to make to improve the lives of those they serve. Every year, 165 teams graduate from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit organization founded in 1954. The teams are made up of visually impaired individuals with highly trained guide dogs. The instructors, supervisors and staff promote "ability, not disability." Families volunteer a year of their life to raising a puppy with the intention of giving it to a blind person. They establish the loving bond that is the foundation of the puppy's future role. After a year with their raisers, the dogs are returned to Guiding Eyes for formal training with professional instructors. They are continually evaluated for their strengths—most become guide dogs; those who don't are "released" and serve in detection, patrol or personal service for a person with special needs. Everyday Heroes is a living tribute to the extraordinary dedication and courage of dogs and people—showing us how one person's life can be dramatically changed by the love and help of a dog. This book is dedicated to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Yorktown Heights and Patterson, New York. Writing it has been a fantastic voyage for me, allowing me to meet some of the most courageous people in the world. I am thankful that I have had this opportunity to donate all of my time and income from this adventure to Guiding Eyes, to help them with their significant work. —Sherry Bennett Warshauer

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (July 29, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876056087
• ISBN-13: 978-0876056080
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,327,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sherry's "Everyday Heroes" is splendid- cover to cover!, May 7, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Amsterdam, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Everday Heroes: Extraordinary Dogs Among Us (Hardcover)

"Everyday Heroes" is filled with wonderful true stories of Guiding Eyes for the Blind's special creatures; those who have become successful guide dogs for the blind, and those who decided on a career change, be it drug sniffing, assistance, or therapy dogs. As the blind partner of a guide dog featured in the book (my second guide, Merlin, who has since passed away), I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Sherry for including our story in this lovely book- it is truly a tribute to my faithful friend. Anyone who loves dogs exhibits a level of compassion which is sadly uncommon in our world today- read this book, and feel that compassion within its pages.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasure to read. Informative. Inspiring., August 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Everday Heroes: Extraordinary Dogs Among Us (Hardcover)

Animal (and human) nature and behavior at its very best!

As "Assistance" and "Service" animals are becoming increasingly visible in the community, a heightened sense of public awareness is useful and valuable. Ms. Warshauer's beautifully-written narrative, along with lovely photographs by Mary Bloom and others, make Everday Heroes a book for both youth and adults.

I must add that the vignette about "Ramsey," the Guiding Eyes for the Blind dog guide who was raised by a family in New York City and is now "working" with a blind pianist in Jerusalsem, Israel, was of particular interest to me.

Without hesitation, I recommend Everyday Heroes to all who love dogs and believe in the strength of the human spirit.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you love dogs, June 5, 2000

By 

R. Cammuse (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Everday Heroes: Extraordinary Dogs Among Us (Hardcover)

I am a owner of a black lab and I got this book. I fell in love with it. The stores of these dogs and what they do to help touch so many lives. Please get this book and read. Some will make you cry.