The God-Dog Connection is a very gentle, "non-threatening," approach to faith lessons we can learn simply by watching the behavior of our pets. The premise is that God has given us these wonderful creatures to get His messages across to us in truly unique and delightful ways (which go far beyond "unconditional love" alone). The book is comprised of a series of 25 short stories or "vignettes," each relating the animal observation first, and then the faith lesson that can be drawn from it. It is a highly popular gift book for all occasions. It is beautifully bound and jacketed, and the visuals throughout the book have an almost hand-colored look to them Some readers find the book a perfect choice for families, as the stories appeal to a wide range of age groups. Although it is based primarily on Christian principles, it also speaks to people of many different faiths. The book is also frequently incorporated into many small study groups at churches including Pet Ministries, which Healy has helped found in several churches of different denominations. The God-Dog Connection rapidly sold out of its first printing of 5,000 copies, and is now in its second edition.
Marti Healy is the author of three hardcover books. Her most recent, The Secret Child, is her first entry into the genre of Fantasy/Fiction, and has already been selected as an "Okra Pick" by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA). Like her other novel, this book is a very lyrical work, written to weave the reader into the story with descriptions that transport one from one reality to the next and back again. It was inspired by a true story about a little boy's grave dated 1855.
Marti's previous novel, The Rhythm of Selby," is "a gently mysterious novel of the South," set in the fictitious town of Selby, South Carolina. This was her first novel and won a Bronze medal for Popular Fiction from the Independent Publishers Awards, and well as two Indie Awards for writing and design. This book is also a very lyrically written work, with a strong sense of place created through vivid descriptions and memorable incidents and characters. Marti moved to South Carolina in 2004, and her passion for her adopted state is deeply apparent in her writing.
Her first published book, The God-Dog Connection, now in its second Edition, is subtitled: "Things I've learned about God and faith through the dogs and cats in my life." It is a collection of 25 essays that each captures a small vignette of animal behavior, and then the faith lesson that can be drawn from it. Now in its second printing, this delightful, gentle and warm work has been enthusiastically embraced by Christian and mainstream readers alike. It even serves as the centerpiece of a Pet Ministry, which Marti developed and has helped implement in a number of churches of different denominations.
All of Marti Healy's books are published by The Design Group Press and have a special emphasis on their quality production. They are beautifully designed, with the "total book experience" in mind - carefully chosen papers, design enhancements, and tactile hardcovers. These are the kind of books one keeps in their personal libraries forever.
A copywriter for more than three decades, and newspaper columnist for over 6 years, Marti has received numerous advertising industry writing awards. The majority of her professional career was spent with a communications firm in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she was senior writer and where she mentored and helped develop the talents of many young writers who worked under her direction.
Beginning in 2008, Marti has devoted her time almost exclusively to various personal writing projects, including several new books that are in different stages of development.
She is a popular speaker on the topics of her books as well as her writing career, and enjoys meeting with book clubs, churches, and other organizations utilizing her books. She has appeared on numerous daytime television shows in the southeastern area, and has served on panels and as a featured speaker at regional book festivals. Marti is active in her local church and community, and continues to write a regular column for the local newspaper. She currently shares her home with dogs Sophie and Teddy, and cat Sparky.
You may contact the author and obtain more information about her work and availability for book signings or speaking engagements through her publisher at: mhealy@thedesigngroupinc.com, or email her directly at martihealy@martihealybooks.com
