This light-hearted, inspiring tale of an unforgettable pig who dances to the call of "Baryshnikov" and even saves his owner from a fire will captivate animal lovers everywhere. 16 photos.
Gay Balliet is as Pennsylvania Dutch in her heritage and character as many of the animal owners in her books. With a Ph.D. in English, Balliet taught college English, but her love of writing along with her love of animals lured her into writing narrative nonfiction for young adults and adults who share her love of nature and animals.
Balliet enjoyed promoting her books during talk-radio tours for TOUCHED BY ALL CREATURES and LOWELL as well as NPR radio out of Philadelphia. Likewise, she appeared on PA Cable Network, on GOOD MORNING, PHILADELPHIA, and on WGAL-TV out of Lancaster, PA. She has spoken about her books and her life with animals during such events as the annual HORSE WORLD EXPO in Harrisburg, PA; the local humane society gala; the Lehigh Valley Writer's Guild annual meeting; at events for horse nutrition and wellness,as well as numerous bookstores.
Balliet's mission statement follows:
Our interactions and relationships with animals distinguish us as people. How humans relate to their pets and what wisdom we allow animals and our pets to impart is what truly makes us young or old-spirited, civilized or barbaric, tending toward integrity or dishonesty, being compassionate or detached in our relationships with other people.
Neither technology, education, religion, politics nor human community define us nearly as well. However, the way in which we react toward, treat, and embrace the wisdom of our animals is the prime revealer of great character in humans.
