Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them (Paperback)

~ Mary A. Shafer (Author, Editor), Susan Bertrand (Author), Linda Bruno (Author), Cheryl Caruolo (Author), Carol Downie (Author), S. Stacia Ewing (Author), (Author), Crystal S. Parsons (Author), Sharon Sakson (Author), Joyce Grant-Smith (Author), Vicki Tiernan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

From a pink-eared cat in Karpathos, Greece, to a handicapable Mexican Hairless, and even a resilient rodent, this remarkable collection of essays touchingly illustrates that inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes. The stories of the people and pets who never give up on each other are a poignant reminder that purpose in life has nothing to do with perfection. Almost Perfect is a book that not only shares insights, but might actually inspire others to take a chance on a less-than-perfect pet and discover the only perfect reward in life: unconditional love. --E. Mitchell, author of Seattle Post-Intelligencer pet blog FILM HOUND, and contributing author to several books, including A Cup of Comfort for Cat Lovers

This touching collection of essays isn't 'almost' anything--it clearly hits the mark. These courageous pets offer a shining example of what it means to not only rise to challenges, but to succeed with wags and purrs. The talented authors keep readers smiling even through misty eyes. Bravo! --Amy D. Shojai, CABC. Author of 22 pet care titles including co-editor of Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul

When shopping for a pet, we always have in mind the "perfect pet" for our home: an adorable puppy, a mischievous kitten, the beautiful horse, whatever. No one thinks about taking a three-legged dog or a cat who has to drag his hindquarters, or a sightless animal of any kind. Almost Perfect, a series of stories written by authors who are both humanitarians and true animal lovers of the selfless variety, may change your mind. These anecdotal adventures will make you re-think what it is to be human. In this book are heart-rendered stories of a different caliber. I loved it. --Andrea Campbell, author of Bringing Up Ziggy: What Raising a Helping Hands Monkey Taught Me About Love, Commitment and Sacrifice

Product Description

In a world that reveres perfection and disdains anything less, most of us realize that nothing and no one can truly measure up. Yet, when it comes to choosing companion animals, most folks won t settle for less. These stories are about those animals who through birth or injury have been rendered less than perfect, and the humans who found love enough to welcome them into their hearts and homes. Almost Perfect allows you to share the immeasurable rewards those people have found. Learn what courage really is from Colbi, a blind Alaskan Husky, as he trades a hellish life in a puppy mill for the challenges of farm living. Be inspired by Ruby, the irrepressible Labrador-Doberman mix who adapts to a devastating muscle-eating disease by learning to truly roll with the punches. Follow Cagney, the paraplegic rat, who struggles along with his human mom through her Master s thesis. Be inspired by the joy and grace with which Tux, a handsome black-and-white cat, navigates a life of almost complete paralysis. Root for tiny, blind Idgie to beat the mean streets of Philadelphia and the death sentence of feline leukemia. Give yourself permission to believe once more in happy endings as you re inspired by these and more true, heartwarming stories of animals who have overcome physical handicaps to leave pawprints on the hearts of their human companions.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Enspirio House, an imprint of Word Forge Books; First edition (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977132927
• ISBN-13: 978-0977132928
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #279,413 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them, November 22, 2008

By	Shelly (Ferndale, PA) - See all my reviews

What a delightful book of inspiring stories. You'll go from tears to smiles and won't want to put the book down.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring book, October 27, 2008

By	Jamie Anderson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was so inspiring! I read it cover to cover in one sitting, making for a warm and cozy afternoon. There's a nice variety of well-written stories. If you love your pets you'll love this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just sweet and loveable, January 8, 2009

By	Paul Castleman (san francisco CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Almost Perfect is not just another warm and fuzzy collection of stories about pets. It is an important contribution to the millions of people who have pets and to those who are considering adopting one. Just as more and more people are adopting children with special needs and finding the experience a transcendent one of giving and receiving love, so are those who share their lives with disabled animals finding it profoundly heart-opening and spiritually joyful. The authors of Almost Perfect have a remarkable knack for conveying their relationships with these wonderful pets and I strongly recommend this book.