"Not Like the Others, Harley's Story, Having a Pet with Special Needs" is written by Denise Gruzensky, RN, MSN, FNP. Harley's Story is a children's book, that emphasizes that a pet with special needs may not be like all the others because they need a little extra help in life, but they surely can love us just as much as an other pet.
This book is beautifully photographed and the photos chosen really make Harley's beautiful spirit and personality shine. It is written in Harley's voice as he takes us through his life journey. Before he was a year old he was adopted by Denise after his first family could no longer keep him, at age six he was diagnosed with diabetes, and six months later he developed cataracts. He explains to the reader how his diabetes is managed and how his environment is modified to help manage his cataracts. Harley is afraid at times, and wonders if Denise will be able to take care of him, or if she will send him way because he's just too hard to take care of? Along the way Harley makes lots of friends and goes on many adventures, including road trips and flying on airplanes.
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| Look how cute Harley is! |
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| What a nice autograph! |
For me, the message of the book was two-fold. The first being to promote animal adoption and to inform people that special needs pets needn't be given up. But this book serves another important purpose in that it helps children with special needs learn to accept themselves and others. On the first page there are passages from children and adults writing about how Harley's Story helped them understand diabetes. One 11 year old child wrote:
"This book helped me understand my sisters' diabetes. I learned that dogs and other animals can have a lot of the same diseases that people do, including diabetes. I saw pictures of and learned about insulin and blood sugars Just like in Harley's story he was loved and accepted the same after he was diagnosed, our family loves my sister just the same too."
From the back cover:
Not Like the Others -Harley's Story seeks to teach elementary children the value of being different and loving unconditionally Come along with Harley, a rescued Yorkshire Terrier, on his cross-country adventure as he learns to trust his forever family, is diagnosed with diabetes, and figures out how to live with his illness. He may not be like the others, but he is not alone and is unconditionally loved.
What a wonderful message for children to hear. I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did. You can purchase it at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can find Denise and Harley on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and their website.
Harley's motto is "Adopt, for friends cannot be bought." He is a wise little dog.
Dawn
About the author: " I graduated in 1994 with a Degree in Nursing from Pacific Union College in Angwin, CA and in 1999 from the University of San Diego with a Master's Degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Not Like the Others-Harley's Story: Having a Pet with Special Needs, was released November 22, 2013. The inspiration to write the story began in 2010 when my beloved furry family member was diagnosed with Diabetes. Since rescuing Harley in 2006 I've learned to live by the motto, "Adopt, for friends can't be bought". I currently live in Paradise, CA with my husband."
That sounds like a very special book!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! I'm so glad that so much awareness is being raised about special needs pets lately. It is so important for children to learn about them and to understand that these pets can love just as much as other pets can.
ReplyDeleteDawn & Lola described our message perfectly! We are so glad you both enjoyed "Harley's Story"!
ReplyDeletelola & lexy...pleez ta tell yur mom her did a grate job with this ree view...harley iz a veree wise pup indeed { & yes, cute two } N what a total lee awesum message for kidz ~~~~~ ♥♥♥ thanx for sharin thiz, we will head over two amazon & add two R wish list......
ReplyDeleteGweat weview. Sounds like a pawsum book. Hope yous have a gweat day.
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi and Lexi
Great review. Sounds like a book I might want to get some of the great nieces and nephews for Christmas. Hugs, Janet
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a wonderful book!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, that sounds like a great book ! Purrs
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds great Lola!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely book - all the messages are so important - especially the one that helps children with special needs better cope. And you know we love a book written in the voice of a pet! Purrs from Deb and the Zee/Zoey Gang
ReplyDeleteThis is a great review! Harley is a special dog with a great message. I agree that it's also a wonderful message for children.I love the fact that his family is just as committed to him after his diagnosis to show that you don't give up on them if they suddenly require more care.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great message. It’s wonderful kids get to read uplifting stories like Harley’s.
ReplyDeleteGranted, a deaf cat is less differently abled than one with diabetes, but we would never ever have NOT adopted Maxie because of it. And so many joys are to be had from living with a special needs pet - we do wish more people would embrace the opportunity.....
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds amazing! We are a family of special needs animals and wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks for the great review. I can't wait to read this book.
ReplyDelete