Guest Book Review “Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with Your Coffee)” Written by Chrystal Parker (Review by Kevin of Animal Shelter Volunteer Life)

I’ve been a fan of the “Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with Your Coffee)” blog (http://dogsandcats.typepad.com/) for about two years, so I was delighted to learn that private animal rescuer Chrystal Parker – the person behind the blog – had written a book about her tireless efforts to save animals in rural Southern Illinois.

The book, which shares its title with the blog, is Chrystal’s first, and chronicles one year in her ongoing mission to help the homeless creatures – big, small and every size in between – that cross her path.

Writing in an engaging diary style (the prose in the book is taken directly from Chrystal’s blog entries), she invites her readers to share in the daily triumphs and heartbreaks that come with animal rescue.  She entertains, teaches, and encourages, and in doing so helps her readers believe that even the smallest kindnesses can – and do – make a difference.

For those who wonder what keeps Chrystal going, there are insights galore to be found in the book.  What started as a way to help address animal overpopulation in rural Southern Illinois has shaped her, and given her a certainty that everything matters. The essence of this point is captured poignantly when she writes:

…once you love something, that love never ends.  It extends into eternity.  Love is forever.  We move through this life experiencing joy and heartache.  Love is the basis for both.  I wouldn’t give up the Love even to avoid the heartache.

Also included in the book is the genesis of Chrystal’s rescue (named “Winnie’s Wish”), and happy follow-up tales of the animals adopted during the year it was written, including one (once known as Ash, and now named Jimmy) who went all the way to Toronto, Canada.  (Note: Chrystal’s rescues have found new homes in her area, and in places as far away as Georgia, California, Montreal, and Toronto.)

"Circe"

“I hope this book will help people feel good about what’s happening with homeless animals in one little corner of the world,” Chrystal recently wrote in an email, “and that it instills a belief that together, we can make a difference for animals everywhere.”

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS “FEEL GOOD” BOOK.  Its nearly 600 pages are brimming with stories of love, selfless giving, and the incredible bonds that exist between humans and animals.  You will almost certainly be changed after reading it.  You will be encouraged.  You will come away knowing that the little things DO matter.  For these reasons and more, Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with Your Coffee) would also make a wonderful and uplifting holiday gift.  And here’s an important added bonus: ALL proceeds from sales of the book go directly to fund Chrystal’s Winnie’s Wish rescue (http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IL682.html), and the amazing work being done there.

"Frosting"

For more information, or to purchase Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with Your Coffee), please visit the book’s pages at Amazon (http://amzn.to/P0HCSs), Barnes & Noble (http://bit.ly/P6p8l3), or Xlibris (http://bit.ly/MQWeRK); or contact Chrystal directly at c3k@lazernetwireless.net. [ISBN: 978-1-4691-8854-6 (soft cover) / 978-1-4691-8855-3 (e-book)]

Kevin (aka “meowmeowmans”)

AnimalShelter Volunteer Life