Reviews from

Would this grab you?

My next project... maybe!

26 total reviews 
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

SENIOR ADOPTION FOR CANINE MAY KIND BUT FILLED WITH MANYCHALLENGES. We were gifted a 12 year old sheepdog. She went blind within a week, and then had problem with her incontinence, and did it ever smell. Then she began having fits. We ended it soon after for the benefit of it and we.
Then we adopted were given a cat that took up residency where I worked hiding in the thick brambles surrounding our office building. A secretary trapped it as it was not person friendly and asked us to take it to our ten acres. It took a week to normalize eating ooutside on our pation and eventually became a loving feline. She died on her own under a bush.
As for buying a book of short stories about a dog. Unlikely. How could it be personalized.

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2024
    Hi Tom, thanks for reviewing. Sounds like you haven't enjoyed great experiences. Sunny's book would show how rich and expanded one's life with a dog can be. He opens doors to amazing experiences.
    However, I would never demean his writings by making them "personalised". He's a dog, (not a person) and hence offers his canine perspectives about the world, the human condition and people, and the world of dogs. He writes with humour, wit, and irony, as well as insights about his and our broad range of experiences (perhaps wider than those of most humans). He refuses to focus only on things which preoccupy people (self-focus, comfort, lust, greed, abuse, crime, power etc) but deals with life in its fulness. So no. His book will be individualised, for he has had many unique experiences, and will offer the full gamut of emotions, but he has no aspirations to make it "personalised". I won't save you a copy! Lol.
    Wendy
Comment from Father Flaps
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Wendy,
I'd say "Go for it!" You might encourage others to introduce their own dogs to seniors in a complex or kids with health issues in a hospital. You might give retired people purpose at the same time. But the best thing, of course, is what these future therapy dogs can do for the young and old. Any pet owner would love to read your stories about Sunny. Make him a star!
Nicely penned!
Hugs,
Kimbob

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2024
    Thank you Kimbob! You are right. There are lots of dogs who who be suitable, and could do the training for dog therapy work. I am constantly amazed at how people smile and want to talk, whenever I am out with him, whether he is doing therapy work officially or not. He brightens everyone's world. As for a book, he's written a lot of it himself, with his characteristic insights, humour and wit! Lol. Many thanks for this lovely review, and for the gifyt of the sixth star. I am very appreciative!
    Wendy
Comment from zanya
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This seems like a great idea for a book of Sunny stories. Stories about animals and especially dogs ALWAYS touch a chord with readers. Let Sunny tell some adventures in his own 'canine words.' !! I look forward to hearing how all this works out.

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 10-Jul-2024
    Oh yes, at least half the book is Sunny's writing. Lol. He sometimes lets me have a turn. Thank you so much. I know there are lots of dog books around, so I wouldn't expect huge sales, but his stories are different from others I have read. I appreciate your lovely and very encouraging review.
    Wendy
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I think your - what made me say that - would be a good opening, but for me, it is a bit long for an opening to a book, however Wendy, remember this is coming from a complete novice when it comes to writing a book. I've enjoyed your stories on Sunny as a therapy dog, and I think others would too.
Good luck with it,

valda

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2024
    Thank you Pearl. I will keep that in mind and see if it can be condensed. I appreciate your insight and honesty. I wrote it originally for a contest requiring around 1000 words, but as you say, for a book it might be too long.
    Wendy
Comment from T B Botts
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello Wendy,
I think you've got a good idea here, you should pursue it. I don't know what the market is like as far as selling books about Sunny, but you never know. In a time when there is so much conflict and upheaval, it would certainly be refreshing to read about a dog that has made such a difference not only for you but for others. I say go for it gal. Good luck.
Blessings,
Tom

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2024
    Thanks so much Tom for this most encouraging review. There are lots of dog books around, but I think some of Sunny's stories are quite different. I wouldn't sell many probably but I think I would enjoy the journey.
    Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I think this is a terrific project for you to tackle, Wendy. It will be a true labor of love, and this chapter will be a good introduction or prologue. Although it is largely narrative, I trust the individual chapters will have a lot more dialog, and a "show me" rather than a "tell me" bent.

Some of my favorite books are the James Herriott series beginning with All Creatures Great and Small. What you've described sounds a lot like those--a compendium of individual stories connected by the theme of your love for your dog, Sunny. Herriott's stories are mostly chronological and connected, but each individual story (chapter) can stand alone too.

One suggestion: You start by saying, "What made me say... THAT?" and then you say, "Those nine words just popped out of my mouth. They changed my life," as if they are the nine words, whereas the real nine words are yet to come. That's confusing.

I think it would be better to start with, "If we get anything, it will be a dog!" and then follow it with, "What made me say... THAT?" (Also, is the ellipsis really necessary?)


 Comment Written 10-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 10-Jul-2024
    Thank you for those super suggestions. I had to start with the title, (for the contest) but I can then adjust the next bit to make it flow better for the book. Thank you. And you are right about the ellipsis too. Yes, the following stories are shorter and much more interactive, with many of the stories in dialogue form or Sunny sharing his insights into human behaviour etc, or tales of his quirkiness etc. Your advice and comments are very helpful.
    Thanks again.
    Wendy
Comment from Trent Delaney
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I definitely enjoyed this and truly agree that you should go for it and write the dog book. The times we live in now, I think stories such as these could bring a wave of joy for quite a few fans. Good luck!!

 Comment Written 09-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 10-Jul-2024
    Thank you. Yes, my dog has been a writer for a while now (he gives his thoughts and insights into what it's like living with humans, as well as his news and views on anything he chooses!) Lol. Thanks so much for your wonderful encouragement. Always much appreciated.
    Wendy
Comment from karenina
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Full disclaimer: I am a HUGE fan of both you and Sunny -- so I guess you know my opinion! I'm thinking how fortunate the "selectors" would be to be blessed with your writing talent and warm, tender, humorous, and always captivating stories. Not to mention stories about animals are universally popular! Yes, yes and YES!

Karenina

 Comment Written 09-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 10-Jul-2024
    Thank you Karenina. A lovely review! Yes, I do believe I will go ahead, and try to organise Sunny's writings and thoughts into a book (along with mine)!
    It will be a fun project.
    Wendy
reply by karenina on 10-Jul-2024
    Hurrah!

    A sure fire hit!
Comment from gansach
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I absolutely love this entry about how you acquired your dogs. I haven't read any of your Sunny stories so this was all new to me and I think this is a winner. Best wishes with that! I also think a collection of your dog stories would be a great idea and so enjoyable to read. Go for it! Bravo to you and Sunny for your loving therapy work. Well done!

 Comment Written 09-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 10-Jul-2024
    Thank you so much. What a lovely review. Extra special thanks for the six stars! I'm very appreciative. Sunny does a lot of his own writing (well, we pretend he does) and visits hospitals, disability day programs, the jail, hospices etc - wherever people need some extra love and comfort. He also gives his wisdom and insights into what it's like living with humans. I think you would love his stories.
    Thanks again,
    Wendy
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I must admit, it's not often one can read a story devoted to a quirky, but there are surely enough lovers of dogs to make sales fairly prolific, although Buddy, our last dog, before another 'unintentional' our Moodle dog came along, beautifully written, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 09-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 09-Jul-2024
    Thanks for your review. I wouldn't be doing it for money, just for the pleasure of the writing journey.
    Wendy
reply by royowen on 09-Jul-2024
    Of course