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I have been asked to circulate the following:<br><br>
David Andrews<br><br>
<br>
<div align="center">Book About Service Dogs Needs Your Stories<br><br>
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Let your voice be heard! Kathy Nimmer, a blind high school English
teacher and writer from Indiana, has launched an international effort to
gather true stories of people with disabilities and their service dogs,
to be included in an anthology that Nimmer will seek to publish in
the mass market commercial publishing industry. The project,
entitled “Two Plus Four Equals One,” will celebrate what happens when two
hands plus four paws combine for one magical union. The web site,
<a href="http://www.servicedogstories.com/" eudora="autourl">
http://www.servicedogstories.com</a>, has been set up to promote the
project, receive prospective submissions, gather contact info from
individuals who have worked with service dogs in any capacity, and field
inquiries about the book.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><br><br>
Nimmer, now working with her third guide dog, wants to hear from
you. Start thinking of incidents involving you and your dogs,
things that were funny, scary, surprising, disappointing, empowering,
sad, or simply memorable. The book will include nonfiction stories,
anecdotes, tributes, and poetry. Explanations and samples of the
four genres can be found on the web site. And, you don't have to be
a seasoned writer to take part! There is an interview option where
Nimmer will talk with you and write something for you about your dog
experiences. Submissions will be accepted for consideration through
September 30, 2009.<br><br>
For purposes of this project, “service dogs” are any canines trained to
assist people with disabilities, including those who are blind, deaf, or
in wheelchairs, as well as those with other medical conditions including
(but not limited to) autism, epilepsy, and muscular or balance
impairments. Nimmer is hoping to hear from people with
disabilities, as well as those who have raised or trained service dogs,
or simply witnessed service dogs in action. If you fit into any of
these categories, it is time to let your voice be heard!<br><br>
As members of the disability community, you are the best resources for
the dissemination of information about this book that Nimmer is hoping
will change public perceptions of the disabled and their working dogs, so
spread the word! Go to <br><br>
<a href="http://www.servicedogstories.com">
http://www.servicedogstories.com</a><br><br>
or contact Kathy Nimmer with questions or suggestions at <br><br>
<a href="mailto:kathy@servicedogstories.com">
kathy@servicedogstories.com</a> <br><br>
<br>
Kathy Nimmer: Teacher, Author, Motivational Speaker<br>
<a href="http://guidedogjourney.livejournal.com/">
http://guidedogjourney.livejournal.com</a><br>
Even if the shadows of the valley hide your view,<br>
You still must believe in the mountains.<br><br>
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