[Tn-talk] Service Dog Book Project

[Kathy Nimmer]

I have been asked to circulate the following:

David Andrews


Book About Service Dogs Needs Your Stories

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, http://www.servicedogstories.com, 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 
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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.

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!

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

<http://www.servicedogstories.com>http://www.servicedogstories.com

or contact Kathy Nimmer with questions or suggestions at

<mailto:kathy at servicedogstories.com>kathy at servicedogstories.com


Kathy Nimmer: Teacher, Author, Motivational Speaker
<http://guidedogjourney.livejournal.com/>http://guidedogjourney.livejournal.com
Even if the shadows of the valley hide your view,
You still must believe in the mountains.