Julie Strauss Bettinger's latest update for Encounters with Rikki

Oct 19, 2015

They came from as far away as UCLA and Albany, New York. And they included everyone from animal advocates to the American Bar.

What do they have in common?  They read an advance copy of Encounters with Rikki: From Hurricane Katrina Rescue to Exceptional Therapy Dog and gave it a glowing review!

Of course, that would have never been possible if not for you – our supporters who believed in the idea of telling Rikki’s story and pre-ordered the book. Thank you!

And now, for what they have to say…

“Heartfully captures the amazing power animals have to lift the human spirit.” —Barbara Natterson, MD, coauthor of Zoobiquity and professor of medicine, UCLA Division of Cardiology

“Children who enter the criminal court system as victims may have to relive the abuse they experienced by testifying . . . Encounters with Rikki tells the story of an amazing therapy dog who helps children cope with this stress so they can tell their stories and so justice can be served. It’s essential reading . . .” —Cynthia J. Najdowski, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice, University at Albany

“A compelling story of the human-animal bond at its absolute finest.”

—Mary R. Burch, PhD, director of the AKC Canine Good Citizen & Therapy Dog Program

“This beautiful book shines a light on what vulnerable crime victims encounter and how the loving touch of a paw can provide the strength on the path to healing. We need more Rikki and Chuck teams in the world.”

—Allie Phillips, cofounder of Therapy Animals Supporting Kids (TASK) Program

“This riveting story will forever change how you view the power of animal therapy.” —Martha Barnett, Former President of the American Bar Association

Encounters with Rikki tells the story of a truly amazing bond between man and dog and the life-saving healing and companionship their relationship has inspired . . . [It captures] the magical way in which therapy animals unlock love and trust for those who most desperately need it.” —Lauren Book, MS.Ed, founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids foundation

“A wonderful read . . . told with the details that make the possibilities of therapy through animals real and will stir even a pessimist to optimism.”

—Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte, former president of the American Bar Association

“A moving account of how a loving dog and a determined man can make a world of difference in the lives of those who need it most.” —Janice Gary, author of Short Leash: A Memoir of Dog Walking and Deliverance

“An extremely moving book . . . A profoundly human journey told through the unlikely story of a canine.” —Armand B. Cognetta Jr, chief of dermatology, Florida State University College of Medicine

Look for your copy of Encounters with Rikki: From Hurricane Katrina Rescue to Exceptional Therapy Dog January 2016!

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