Notable Readers
Larry Levitsky
Stephanie Perkins
Rikki Mitchell
Luke Edward Murphy
Jim G Bettinger
John e Campbell
Charles Lorch
Matt Brown
KELLY S DOZIER
Amber Igoe
lisa lazarus
Kathryn McGinnis
Bobbie Barnett
Sam Childers
Robin Lee
Jan D. Pudlow
Janet Hinkle
Jan Sangaree
David D Redfield
Heman J Redfield III
Rikki’s Coming to 30A!
Five Stars - Times Two!
You’re getting books! I know, because I’m seeing posts on Facebook and receiving very kind notes from readers...
Since Chuck Mitchell and I truly feel that Encounters with Rikki can be a tool for change – to allow children across the country to have the comfort of a therapy dog when they need it most – we’re asking…
Two measures of a book’s worth in today’s world come in the form of reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. These determine a book’s fate – will it be read by the masses or wind up on the dreaded “remainders” list, nine months after pub date?
Here are the two channels that can change that for Encounters with Rikki: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Encounters-Rikki-Hurricane-Katrina-Exceptional/dp/1941758533
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26783429-encounters-with-rikki
It’s as simple as clicking on those links and giving “stars,” or adding comments. If you don’t use the site regularly, they’ll have to verify you’re “real” of course. But we hope that you’ll take just a few minutes TODAY to tell other readers about this book. Booksellers will be looking beginning next Tuesday, Encounters’ official pub date, and your review will make the difference!
Finally, if you haven’t yet gotten your books “pawtographed,” or need to buy more books, catch us at the signing later today at the Bookshelf in Thomasville or this Saturday at Hearth & Soul in Tallahassee. It’s “drop in,” so not a big time commitment.
Hope to see you there!
We have books! Now it's time for a "pawtograph"...
Yes, if you've been anywhere on Facebook these last few days, I don't think you could have missed Rikki's beautiful mug on the cover of Encounters with Rikki and all the great comments from readers.
To "Encounters with Rikki" fans -
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!
Please consider sharing your favorite review on Facebook, Twitter and via email...
"In Katrina, there was nowhere to go with your pets..."
Friends of Rikki,
Rikki is fully funded!
Friends, I was driving back from an 8-day outdoor adventure in the Texas Hill Country yesterday when my phone started buzzing and beeping and chiming. I knew something was up and hoped it was good news. When we stopped for lunch, I learned that we had reached our funding goal for Encounters with Rikki!
The stories of how YOU, our readers and those who believe in this book, pulled it off are such an inspiration. We were backed by benefactors of animal-related causes who not only want this story told, but can use the books for their favorite nonprofit's fundraising efforts. And individuals who've had their own "encounters" with Rikki. I recognized names of friends and those who have been like family to me over the years – plus lots of people I look forward to getting to know after the book is published.
I am truly humbled by your generosity. I have been fortified by this effort and can't wait to get back to work writing the final chapters.
The publisher expects to have our book out December 10th of this year. I am going to do everything in my power to get us to the finish.
Thank you, again. You are all heroes in my book!
- Julie Strauss Bettinger and the Encounters with Rikki team
"Rikki" readers and friends:
We had a tremendous launch for “Encounters with Rikki: from Hurricane Katrina rescue to exceptional Therapy Dog.” Thank you all for being our pacesetters!
We’ve heard from fellow therapy dog team members, educators, veterinarians and even Rikki’s personal fan club (grandparents and aunt included). What we hear most often:
In this crowd-funded publishing venture, we have now moved into the pre-order phase. We have only 46 days to “pre-sell” 1,135 books at the discounted rate.
GOOD NEWS: One group has come forward and offered to match any future purchases up to the amount of $5,000. That would get us close to the finish!
Recommendation: If you have already supported the book, you may consider pre-ordering more books at the Grand Patron level. This would allow you to receive a significant discount on the retail price of the book and you can donate them to your favorite nonprofit to use in fundraising or distribute to your friends and family who love dogs and want to see more people benefit from animal assisted therapy – especially children.
At the very least, please post this link on blogs and share with your social communities (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
https://www.inkshares.com/projects/encounters-with-rikki
If you need a specific message crafted, please let us know. After all, Rikki has her own personal wordsmith!
Thanks, again. We so appreciate your support.
- Julie Strauss Bettinger and the Encounters with Rikki team