Julie Strauss Bettinger commented on Encounters with Rikki

Friends of Rikki,


We hit a major milestone this past week on the book, Encounters with Rikki: From Hurricane Katrina rescue to exceptional Therapy Dog: 

After a four-year effort the manuscript is in the hands of the publisher and the production process has begun. That means we are on our way to having books before the end of the year!

Obviously, we wouldn't be at this stage if not for you – the people who supported us, encouraged us, and pre-ordered the book. We continue to receive optimistic comments related to the timing of this story and predictions that it will help more children have access to a therapy animal when they need it most.

I always remember Chuck Mitchell, Rikki's pet dad, commenting after one particular challenging court case:  

It's amazing to me how my Therapy Dog who has no voice helps give a voice to vulnerable victims.

That's what it's about. That's why we need this book.  Thank you for being a part of this great story!

- Julie Strauss Bettinger
JulieBettinger.com

P.S. – Feel free to share this message and the link to Encounters with Rikki with your social communities.
like

People who have liked this comment for <i>Encounters with Rikki</i>

    Julie Strauss Bettinger followed Blasted by Adversity: The Making of a Wounded Warrior
    Blasted by Adversity: The Making of a Wounded Warrior
    I wrote this book with Julie Bettinger to give voice to a new generation of wounded service members.
    Julie Strauss Bettinger followed The Haida Gwaii Lesson
    The Haida Gwaii Lesson: A Strategic Playbook for Indigenous Sovereignty
    A tale of occupation, resistance and hard-won sovereignty
    Julie Strauss Bettinger followed Encounters with Rikki
    Encounters with Rikki
    "Lives change when a man discovers his rescue dog’s ability to heal trauma survivors."
    Julie Strauss Bettinger commented on Encounters with 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

    like

    People who have liked this comment for <i>Encounters with Rikki</i>

      Julie Strauss Bettinger commented on Encounters with Rikki

      "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:

      This is an important story, it needs to be told.

      We need this book!

      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

      like

      People who have liked this comment for <i>Encounters with Rikki</i>