The Misadventures of Millie - Becky Heishman

There are special goings-on in the Misty Neighborhood. A book born from sadness…the death of a joyful little corgi-mix named Misty, evolves into the decision, a few days later, to adopt a breeder dog newly rescued from a puppy mill.  

 I knew from the moment I read, "Anyone who's ever been owned by a dog…" that The Misadventures of Millie, by Rebecca Heishman, was my kind of story.

Misadventures is the word, and Millie fits the bill. How could six and a half pounds of fur instigate such mayhem, frustration, consternation, and boundless love? Millie's initial dismay at being adopted by "Dis guy wif white hair and a lady wif a limp," turns into "Deez old people are pretty fun" in the story, Livin' Wiff Ode People.  

 A poem (by Millie, of course), I Was Lost, details the horrendous life of a puppy mill dog and the unselfish rescue angels who work tirelessly to close down these despicable operations. Millie is one of the lucky few to escape. She knows it and appreciates her new life.

Stories like, Pasghetti Night, and, best title ever, Before It Rotted, It Had Feathers, are delightfully told in Millie's own doggy diction with her mom and dad's voices thrown in for good measure. But, make no mistake, this is Millie's story and she wants everyone to know she's leader of the pack, even while letting Becky and William think they're in charge. (They really are, but don't let on to Millie)

After shredding sofa throw pillows, Becky declares Millie a canine sociopath, but Millie comes right back with Sleepin' On Dad's Skinny Foot, a heart-rending account of real hardship trying to sleep in a metal cage with little water,  having her puppies snatched from her before they're weaned, and wondering when she'd get her next meal. Yeah, dad's skinny foot is paradise to Millie.

 I must stop before I give away the whole book!

If you're looking for an uplifting tale, The Misadventures of Millie will not disappoint, but just so you know, it's not just Millie's story. It's our story. Anyone one who has fostered, rescued, or adopted a pet will relate to this precocious little dog and her patient, loving mom and dad.

You might, however, want to keep your furry friend from getting wind of this book. Millie's Art of Begging highlights three cardinal rules: "look pitiful, act pitiful, sound pitiful." You've been warned!

Disclaimer: My husband and I have adopted two rescue dogs, so I have a special place in my heart for pet adoptions and rescues.

Buy: The Misadventures of Millie by Rebecca Heishman, Illustrations by Caleb Irwin from Tate Publishing!

Visit Millie and her friends on Facebook!

Mary Cunningham Books - Cynthia's Attic Time-Travel Adventures

Madison's Message: Help Close Puppy Mills!

Author, Madison Cassel-Hughes and Illustrator, Patrick Hendrickson

A new book by Madison Cassel-Hughes, My Summer is the result of Madison's mother, Christine, and the entire family, making the unselfish decision to rescue thirty dogs from a puppy mill in West Georgia. The dogs were set to be euthanized because the owner was losing her lease, so mom, Christine Cassel loaded the kids in the van and drove to the location to "pick three because we can't save all thirty." Famous last words! After a sleepless night, they drove back and got the rest the next day.

The result of her unusual summer adventure led Madison to write a book in order to educate every one, especially kids her own age, about the horrendous conditions under which puppy mill dogs live. Some, sadly, never have the chance to feel grass under their feet.

Dogs filled every seat, floor and corner of the van!

I thought you should know more about Madison, her book, and the compassion and spirit that compels her to help educate others about the awful conditions in puppy mills.

CA: I'm So proud of you and your book, Madison!  What inspired you to write, My Summer, about your experience rescuing dogs from a puppy mill?

Madison: I wanted to teach kids about puppymills and pets stores so they would understand how sad it is for animals to live in cages.

CA: That's a very ambitious project, Madison. What was the most difficult part of writing your book?

Madison: I Enjoyed everything about writing the book. I was very excited!

CA: Your family rescued one of the puppy mill dogs. Was this a family decision, or did you choose her?

Madison: The women that owned the puppymill was thanking us for saving them and gave us this beautiful little white dog. We were in love! And named her Summer!

CA: Would you like to write more books about pet rescues?

Madison: Yes, I would love to write a book about Bella a beautiful pit lab mix saved off the side of the road. She was cut up on the face and holes in her chest. Now she has a great life...all because my mom said yes. And a book on Nicholas the deaf American bulldog that we drove all the way to Florida to save from the pound.

Nicholas lounging in his new home

Lucy in her new home & Dad's arms

I know, first hand, how devoted Madison's mom is to pet rescues since she's the one who found our sweet Lucy!

CA: So, Madison, now that you're an author, do your friends treat you differently?

Madison: No my friends think it is cool and were very excited.

CA:  Since you are working to save dogs, have you ever thought about working with animals - maybe becoming a veterinarian?

Madison: No, I would like to become a archeologist.

And, I'm sure you'll accomplish whatever you set out to do, Madison! Thanks, and keep up the good work!

Madison and Summer

Copies of My Summer are being donated to local libraries with proceeds for purchased books going to animal rescue groups in the West Georgia area. To find out more about purchasing a book email: mysummerbook@gmail.com 

And, please remember: Don't Shop! Adopt! 

A Home For Dakota

One of the 2009 Kind Children's Book Awards went to a special book by Jan Zita Grover, about a special little dog named Dakota. Her name hadn't always been Dakota. For years she was known only as Dog No. 241. Her rescue into a foster home marks a healing transformation that not only gives Dakota a new chance at life, as she slowly learns the joys of joining a true family, especially Sweetie, a girl on her own healing journey.

Children and adults interested in helping rescue these innocent creatures from puppy mills can contact Mission: Humane which gets young people actively involved in animal protection and provides resources for classroom teachers, animal sheltering professionals, and others to guide youth animal protection clubs.

(click on cover to buy on Amazon)

The program provides projects for elementary-school students and teens, resources for forming clubs and taking action, and rewards for activities. Projects are designed to get young people working on the most important issues affecting animals today.

I also got a reminder from life-long friend, Cynthia, who has spent many years rescuing and adopting Golden Retrievers in the Atlanta area, who sent out an e-mail from Adopt A Golden Atlanta with a list of dogs in desperate need of rescue. You can go to the link for pictures of these wonderful dogs. The need never goes away. Brody is pictured below. Click on his picture for more information on this worthwhile cause.

As you probably know, I'm passionate about pet adoption and rescue. Our Molly Girl adopted us straight out of the Miami Animal Shelter fourteen years ago. She's romping around in Heaven now with her "brothers" Sam and Wilbur, so this story is in her memory and honor.

If you know a special organization that rescues/adopts animals, please post a comment with the link. Adoption is the best option!


Mary

Mary Cunningham Books


I'm proud to announce the release of Book Four in the award-winning series, "Cynthia's Attic" will be released by Quake (Echelon Imprint) DEC 2009! Buy the first three books on Amazon

Rescue Angels - Part Two

Rescue angel, Christine, her children and their friends are at it again. They rescued a mother dog, Jenny, and her 7, eight-week-old puppies from a puppy mill that was giving dogs away before they were going to be euthanized - 30 in all. The next day, Christine and company took two cars back to the mill and filled them with adult dogs and puppies in need of TLC and good homes. Some of the dogs, she said, had never felt grass under their feet.

All the dogs were taken to Four Paws Resort, and, as you'll see from the pictures below (provided by Christine), they bathed, brushed and provided much love to these innocent creatures; probably the first kind gestures some of them had ever known.

I got an e-mail from her today saying that, sadly two of the pups died, but they only had 13 dogs left that had not been adopted. They won't rest until all are placed with good families.

That's all from me. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

To read the first part of the Rescue Angels story, click here.

If you're considering bring a pet into your home, please consider "adoption as your first option."

Mary

Mary Cunningham Books

P. S. This blog is dedicated to my dear friend, Cynthia, who lost her adopted Golden, Chance in May and just lost sweet Bailey last Tuesday. My heart is with you, my friend.