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Not Your Average Grandma: The story of a little senior rescue dog with big life lessons
CAN A DOG TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE?
While fostering a little senior rescue dog named Grandma, a connection transpired. From that connection came healing. Healing for Grandma, a terribly abused Chihuahua, and healing for her person. Together, the pair learned how to come to terms with their traumatic pasts and move forward. Life-long animal advocate and co-founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc., Stacey Ritz has always understood that we can take positive actions to help homeless animals; we can change their lives for the better. But what she learned through rescuing animals is that pets have a way of saving us, too.
“I’ve been told that I changed Grandma’s life, but what most people don’t realize is that the little senior dog saved mine.” -Author, Stacey Ritz
While fostering a little senior rescue dog named Grandma, a connection transpired. From that connection came healing. Healing for Grandma, a terribly abused Chihuahua, and healing for her person. Together, the pair learned how to come to terms with their traumatic pasts and move forward. Life-long animal advocate and co-founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc., Stacey Ritz has always understood that we can take positive actions to help homeless animals; we can change their lives for the better. But what she learned through rescuing animals is that pets have a way of saving us, too.
“I’ve been told that I changed Grandma’s life, but what most people don’t realize is that the little senior dog saved mine.” -Author, Stacey Ritz
154 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2018
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Ritz
25 books35 followersInspired by love and hope. Impassioned storyteller. Writer of books and poetry. Nature lover. Animal advocate. Lover of words. Captivated photographer. Believer in karma.
Stacey Ritz is a bestselling author and award-winning writer. She is a multiple time Muse Medallion winner and a proud alumna of The Op Ed Project’s Write to Change the World. Ritz's novels are beloved by readers worldwide. Her books have been published in more than three dozen countries including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Republic of South Africa, Belgium, India, Oman, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Australia.
With the keen ability to tap into authentic human emotions, Ritz's novels unearth the secrets and burdens that are harbored surrounding love, loss, betrayal, and hope. Her novels are emotional dramas that delve into the complexities of relationships, families, friendships, and secrets.
Animals are often incorporated in her stories, due to her extensive background in animal welfare and her love for all living creatures. Ritz’s books on animal welfare include the bestseller, Covered in Pet Fur (Rockville Publishing), which gained international interest as well as attention from RIVA Media and Animal Planet. She is a multiple time winner of the CWA’s CEVA Human Animal Bond award for writers. Ritz is the Executive Director and co-founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. – a 501c3 non-profit animal welfare organization that has saved 11,000 lives (and counting).
When Ritz isn’t reading or writing, she’s likely spending time with animals, family, in nature, or watching home renovation shows.
Find more @ staceyritzbooks.com
*Visit Stacey at staceyritzbooks.com & sign up to receive New Release email notifications!*
_______________________________________________
Ritz's books include:
FICTION:
Mainstream Fiction / Contemporary Drama / Women's Fiction
NON-FICTION:
Animal Welfare
Motivation/Inspiration
Writing/Publishing
POETRY:
Written under the name S.L. Ritz
Stacey Ritz is a bestselling author and award-winning writer. She is a multiple time Muse Medallion winner and a proud alumna of The Op Ed Project’s Write to Change the World. Ritz's novels are beloved by readers worldwide. Her books have been published in more than three dozen countries including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Republic of South Africa, Belgium, India, Oman, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Australia.
With the keen ability to tap into authentic human emotions, Ritz's novels unearth the secrets and burdens that are harbored surrounding love, loss, betrayal, and hope. Her novels are emotional dramas that delve into the complexities of relationships, families, friendships, and secrets.
Animals are often incorporated in her stories, due to her extensive background in animal welfare and her love for all living creatures. Ritz’s books on animal welfare include the bestseller, Covered in Pet Fur (Rockville Publishing), which gained international interest as well as attention from RIVA Media and Animal Planet. She is a multiple time winner of the CWA’s CEVA Human Animal Bond award for writers. Ritz is the Executive Director and co-founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. – a 501c3 non-profit animal welfare organization that has saved 11,000 lives (and counting).
When Ritz isn’t reading or writing, she’s likely spending time with animals, family, in nature, or watching home renovation shows.
Find more @ staceyritzbooks.com
*Visit Stacey at staceyritzbooks.com & sign up to receive New Release email notifications!*
_______________________________________________
Ritz's books include:
FICTION:
Mainstream Fiction / Contemporary Drama / Women's Fiction
NON-FICTION:
Animal Welfare
Motivation/Inspiration
Writing/Publishing
POETRY:
Written under the name S.L. Ritz
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 24, 2018
I was delighted to read and review 'Not Your Average Grandma': The Story of a Little Senior Rescue Dog with big Life Lessons. Not your Average Grandma is a non-fiction book: part memoir, part self-help/inspiration. It’s a story of ‘Who Rescued Who?’ as the book explores how can a dog transform your life.
While fostering a little senior rescue dog named Grandma, a connection transpired. From that connection came healing. Healing for Grandma, a terribly abused Chihuahua, and healing for her person. Together, the pair learned how to come to terms with their traumatic pasts and move forward. Life-long animal advocate and co-founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc., Stacey Ritz has always understood that we can take positive actions to help homeless animals; we can change their lives for the better. But what she learned through rescuing animals is that pets have a way of saving us, too.
What I loved about this book was that the author was brutally honest and raw. I felt her pain and sorrow in her words. She didn’t play the victim but owned it. Her story about grandma will leave you wanting to hug your own dog and want you to go to your local shelter and give a dog or cat a second chance at a good life.
I love the fact that it was a quick read you do on a Sunday afternoon while cuddled on the couch with a glass of wine or hot chocolate.
I learned about the heartache and struggle a foster pet can bring into your life. I have a new respect for people who open their homes to these banished dogs and cats.
I think this is an excellent book for someone suffering from trauma or suffering and the healing process. Or this is a good book if you are thinking about fostering a dog.
This book came into my hands when I needed to read it and I thank Stacy for writing this heartwarming book about seeing the light at the end of a tunnel and the rainbow after a storm.
I highly recommend!
While fostering a little senior rescue dog named Grandma, a connection transpired. From that connection came healing. Healing for Grandma, a terribly abused Chihuahua, and healing for her person. Together, the pair learned how to come to terms with their traumatic pasts and move forward. Life-long animal advocate and co-founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc., Stacey Ritz has always understood that we can take positive actions to help homeless animals; we can change their lives for the better. But what she learned through rescuing animals is that pets have a way of saving us, too.
What I loved about this book was that the author was brutally honest and raw. I felt her pain and sorrow in her words. She didn’t play the victim but owned it. Her story about grandma will leave you wanting to hug your own dog and want you to go to your local shelter and give a dog or cat a second chance at a good life.
I love the fact that it was a quick read you do on a Sunday afternoon while cuddled on the couch with a glass of wine or hot chocolate.
I learned about the heartache and struggle a foster pet can bring into your life. I have a new respect for people who open their homes to these banished dogs and cats.
I think this is an excellent book for someone suffering from trauma or suffering and the healing process. Or this is a good book if you are thinking about fostering a dog.
This book came into my hands when I needed to read it and I thank Stacy for writing this heartwarming book about seeing the light at the end of a tunnel and the rainbow after a storm.
I highly recommend!
September 5, 2018
Writing this book was truly a labor of love. Although the book has just been published, I wrote Grandma’s story awhile ago - back in 2015. However, it was still too heartbreaking for me to endure the editing process at that time - with *this* book...so I put the book aside, thinking I’d never revisit it again.
Then, earlier this year, I stumbled across the sole copy of Not Your Average Grandma tucked away in the back of my book shelf. It fell into my lap exactly when I needed it. I reread the book and decided it was time. It’s a story I wanted to share; to give strength to others who may have endured similar traumas and to give hope to all of us that a brighter day is ahead. The best is yet to come. And to remind myself and all of us that *love always wins*. No matter what we endure, love and connection are what really matter.
Not Your Average Grandma is the true story of how a small, senior rescue dog and her foster parent turned forever home saved each other.
Can a dog transform your life? If you love animals - if you've ever shared your home with a pet - you'll be able to relate to this book.
If you grab a copy of the book - thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time to read this book, for sharing it on social media, book blogs, with co-workers, friends, and family. And thank you for all of your kind words and support. Thank you for your reviews. Thank you for your love. As a writer, words mean so much to me. As a living-being, connection with my readers is so incredibly powerful. Thank you for your words, your connection, your support, and for your love of animals and all beings. Thank you for your kindness and compassion.
I hope you enjoy the book!
Then, earlier this year, I stumbled across the sole copy of Not Your Average Grandma tucked away in the back of my book shelf. It fell into my lap exactly when I needed it. I reread the book and decided it was time. It’s a story I wanted to share; to give strength to others who may have endured similar traumas and to give hope to all of us that a brighter day is ahead. The best is yet to come. And to remind myself and all of us that *love always wins*. No matter what we endure, love and connection are what really matter.
Not Your Average Grandma is the true story of how a small, senior rescue dog and her foster parent turned forever home saved each other.
Can a dog transform your life? If you love animals - if you've ever shared your home with a pet - you'll be able to relate to this book.
If you grab a copy of the book - thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time to read this book, for sharing it on social media, book blogs, with co-workers, friends, and family. And thank you for all of your kind words and support. Thank you for your reviews. Thank you for your love. As a writer, words mean so much to me. As a living-being, connection with my readers is so incredibly powerful. Thank you for your words, your connection, your support, and for your love of animals and all beings. Thank you for your kindness and compassion.
I hope you enjoy the book!
September 12, 2018
Has life ever come around and hit you with a setback so unexpected, so unplanned for, that it sent you reeling? No? Yeah, me either – my life’s perfect… said no one, ever.
In Not Your Average Grandma, you watch the story unfold as a 20-something young woman, with Olympic-sized dreams, hits a pretty serious bump in the road. While living her life “after the trauma” we see her meet a little Chihuahua (Grandma), who went through her own nightmare, and watch as their story unfolds.
A beautiful story of healing and hope, I recommend Not Your Average Grandma to anyone who has been through a hardship of their own and who also has a soft spot in their hearts for animals. The author, and Grandma, teach us that the comeback is just as important as the healing.
In Not Your Average Grandma, you watch the story unfold as a 20-something young woman, with Olympic-sized dreams, hits a pretty serious bump in the road. While living her life “after the trauma” we see her meet a little Chihuahua (Grandma), who went through her own nightmare, and watch as their story unfolds.
A beautiful story of healing and hope, I recommend Not Your Average Grandma to anyone who has been through a hardship of their own and who also has a soft spot in their hearts for animals. The author, and Grandma, teach us that the comeback is just as important as the healing.
October 19, 2018
Ms. Ritz turns tragedy into treasure in a heartwarming story of rescue and recovery. Not Your Average Grandma: The Story of a Little Senior Rescue Dog with Big Life Lessons, a concise and candid narrative, credits the resilience of a much abused Chihuahua named Grandma for inspiring the author to dress her own wounds. Wit, humor, and lots of heart make a refreshing change in a genre plagued with arrogance and whining. A terrific book for any of us who have ever felt humiliated, betrayed, or defeated. One of the best recovery memoirs I’ve read.
December 15, 2019
I really enjoyed reading about Stacey and little senior chihuahua Grandma's bond in this short and inspiring book. Stacey rescued Grandma from a shelter, and after a difficult history each of them had endured prior to meeting, they healed through their mutual connection. You'll find this story to be heartwarming, and the cute pictures of Grandma throughout the book are irresistible. Our pets can help us play, relax, be tough, and remember what matters in life. That's the take-home message of Stacey's book. I also learned lots about how to help support local animal shelters and rescues.
December 20, 2018
I'm more of a cat person. Not to say I dislike dogs, but I don't connect with them the way "dog people" do. But you absolutely don't need to be a "dog person" or even an animal lover to enjoy this quick read. I really related to Stacey's story as a trauma survivor and writer myself.
My heart broke for her as I read about her nightmares, and how she shut herself in away from the world. I also used to volunteer as an animal foster parent and I know all too well how quickly we can get attached to a pet whose vibe is exactly right for you.
This was such a heartwarming story of both her and Grandma's journey together. I loved the little quotes between the chapters and the list at the end that tells you how you can help the plight of homeless animals. I really loved this book. It was a quick read, but an intense one at times so you really get the feel of a much longer book.
My heart broke for her as I read about her nightmares, and how she shut herself in away from the world. I also used to volunteer as an animal foster parent and I know all too well how quickly we can get attached to a pet whose vibe is exactly right for you.
This was such a heartwarming story of both her and Grandma's journey together. I loved the little quotes between the chapters and the list at the end that tells you how you can help the plight of homeless animals. I really loved this book. It was a quick read, but an intense one at times so you really get the feel of a much longer book.
January 19, 2019
A rewarding tale of two journeys, of two souls on parallel yet intertwined paths...and the lessons they learned along the way. This moving story of hope shows that it’s never too late for a second chance, and how the ones we need often show up just when we need them. The author’s character shines through in this true account of rescuing a mistreated and abandoned dog for whom it was almost too late, and of both discovering healing and renewal in unexpected places. This story is a brilliant source of light and a beacon of hope for the hopeless, inspiring us to take even one small step to help others. Kudos to this award-worthy author whose rescue organization, Advocates 4 Animals, Inc., has saved more than 11,000 lives.
February 5, 2019
This story is about healing. When an abused senior dog, finds her first real home and experiences her first taste of love, she is able to put the past behind her. Together she (Grandma) and her person are able to move through their pain to a place of peace. Along the way she teaches her new owner the lesson of hope.
Read this book…that’s all I can say. It will touch you is ways you can’t even imagine. Thank you Stacey Ritz for sharing this profound story of courage and redemptive strength.
Read this book…that’s all I can say. It will touch you is ways you can’t even imagine. Thank you Stacey Ritz for sharing this profound story of courage and redemptive strength.
June 29, 2019
Really enjoyed this book.
October 11, 2018
Truly enjoyed this book. As an animal lover it was a touching story about the impact our animals have on our lives.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews