Angel on a Leash: Therapy Dogs and the Lives They Touch

by David Frei

David Frei, the publicist of Westminster Kennel Club and the founder of Westminster's therapy dog charity, Angel on a Leash, along with his wife Cheri, a minister at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, retell heartwarming stories of therapy dogs who change the lives of needy children at hospitals and rehabilitation centers. angelonaleash.org

Genres: Dogs, Animals, Nonfiction, Inspirational

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[Koren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly what I thought it was going to be. The author talks a lot about an organization called Angels on A Leash, which takes therapy dogs into hospitals, elder care facilities, rehab facilities, etc. but doesn't get into the lives of the people the organization has helped due to confidentiality issues that he is not privy to that information. Instead he talks a lot about what awards he and his dogs have won and what tv shows they have been on. But it was a touching book and I learned the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs.

[Pamela Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

“More dog”
Funny, quirky, informative: Caution, get out the tissues these stories may bring a few tears to your eyes.

If you’re like me and love to watch the Westminster Dog Show and National Dog Show every year, then you have to get a copy of this book by David Frei, the 2 shows MC. The stories he shares of therapy dogs visiting children with cancer, seniors and soldiers in rehabilitation centers are journeys of the heart. In between the stories he explains the difference between therapy dogs, which David and his wife have, and the service dogs that we’ve seen working with the blind and disabled. He also touches on the history of therapy dogs and what it takes for a dog to do that type of work; pointing out what it takes for the dog’s handler to participate. This would make a great gift book for your dog loving friends. I read this one on my kindle.

[Karen & Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel on a Leash--Therapy Dogs and the Lives They Touch by David Frei is a wonderful book about therapy dogs and David's experiences with his. Therapy dogs do such good work by visiting people who have cancer, or other illnesses or disabilities, and Ronald McDonald House for kids. The stories are touching and the pictures of the people with the dogs are priceless. I know when our dog, Abby, goes up to people, most really enjoy it! This is a very informative book that tells what all is involved if you want your dog to be a therapy dog and what to expect.
(Gerard's review)

[Amber Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very inspirational. I never realized how much dogs can change peoples lives. When you see dogs on the street or in a store for sale, you never think about how they could change an old person or any person going through a struggles life. You usually think about petting them and how adorable they are. David shows that dogs can brighten anybody's day just by being present in a room. That is all it takes really to make someone very happy. No matter what age or gender, dogs can change people's lives for the better.

[Rachel Buchner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting book, but not my favorite at first I was intrigued but then it got kind of boring to read. I like the idea but it talked way to much about the dogs and not about the people they helped. I rather read about people then dogs, but overall it was a good book. Took me a while to get through it though because it was getting boring near the end. the pictures in the middle of the book were great though.

[Ainy Rainwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though my dogs are mixed breed rescue dogs, I enjoy watching dog shows occasionally and one of the reasons is David Frei, who is one of the presenters for those I watch. I like him and I like this very personal memoir of his dogs and their work as therapy dogs. My only complaint about this book is that it's too short...which is perhaps the best criticism one can give a book. ;-)

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who ever thought their dog could be a therapy dog. David Frei takes you into the heart of pet therapy work.

[Ann (Noumena12)]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11202695

[Holly Weiss]

FQ