Hogan’s Hope: Discovering Fun and Favorite Things
Reviewed By: Philip Van Heusen
for Readers’ Favorite
Review Rating: 5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review! Get your free 5-star seal!
Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome.
Readers' Favorite announces the review of the Children - Christian book "Hogan’s Hope" by Connie Bombaci, Heather Ferrer, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1734813326.
Hogan is a young Dalmatian that is adopted into a forever family, which consists of a mom and dad (both human) and a sister (another dog). Then the family adopts another dog, and the family is complete. Hogan has what many would think of as a problem, but as Hogan shows, being deaf is not an issue. In Hogan’s Hope: Discovering Fun and Favorite Things, Connie Bombaci lets the world know that being different is good. We are all different in some form or fashion. Hogan may be differently-abled, but that makes the point that he is able, just in a different manner. For example, Hogan may not understand verbal orders for all the games at doggie day camp. Still, he had learned primary sign language and could perform all the activities like the other dogs. This story will help children understand that differently-abled people are as worthy as normal people. Help your children learn to be accepting and loving to those who are different.
Using a story based on the real-life of Hogan, Connie Bombaci helps children to understand that everyone deserves a chance to be included. Hogan is a dog that is adopted into a forever family that loves each other, no matter what differences they have. Hogan’s Hope teaches many lessons about hope, love, and acceptance. Hogan is deaf, but instead of using his difference as an excuse, he is encouraged to participate in all the activities and he is not left out. Many children are different and just want the chance to be loved and accepted. Many children have no parents and need a forever home. Use this book to start discussions with your children concerning how to accept those who are different. If your child is differently-abled, use this book to teach them that they are just as important and worthy as other children. This book entertains, teaches, inspires, and hopefully motivates. Spend time with your children going over all the lessons found in this story.
The following are comments from your reviewer and do NOT appear in your final review. Usually these are concerns your reviewer had that they did not want to put in your final review.
We need more books like this one to help children (as well as adults) that being differently-abled is not being unable.
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Eddie Hartshorn, Reviewer
A beautiful, true story to share on this Easter day. "Hogan's Hope" by Connie Bombaci. The Dalmatian pup was born deaf. What began with abuse and neglect, quickly turned into a miracle shared by Hogan and Connie. Hogan learned over sixty-five signs in American Sign Language and appeared on many television shows.
Grab a seat, kick up your feet, and watch Hogan steal your heart through his gifts of faith, love, and hope. This tale is unforgettable!
Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Dog, A Christian’s Faith, A Courageous Journey
Hogans Hope is the heartwarming story of a deaf dog who escaped death during the time when the prevalent belief was that deaf dogs needed to be destroyed. It is the tale of a legendary deaf canine champion who endured severe abuse and prevailed as he turned upside down the myths of deaf dogs being dumb, difficult to train, and harmful. Hogan learned American Sign Language, engaged in normal puppy activities, and provided the hope of lifenot deathfor deaf dogs worldwide. Through perseverance and enduring hope, Hogans courage provided inspiration to anyonehuman or petthat success and genuine love are truly possible. This heroic deaf dog continues to reveal that by choosing hope, anyones dreams can come true, and the world can be filled with steadfast faith, pure joy, and unconditional love. Its a story like none other. Learn more about this intrepid pair as well as the power of love and persistence against seemingly stacked odds. Sit! Read! Enjoy! Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, professor emeritus, animal behaviorist, Tufts University I have been re-inspired with the notion that all of Gods creation responds powerfully to His loving touch passed on through others. Thanks to Connie and Hogan for teaching us to have eyes to see and ears to hear for all those with two legs or four legs who are around us every day. Read and gain this heartfelt hope for yourself. -Jimmy H. Allen, Minister International Churches of Christ. (Summary via Goodreads)
Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Dog, A Christian’s Faith, A Courageous Journey by Connie Bombaci is more than the story of a deaf dog, it is a story of hope, love, commitment, understanding, strength, devotion, and joy !!! To read Connie’s story about helping Hogan find his forever home and the love that he was surrounded by every day is a treat for ALL readers. Connie and her husband Jim are proof that there are angels on earth. Not only for adopting Hogan, a dalmation that is deaf but also for adopting another deaf dog, Georgia, and for everything that they did for their dogs. They taught Hogan how to communicate and understand them by teaching him sign language. They not only taught him sign language but went to schools, nursing homes and other places to share with people his gift. They wanted to show people that even though Hogan is deaf, he can still have a fulfilling life.
Here is a quote from Connie’s book that I think rings so true…..
“I was eager to get the word out to the public that handicapped animals, similar to disabled people, can lead useful and fruitful lives. I don’t like the term handicapped because I believe that everyone has his or her own personal challenges, some visible and some hidden.”
Connie and Jim lived by that belief and just wanted to make as many people as they could understand that also.
When you bring an animal into your home, you are opening yourself up for a world of love and commitment. No only are you providing this animal/pet a safe environment with food and shelter, you are providing them with love, and what they give back is more than you can imagine !!!
I have always been an animal lover, cats mainly, and have always had a cat or two or three in the family so reading this book was a no-brainer. To know that there are people out there like Connie and Jim will give you a warm feeling. When you start reading Hogan’s Hope and see how his life was in the beginning, you begin to root for him and that feeling gets stronger as you get deeper into the story. Hogan’s story is such an inspiration for everyone and I encourage reader’s to read it and share his story with everyone you know. How can you not love him ??? Oprah did !!!!
Review by Missi M.
Hogan’s Hope: Finding a Forever Home of Love and Acceptance
by Connie Bombaci
missisbookreviews in Uncategorized April 4, 2020 460 Words
Christian Version.
Journey with a deaf dog who dreams of a wonderful life filled with love and acceptance and shows the world that, with hope, anything is possible. Share the beautiful gift of Hogan’s Hope: a story like none other.
Hogan’s Hope is often compared with books like:
Charlotte’s Web
Stormy
Hogan’s Hope is the inspirational story of a deaf dog who escaped death when the prevalent belief was that deaf dogs needed to be destroyed. Rescued at 18-months of age from severe neglect, Hogan persevered and became a legendary champion as he turned upside down the myths of deaf dogs being difficult to train, dumb, stubborn, and harmful. He learned to understand over 70 signs in American Sign Language, participate in various canine activities, and spread the message of hope for triumphant life–not death–for deaf dogs internationally. By appearing on programs such as Dateline NBC, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures, Amazing Tails, and Oprah Winfrey, Hogan helped pave the way for deaf dogs to be accepted, loved, and understood.
Hogan’s Hope is more than another pet or animal book. It’s a message of inspiration that shares the depths of an animal’s spirit, feelings, and purpose and encourages readers to personalize the significance for their own lives. His courage reassures anyone–human or pet–that success and genuine love are indeed possible no matter what the challenge. This heroic dog continues to reveal that by choosing hope, dreams can come true, and the world can be filled with steadfast faith, pure joy, and unconditional love. It’s a story like none other–one that needs to be told. (Summary via Amazon)
Hogan’s Hope: Finding a Forever Home of Love and Acceptance is a very touching story of a deaf dog and his journey towards his forever home. Being an animal lover myself, having owned cats for most of my life, I know what it’s like to find that certain special animal that you bring into your home and love with all your heart.
Reading this story opens the reader’s heart and floods it with compassion, love and longing. You cannot help but love Hogan and hope that he does in deed find his forever home. And with him being deaf that makes you want it that much more. Having a cat with diabetes before I know what it is like to have a pet with a “disability” but that just means that you need to love them more !!!
Connie Bombaci writes a truly inspiration story for kids and the added questions and thoughts allow parents to interact with their child even more. I, for one, learned something reading this story. I did not know that dalmations were not born with their spots…..did you? What else did you learn by reading this ?
Review by Missi M. https://missisbookreviews.wordpress.com/2020/04/04/hogans-hope-finding-a-forever-home-of-love-and-acceptance-by-connie-bombaci/?fbclid=IwAR3syT9R9J9ipvyZZAT--pw4xyw1GGzAu8JmrIAT5I-xb-LZxbylsG8H2bA
Wonderful surprise in February 2020 BookList Magazine, an Ingram Library publication.
Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Dog, a Courageous Journey, and a Christian’s Faith.
BookList
features
Hogan’s Hope
Bombaci, Connie (author).
REVIEW. First published February 15, 2019 (Booklist).
This book is recommended by BlueInk Review, a fee-based review service devoted exclusively to self-published books. Booklist is happy to partner with BlueInk to bring you the best self-published titles for adults and youth. Stars reflect the decisions of BlueInk reviewers and editors.
When Bombaci met Hogan, an 18-month-old Dalmatian, at the Humane Society, he was emaciated, traumatized from physical abuse, and deaf. The chances of anyone adopting him were slim, but Bombaci couldn’t resist the challenge. She tethered Hogan to her 24/7 and taught him American Sign Language. Her success proved that deaf dogs need not be put down and landed Hogan appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Dateline NBC, Animal Planet, and more. Bombaci’s detailed narrative of Hogan’s pre-adoption life may create some skepticism, given that she wasn’t present, but this is quickly overshadowed by many inspirational moments: a deaf woman’s elation in finally being able to communicate with a dog; an elderly man holding off dying to say goodbye to Hogan, and more. Dog lovers—and, really, anyone with a soul—will find it hard not to cry by the book’s end. Bombaci also includes tips for dog training, and Bible quotes punctuate the chapters, reminding readers that God cares about all His creation.
— BlueInk Review
Find more titles by Connie Bombaci
https://www.booklistonline.com/Hogan-s-Hope-A-Deaf-Dog-a-Courageous-Journey-and-a-Christian-s-Faith/pid=9715337?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
*******
"Our second graders were transfixed by Connie's moving story of Hogan and her accompanying videos showcasing his amazing journey. Her mantra of how essential it is to accept and love others was threaded throughout her presentation. When Judea came out to meet the students, it was as though we'd all won the love lottery! I can't describe the joy in the room. This was one of the most meaningful experiences by a guest author I've had in my 17 years in elementary education."
Judy Nacca, Literacy Coach
Burr District Elementary School
5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review!
Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite
Hogan’s Hope: Finding a Forever Home of Love and Acceptance (Christian Edition) by Connie Bombaci is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of a dog different from the others. Hogan is born in the Brown family’s farmhouse during a storm. Anna decides to keep the puppy since no one is willing to buy it as it is deaf, but she can’t have him inside the house. Her father wants nothing to do with dogs in the house. So, feeling lonely and rejected, the pup is rescued by a man who offers it a ride in his truck and eventually a home. Hogan quickly discovers hope and a strong connection with his new owner and finds meaning and happiness, in spite of the fact that he is unique.
This is a story about a dog that inspires strong Christian values. From the first pages, the reader is introduced to the idea that being different doesn’t mean being less. This is through the way that Anna looks at the puppy after everyone rejects it: “Anna guessed that Ten was different and believed with all her heart that being different meant being special!” The puppy’s journey towards self-acceptance and hope is one that will open the eyes of young readers to the beauty in others. While this is a story about a puppy, it has manifold lessons for humans and also reflects the way that God looks at each of us. Hogan’s Hope: Finding a Forever Home of Love and Acceptance (Christian Edition) is beautifully imagined and well-written in language that is simple and punctuated by biblical verses that provoke meditation. Connie Bombaci’s book is a tool to start conversations with young readers on themes of love, acceptance, and compassion and how these values can transform relationships and people.
An original, hope-filled story told well.
Kirkus Review
HOGAN'S HOPE
BY CONNIE BOMBACI ‧ RELEASE DATE: MARCH 29, 2018
The Christian edition of Bombaci’s award-winning memoir (Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Hero’s Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance, 2017) about a deaf dog with astounding abilities.
When Hogan the Dalmatian came into Bombaci’s life, the dog was battered, malnourished, and longing for a loving home. But at least the previous owners didn’t euthanize him, a disturbingly common practice with deaf Dalmatians. His life began a new and bright chapter when he was adopted by Bombaci, who saw his potential more than his limitations. She and her husband, Jim, began learning ASL, eventually teaching Hogan more than 70 words. They also underwent rigorous desensitization with him, counterconditioning the fearful reactions he learned during his abused youth. In addition to now having affectionate and dedicated owners, Hogan enjoyed the canine companionship of India, the family’s black Lab, and, later, Georgia, another adopted deaf Dalmatian. He also loved people of all ages, and the author includes a particularly touching account of an elderly man whose bitter heart was softened by Hogan’s “unwavering devotion and steadfast friendship.” Hogan’s fame quickly grew, and he and Bombaci were featured in numerous publications and television productions (including Oprah), spreading the vital message that pervades this book: “All God’s creations are worthy of receiving thoughtful consideration, good treatment, and genuine love. No matter the age, size, characteristics, or type, each is capable of living a wonderful, rewarding life.” Bombaci’s writing reads effortlessly, exploring themes that extend far beyond the canine world. She also ably demonstrates Hogan’s character development from a scared and scrawny pup to a handsome, highly intelligent dog full of energy and love—a life-affirming transformation. This Christian version is essentially the same as the original except garnished with Bible verses that bring a faith-filled ambiance to the book. The book’s organization lacks nothing, taking readers on the step-by-step journey of Hogan’s life; its universal, empowering message gives it the potential to reach a much wider audience than just dog lovers.
An original, hope-filled story told well.
ISBN: 978-1-5320-4335-2
Page Count: 146
Review Posted Online: Aug. 21, 2018 Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2018 Review Program: KIRKUS INDIE
Categories: PHILOSOPHY & RELIGION
5.0 out of 5 stars A very touching and inspiring story !!
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2020
Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Dog, A Christian’s Faith, A Courageous Journey by Connie Bombaci is more than the story of a deaf dog, it is a story of hope, love, commitment, understanding, strength, devotion, and joy !!! To read Connie’s story about helping Hogan find his forever home and the love that he was surrounded by every day is a treat for ALL readers. Connie and her husband Jim are proof that there are angels on earth. Not only for adopting Hogan, a Dalmatian, who is deaf but also for adopting another deaf dog, Georgia, and for everything that they did for their dogs. They taught Hogan how to communicate and understand them by teaching him sign language. They not only taught him sign language but went to schools, nursing homes and other places to share with people his gift. They wanted to show people that even though Hogan is deaf, he can still have a fulfilling life.
Here is a quote from Connie’s book that I think rings so true…..
“I was eager to get the word out to the public that handicapped animals, similar to disabled people, can lead useful and fruitful lives. I don’t like the term handicapped because I believe that everyone has his or her own personal challenges, some visible and some hidden.”
Connie and Jim lived by that belief and just wanted to make as many people as they could understand that also.
When you bring an animal into your home, you are opening yourself up for a world of love and commitment. No only are you providing this animal/pet a safe environent with food and shelter, you are providing them with love, and what they give back is more than you can imagine !!!
I have always been an animal lover, cats mainly, and have always had a cat or two or three in the family so reading this book was a no brainer. To know that there are people out there like Connie and Jim will give you a warm feeling. When you start reading Hogan’s Hope and see how his life was in the beginning, you begin to root for him and that feeling gets stronger as you get deeper into the story. Hogan’s story is such an inspiration for everyone and I encourage reader’s to read it and share his story with everyone you know. How can you not love him ??? Oprah did !!!!
*******
Jena C. Henry
Book-in-a-Minute Review
Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Hero’s Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance
Jena C. Henry, - Author, Reviewer
January 15, 2018
It was amazing!
What a blessing to read Author Connie Bombaci’s book about her life with her deaf dog, Hogan. She adopted him as a rescued special needs dog from her local humane society. But my short, factual sentence does not truly convey the depth of how Hogan impacted his new human and dog family and how they changed his life. Hogan’s story may well change your life for the better.
Hogan was born deaf, which is common to the Dalmatian breed. The author named him Hogan, from the Navajo word for home, because that’s what this dog was seeking. But there’s more to the name “Hogan” because the author wanted to recognize the spiritual component that Hogan radiated.
This spiritual force blazed forth when Hogan, an intelligent, and deep- thinking dog and Connie, a loving, compassionate, but practical and experienced animal person bonded through communication. Ms. Bombaci trained Hogan using American Sign Language (ASL). Hogan learned at least 73 signs, for words you might expect, “sit” and “out”, and more novel and sophisticated words, such as “sing” and “mama”.
This book is a loving, well-written and inspiring work and it was no surprise to learn that Hogan became a celebrity- appearing on Oprah and other national and local shows. Hogan qualified as a certified therapy dog and there is a touching story about his nursing home visits. Appendices about Hogan and deaf dogs are also included. Here’s some great advice, “A tired dog is a good dog.”
I highly recommend this book. More than just a nice dog story, this is a testament to love, perseverance, and hope. “Hogan’s hope was for everyone to realize anything is possible if you don’t give up believing.” Hogan’s Hope also reminded me, “What I can I give Him, Give my heart.” Give your heart the gift of Hogan’s Hope.
*******
Rosie Malezar
Readers Favorite
Five-Star Rating
Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Hero’s Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance
Born the runt of the litter in a puppy mill and christened Number 10, the tiny Dalmatian pup hardly stood a chance at a normal life. Not only was he born deaf, but he was also quite small. Not permitted indoors, he suffered horrific beatings whilst being caged outdoors with no shelter or warmth. After being rescued and rehomed, Number 10 was renamed after being adopted by a kind and loving family. Now known as Hogan, his life was about to change tenfold, as his new family acknowledged his deafness and helped him work through his residual fears, as they learned and taught basic commands in American Sign Language, and turned this scrawny, bruised and beaten canine victim into a happy, healthy survivor.
The moment I saw the premise of Hogan’s story, I had never wanted to read any book so badly before in my life. Connie Bombaci’s story of Hogan – a Dalmatian pup which had withstood all the odds and became a beacon of hope for so many – moved me to tears. Seeing how horrifically an animal could be treated gave me chills, whilst clenching my fists at the same time. I saw Hogan’s rescue from such a horrific place to be a true blessing. Being Deaf, I know the challenges and prejudices that stem from audism and surdophobia, and could not help but rejoice as I experienced Hogan’s transformation from scared victim in a world devoid of trust, to a confident, devoted and loving pet which lived and gave his all for his human and animal friends and family. One of the most emotionally satisfying and enriching books I have ever read, Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Hero’s Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance is a tale which I not only enjoyed, but also recommend to readers aged over 15 years, so that they can see that deafness does not create boundaries in any species – it is how you interact and embrace those who are deaf which makes all the difference in their silent world.
- Rosie Malezer for Reader’s Favorite
*****
Dan Blanchard -Award-Winning Author, Speaker and Educator who has appeared on over 100 TV and radio shows!
The world is a tough place for anything just trying to live its life! Connie Bombaci's wonderful and inspiring book, " Hogan's Hope" offers a whole lot of hope that there is room for all living things to grow, and not just to survive, but to thrive in this tough complicated world riddled with despair, tragedies and misconceptions. Whether you're a dog lover or not, pick up a copy of Connie Bombaci's, "Hogan's Hope" because it shows a better path to improving ourselves, and humanity.
*****
Brian Jud is the Executive Director of APSS and renowned Author
As the current recipient of a rescued dog, this book had particular relevance for me. Some people simply discard their pets if they are less than perfect. But this story represents all that could be good in the world if we simply learn to help those less fortunate – human or animal. It proves that by helping those in need, we also help ourselves.
*****
Killingworth Public Library September 25, 2017 rated it Five Star
Inspiring. Truly inspiring.
Witnessing Connie interact with her dogs is absolutely an amazing experience.
The love, the respect, the connection come across in every touch, every gesture.
I had the privilege of seeing Hogan and Connie working together as they visited my classroom years ago. And the privilege continues as I see Connie and Judea meeting new friends at the Library where I now work.
It is no wonder Hogan's Hope is meeting with such success - the story of Connie and her special pup is truly a love story.
A story that reaches out not only to dog lovers but to anyone with a heart.
5.0 out of 5 stars Hogan is a Keeper!
*****
D. Margaret Hoffman Award-Winning Author April 28, 2017
Some people saw Hogan only as a dog with a disability, imperfect, a throwaway. Connie saw him as a champion who happened to be deaf. Her love and patience helped Hogan to achieve more than even she ever dreamed. Using sign language, Connie was able to train and communicate with Hogan so that he not only lived his best possible life, but also brought joy to others. Now Hogan lives on in these pages to inspire us all, proving to each new reader that a focus on our abilities is what makes life beautiful. Read this book. It will make your day.
*****
Deborah Cappa-Kotulski rated it Five Star
I recently attended a book signing at a local book store and although I decided to attend this event due to the fact Shawn Flynn, the author who wrote The Kitty Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him, was going to be there I was so very lucky that Connie Bombaci was also there signing copies of Hogan's Hope. After I heard this wonderfully kind-hearted woman speak about Hogan's life before she adopted him and the amount of love, patience and understanding that went into having Hogan as part of her family I had to buy her book. Being an avid animal lover and a person who wears her heart on her sleeve the story of Hogan's rough (to say the least) start in life was a little hard to read but once rescued out of his hellish beginnings and with every turn of the page as you read about his adoption and his life with Connie and his new family happiness, unconditional love and hope replace the sadness you felt for Hogan. Connie's writing gives insight into Hogan's world where although he couldn’t hear the conventional way he heard with his heart and his soul. This is a wonderful book about an incredible dog who accomplished amazing things and touched so many lives and about the people who loved him dearly. After reading this book, and although regrettably I never met this handsome, regal dog, I am now one of those people who consider myself someone who loves him and I know anyone who reads this book will feel the same way.
*****
Reader’s Review:
"I’m feeling proud to have a friend like Connie Bombaci! I just read Hogan’s Hope! It is such an amazing book! This woman is a real hero in my book! Saving beautiful dogs, who would have been euthanized, for being born deaf! The book is so well written! What a talented and warm-hearted woman! You can get the book at Barnes an Noble or Amazon .com. You won’t be sorry! She is one amazing lady! Glad to call her my friend."💕🙋♀️Susan Oerkfitz