Judea loves hanging out with the children who we meet in our travels.
The learning curve of being a first-time author has certainly been an adventure with many learning experiences. Each event brings its own unique venues, audiences, interests, and approaches. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and warm and seem genuinely intrigued by the notion of deaf dogs and their plight. However, I realize that each one has requirements that are often not anticipated and that I need to plan to bring items that apply to all types of needs - needs that I often never contemplated. But, each is worthwhile and makes the appearance and/or presentation just that much more special and appealing.
I talked about our time at the American School for the Deaf in an earlier blog. It continues to warm my heart and fill my thoughts with glorious sentiments and miraculous moments of children experiencing a deaf pup who understood and responded to them. The smiles and giggles resound in my mind.
I also talked about Camp Gone to the Dogs in Marlboro, VT, where Hogan got to run completely free for the first time ever! Many campers remembered our legendary hero who began the movement in 1993 to save deaf dogs from ultimate destruction merely because they were deaf. He broke the barriers of those untrue myths and championed the ability to achieve and live a "normal" life when none others had gone before him. How wonderful it is to see articles, YouTube videos, and owners with their special family members leading wonderful lives.
Now our journey continued to the Killingworth Farmers Market where Judea, our deaf dog of present, entertains and offers love to the visitors and shoppers. We met many wonderful people who wanted to hear more about Judea and her late brother, Hogan. Meeting folks who have open and accepting minds makes getting out our message of hope so much easier.
We will be revisiting this wonderful atmosphere on July 8th.
(BTW: Judea uses a gentle leader instead of a regular collar in order that she is gently lead instead of experiencing a pull on her tender neck. She does NOT wear or need a muzzle as some often mistake this type of collar.)
Of course, sharing the space with author, D. Margaret Hoffman, of Saving Our Lives, adds an extra-special element of fun. Dawn is articulate and creative and has the amazing ability to bring out the best of anyone's ability to write their story. I know for sure that when I was feeling as if I couldn't make it, her writing spurred me on with "I can do this!"
Being invited to RJ Julia Booksellers was indeed a compliment. I joined three other pet-loving authors and we all shared our books. I decided to add a reading which left the attendees on the edge of their chairs to find out what happens next. A very special addition to this event was my friend, Eileen Baker! She had accompanied me to the American School for the Deaf and interpreted for me in American Sign Language. My belief in using ASL with my dogs instead of adaptations of hand signals is that many people will be able to talk with my deaf pups naturally. Sure enough! A deaf gentleman was a guest that evening and Eileen came to the rescue by interpreting the entire presentation for him. Afterwards, he talked with Judea and was thrilled that she understood almost everything he said. It doesn't get much better than that!!
On June 26th, we visited the Ocean City Public Library in Ocean City, New Jersey. This was "a dream come true." I spent all, truly all, of my summers as a youngster with my grandparents who lived in OCNJ and continued to vacation for most of my adult life with my immediate family. This vacation has grown into fabulous, memory-making family reunions with folks coming as far away as Australia some years.
When I approached Julie Brown, the library's program director, about the possibility of presenting and signing, she greeted me with immediate and genuine enthusiasm, excitement and reception. The evening was a huge success in which the entire audience became engaged and interested in learning about deaf dogs, their plight, and the hope - hope for us all, no matter what.
The following is a review of their publicity for the event which gained recognition as one of the best events in Ocean City. Wow! I am humbled.
Meet the Author Hogan's Hope Book Signing has been published on allevents.in and listed among the best events in Ocean City.
Take a quick look at the event below:
Meet the Author Hogan's Hope Book Signing
Thu Jul 06 2017 at 6:30 pm
Ocean City, NJ
Our journey continues with a reappearance at the Farmers Market at Parmelee Farm on Saturday, July 8, 10:00 AM to 1:00 pm.
Then, we are off to Breakwater Books in Guilford, CT, on July 22, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This will be a fun and interactive day with visitors to the Guilford Green. The store's owner, Liza, can't be friendlier or more welcoming.
July 29th will have us at Barnes and Noble in West Hartford, CT about 11:00 AM along with author Shawn Flynn. Our proceeds from this event will benefit the CT Humane Society where Hogan began his days of being rescued. It seems very fitting that he will be able to give back a piece of what was given to him.
My hopes are that we can continue to schedule places where we can make the dollar or two that we get when selling our book, Hogan's Hope: A Deaf Hero's Inspirational for Love and Acceptance, so that we can donate most of these proceeds to the non-profit organizations that are hosting our events. We look forward to any possibility and suggestions.
Our mission: Giving back. Accepting. Loving. Holding Hope though any challenge.
