"Stella is a real dog. She is a special dog with an important job. Stella is a therapy dog and she creates happiness wherever she goes. That makes her a hero to many people. Read her story to find out more about Stella and what makes her a hero dog."--

"A poignant first memoir of how the author's relationship with her dog saved her from suicidal depression describes her unsuccessful work with therapists and loved ones before she adopted a Golden Retriever puppy who became a loyal companion throughout her difficult recovery,"--NoveList.

Simple text and full-color photos illustrate the traits, training, and duties of therapy dogs.

At loose ends with her daughter leaving home and her husband on the road, Sue Halpern decided to give herself and Pransky, her under-occupied Labradoodle, a new lease on life by getting the two of them certified as a therapy dog team. In a public nursing home, she led her teammate into a series of encounters with the residents that revealed depths of warmth, humor and insight Halpern hadn't expected.

The Underdogs tells the story of Karen Shirk, felled at age twenty-four by a neuromuscular disease and facing life as a ventilator-dependent, immobile patient, who was turned down by every service dog agency in the country because she was "too disabled." Her nurse encouraged her to tone down the suicidal thoughts, find a puppy, and raise her own service dog. Karen did this, and Ben, a German shepherd, dragged her back into life. "How many people are...

"The endearing true story of a Type-A mom struggling to care for a daughter who has Type 1 diabetes--and the incredible service dog who changes their lives for the better. Stefany Shaheen takes readers on an emotional journey as she tries everything to manage her daughter Elle's deadly and unpredictable disease, all while juggling a family of four children. Overcoming the skepticism that a dog can provide answers that medical science is still seeking,...