Paperback Available on Amazon
Publisher: McFarland (September 10, 2014)
Publisher: McFarland (October 31, 2014)
For many, Rockefeller Center
evokes the images of happy ice-skaters and the lighting of America’s most famous
Christmas tree. But for me, the Lower Plaza of this iconic New York City
location conjures nostalgic scenes of dogs jumping through hoops, herding sheep,
showing off their obedience skills, and prancing and parading in elaborate
parades!
The last week of September,
from the period of the 1930s through the 1950s, canines took over Rockefeller
Plaza in celebration of each year’s greatly anticipated observances of National
Dog Week, established by Captain William Lewis Judy, a man clearly ahead of
times. Judy published Dog World
magazine for four decades and in 1928 launched NDW to officially honor man’s
best friends for all the ways they served
humans.
Judy, a minister, teacher,
lawyer, decorated WWI soldier and ultimate dog-professional was also among the
first to write about the spiritual connection between dog and human. With humor, honesty, and intelligence, Judy’s
writings positively influenced a new generation of dog ownership. He even helped
to establish the DWAA (Dog Writers Association of America), giving the dog-writing profession the respect it
deserves.
I recall the day I first read
about Judy and his volumes of magazines, books and dog-training materials.
Reading about Judy’s life inspired me to be an author. It hasn’t been easy. As
someone with no connections in the dog world or publishing scene, I was truly an
underdog writing about an obscure topic. I had to get my bark on and remain
positive in my goals even in the face of rejection. But I prevailed and this
week, I am happy to report that my book about this man and his contributions to
Dogdom has been released. Dog’s Best
Friend: Will Judy, Founder of National Dog Week and Dog World Publisher
(McFarland & Co.) is now available.
I began writing this book with
my beautiful Portuguese water dog, Hooper curled up at my feet. But in 2012,
during a six month period, my husband battled a major health problem, Hooper
passed suddenly, and Hurricane Sandy devastated our community. My husband is
well now, and we are still picking up the pieces in the aftermath of that
catastrophic storm, but Hooper is now a just happy memory, and I find strength in our sweet dog, Teddy, who came to us while I tried my hand at fostering.
In weathering all kinds of
storms, I always seek refuge in my writing. With a pen and a pad, I can get my
thoughts down anyplace, anytime and find an emotional safe haven. Reading the
words of Judy has always put me in a good state of mind, and when I see those
old photos of dogs living it up in mid-town Manhattan, it gives me hope that
perhaps someday, all dogs can have their week celebrating under a golden
September sun as thousands of adoring dog-lovers cheer them on under the
watchful gaze of Prometheus.
About The Author:
Lisa Begin-Kruysman is an award-winning author and blogger. A
graduate of the University of Connecticut, she has studied writing with the
Institute of Children's Literature, The Society of Children's Writers and Book
Illustrators and the Highlights Foundation. A former Human Resources Associate
in the entertainment industry, she currently resides in Ocean County with her
husband Rich, and foster-to-forever dog Teddy. Through her artwork and writing,
she aspires to educate and enlighten the world about the unique bond that
exists between humans and their dogs and to ultimately improve the welfare of
dogs across the nation.
Please
be sure to check out her blog dedicated to the National Dog Week Movement with
over 200 posts related to all things dog!
Also by the Author:
Buy On Amazon
Something's Lost and Must be Found: Seven Short Tails of
Inspiration on a Long Leash Published 2011
An engaging Short Story Collection (aprox. 25,400 words) for dog-lovers and fans of Inspirational fiction; inspired by the search and rescue dogs of the soul. Based on the first one-hundred posts of a devoted Dog-blogger. Now with a seventh story! A pawsitively dog-friendly read. A portion of all downloads will go to help some animals in need.
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