I knew when I read the title of this book it would be special. A Day with Dutchess: Life Lessons from a Blind Therapy Dog features a special dog Dutchess. While most dogs are special, Dutchess really inspires with her life.
About:
Inspired by a true story, the book follows Dutchess and her buddy, Droopy, as they work with children at an autism center, sample treats at their favorite pet boutique and organize an adoption fair to help lonely cats and dogs find loving forever homes.
The real Dutchess has a gentle and joyful heart. Prior to the hereditary illness that claimed her eyesight in 2011, Dutchess worked with children with autism. Her story reached many with features in The New York Times and The Bark. Though her loving owner, Mark Condon, was unsure how Dutchess would react after surgery, he was grateful that her gregarious and gentle personality and joyful heart remained unchanged. This enabled her to continue her therapy work.
My Thoughts:
I love that this book featured Dutchess in several different charity/therapy situations. From Autism to the animal shelter she was helping everyone in her path. I can just picture her licking the faces of the kids she meets. Dutchess might have lost her eyes but she sure didn’t lose her heart! At the end of the book there is some information on the different charities mentioned as well as some real life background on Dutchess. As a parent I loved that the authors included that.
