From the author of the picture book phenomenon The Invisible String comes a moving companion title about coping with grief when a pet dies. "When our pets aren't with us anymore, an Invisible Leash connects our hearts to each other. Forever." That's what Zack's friend Emily tells him after his dog dies. Zack doesn't believe it. He only believes in what he can see. But on an enlightening journey through their neighborhood—and through his grief—he comes to feel the comforting tug of the Invisible Leash. And it feels like love. Accompanied by tender. uplifting art by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, bestselling author Patrice Karst's gentle story uses the same bonding technique from her classic book The Invisible String to help readers through the experience of the loss of a beloved animal.

Discover a new leash on love with Debbie Burns's adorable contemporary romance where everyone is given a second chance, whether they're... A single father searching for a way to connect with his children A determined woman desperate to save the animals she loves Or a sweet-eyed puppy who longs to be adopted With her no-kill animal shelter at risk of losing funding, Megan Anderson is working doggedly to save the animals in her care. She'll do anything for them—even go toe-to-toe with a handsome man who's in way over his head. Craig Williams has had his share of heartache recently, and he's not in the mood to get the guilt trip from a spirited (and beautiful) animal shelter owner. But the more time they spend together, the more he realizes it's not just animals Megan is adept at saving—she could be the one to rescue his heart. Soon, Craig and Megan find that the magic of unconditional love can do anything...even lead to their forever home.

David Frei’s heartwarming collection of stories about the therapy dogs in his life and the people whom they touch, Angel on a Leash celebrates the “ministry” that Frei shares with his wife, Chaplain Cherilyn Frei, the director of spiritual care at the Ronald McDonald House of New York.Frei may be the most recognizable face and name in the dog sport, as “the Voice of Westminster,” the famous New York kennel club for which he has worked for the past two decades, but his true passion in dogs is therapy work. In the book’s eighteen chapters, Frei retells the stories of the everyday miracles he’s witnessed his therapy dogs perform over hundreds of trips to their favorite places. Currently in his second generation of therapy dogs, Frei gives his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel “Angel” and Brittany “Grace” all the credit for the life-altering work they do cheering up ailing children at Morgan Stanley’s Children’s Hospital, spending time with recovering patients at NewYork- Presbyterian Hospital, and placing a paw in the hand of world-weary veterans at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Never sappy or sentimental, Frei’s writing style is straightforward and honest with a swiftness that keeps the reader turning pages (and wiping tears). Beyond the inspiring storytelling, the book also offers practical advice to potential therapy dog handlers about how to get a dog certified with a proper registry, the responsibilities that accompany therapy work, and the importance of community involvement. Frei’s association with Westminster yielded the formation of a nonprofit organization called Angel on a Leash (the book’s namesake), which Frei was the key founder. Although the organization is now a separate entity from its famous “parent,” Best in Show winners of Westminster have frequently retired from the show ring into the realm of therapy work, receiving Frei’s encouragement and guidance. Among the many exquisite moments captured in the book’s photography section are portraits of Rufus, the Colored Bull Terrier; James, the English Spring Spaniel; and Uno, the Beagle, all supreme victors of the famous show, spending time with children on therapy visits.

"Cora Bellamy is a woman who thrives on organization. She's successfully run her own dog training business for years, perfectly content with her beloved rescue pitbull as the main man in her life. She's given everything to her business, and her lack of social life (or slobber-free clothes) has been completely worth it. But all that changes when she meets Charlie Gill, the hottest client she's ever had. The only problem? Charlie's taken. Luckily, Cora has a new friend--the sweet, lovably geeky Eli Crawford. More loyal than a retriever, he's always there to help Cora with her problems, including her love life. That's why she's shocked to realize that even as things start heating up with Charlie, there might just be a more-than-friends spark between her and Eli, too. As Cora's life gets more tangled up than a dogwalker's leashes--and as she prepares to audition for a dog-training TV show that may irrevocably change her entire life--she has to figure things out before it all goes straight to the dogs."--

Learn to communicate with your dog—using their language “Good reading for dog lovers and an immensely useful manual for dog owners.”—The Washington Post An Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years’ experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell reveals a revolutionary new perspective on our relationship with dogs—sharing insights on how “man’s best friend” might interpret our behavior, as well as essential advice on how to interact with our four-legged friends in ways that bring out the best in them. After all, humans and dogs are two entirely different species, each shaped by its individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (as are wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation. This marvelous guide demonstrates how even the slightest changes in our voices and in the ways we stand can help dogs understand what we want. Inside you will discover: • How you can get your dog to come when called by acting less like a primate and more like a dog • Why the advice to “get dominance” over your dog can cause problems • Why “rough and tumble primate play” can lead to trouble—and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of mischief • How dogs and humans share personality types—and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alpha wanna-bes!” Fascinating, insightful, and compelling, The Other End of the Leash is a book that strives to help you connect with your dog in a completely new way—so as to enrich that most rewarding of relationships.

When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A “touching father-daughter story” (Kirkus Reviews) from the author of Bittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer. Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one. Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas? Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong? Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

A heartwarming story about a man and his dog, and the first-ever book about dog parks and the part they play in the lives of both humans and canines. Off the Leash is a group portrait of dog people, specifically the strange, wonderful, neurotic, and eccentric dog people who gather at AmoryPark, overlooking Boston near Fenway Park. It’s about author Matthew Gilbert’s transformation into one of those dog people with fur on their jackets, squeaky toys in their hands, and biscuits in their pockets. Gilbert, longtime TV critic at The Boston Globe, describes his reluctant trip into the dog-park subculture, as the first-time owner of a stubbornly social yellow Lab puppy named Toby. Like many Americans, he was tethered to the digital leash. But the headstrong, play-obsessed Toby pulls him to Amory, and Amory becomes an exhilarating does of presence for him. At the dog park, the dog owners go off the leash, too. Dog-park life can be tense. When dogs fight, their owners bare their teeth at each other, too. Amid the rollicking dog play, feelings tend to surface faster, inedited. Amory becomes, for the dog owners, an idyllic microcosm, the home of enduring friendships and romantic crushes. Meeting daily, a gathering of dog owners can be like group therapy. A charming narrative, Off the Leash will appeal to anyone who has ever enjoyed watching a puppy scamper through a park. Praise for Off the Leash “An admitted curmudgeon just a few steps away from Cruella de Vil, Gilbert sees his life change when he falls in love with a dog person and then falls in love with dogs. . . . Gilbert captures with great humor the world within the dog park. . . . Beyond the individual quirks, Gilbert finds community and the ability to empathize among people who on the surface have little in common.” —Los Angeles Times “Gilbert’s book is witty, sweet, and affirming.” —The Boston Globe

Successful attorney Vera Knight has it all – an exciting career, a stunning home, and all the money she needs to travel the world in style. The only thing she doesn’t have is a man - and not just any man will do. She needs a submissive who will let her be as successful in the bedroom as she is in the courtroom. Innovative graphic artist Marcus Lyon is on the hunt for the right woman to serve. Pleasing a Dominate and keeping her happy rocks his world. But a former D/s relationship has left him with emotional scars and a new attitude. The next woman he pleases will need to follow a few rules… When Vera and Marcus meet at a slave auction in New York City, sparks fly, and she corners her man. Vera is sure she’s found the Alpha Submissive she’s been looking for, but will Marcus agree to give her the key to his heart as well as his collar?

This dog training guide reveals nature's application of quiet cont rol without raised voices and aggression. Posture, eye contact, clear boundaries, feedback and follow-through are incorporated and studied.

The death of any dog is hard. The death of a Heart Dog - a canine soul mate - is much, much worse ... Even if you've experienced pet loss before, losing your canine soul mate is different. Typical grief advice isn't nearly enough. Heart Dog answers all the big questions about canine soul mates, offers practical ideas for coping with each day's dose of grief, and provides inspiration for finding your place in the world after such a profound loss. Others have survived the grief. You can too. Let Heart Dog be your guide.