Overview

Encounters with Rikki tells the true story of the incredible partnership between Chuck and Rikki, a very special rescue dog. Rikki first found her home with Chuck and Patty Mitchell in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Even though the golden retriever was a shy, shell-shocked puppy still adapting to the stress of displacement, Chuck recognized her innate abilities as a therapy dog. Together they bring healing and hope to recovering patients, accident victims, and the mentally ill. Soon Rikki's quiet confidence attracts the attention of advocates of child victims. Called upon to testify in court, child witnesses must recall horrific memories in the presence of their abusers; the tireless work of Chuck and Rikki allows these children to do so with a therapy dog by their side. Inspiring and heartfelt, Rikki's story illustrates the far-reaching effects of the human-animal bond.

Full Product Details

9781941758533

Table of Contents

Reviews

A wonderful read... told with the details that make the possibilities of therapy through animals real and will stir even a pessimist to optimism. Talbot Sandy D'Alemberte, former president of the American Bar Association A compelling story of the human animal bond at its absolute finest. Mary R. Burch, PhD (Director, AKC Canine Good Citizen & Therapy Dog Program) A moving account of how a loving dog and a determined man can make a world of difference in the lives of those who need it most. Janice Gray, author of Short Leash: A Memoir of Dogwalking and Deliverance

The human-animal bond has quite a storied past but perhaps fewer stories can match that of Rikki . . . It is her work with child abuse victims, however, that is her most important . . . offering them a calming presence in a difficult and heartbreaking situation. Chicago Tribune Julie Strauss Bettinger has written a winner. WCVE Heartfully captures the amazing power animals have to lift the human spirit. Barbara Natterson, MD, coauthor of Zoobiquity and professor of medicine, UCLA Division of Cardiology This beautiful book shines a light on what vulnerable crime victims encounter and how the loving touch of a paw can provide the strength on the path to healing. We need more Rikki and Chuck teams in the world. Allie Phillips, cofounder of Therapy Animals Supporting Kids (TASK) Program A wonderful read . . . told with the details that make the possibilities of therapy through animals real and will stir even a pessimist to optimism. Talbot Sandy D'Alemberte, former president of the American Bar Association Children who enter the criminal court system as victims may have to relive the abuse they experienced by testifying . . . Encounters with Rikki tells the story of an amazing therapy dog who helps children cope with this stress so they can tell their stories and so justice can be served. It's essential reading . . . Cynthia J. Najdowski, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice, University at Albany A moving account of how a loving dog and a determined man can make a world of difference in the lives of those who need it most. Janice Gary, author of Short Leash: A Memoir of Dog Walking and Deliverance A compelling story of the human-animal bond at its absolute finest. Mary R. Burch, PhD, director of the AKC Canine Good Citizen & Therapy Dog Program Encounters with Rikki tells the story of a truly amazing bond between man and dog and the life-saving healing and companionship their relationship has inspired . . . [It captures] the magical way in which therapy animals unlock love and trust for those who most desperately need it. Lauren Book, MS.Ed, founder and CEO of Lauren's Kids foundation This riveting story will forever change how you view the power of animal therapy. Martha Barnett, Former President of the American Bar Association An extremely moving book . . . A profoundly human journey told through the unlikely story of a canine. Armand B. Cognetta Jr, chief of dermatology, Florida State University College of Medicine

A wonderful read... told with the details that make the possibilities of therapy through animals real and will stir even a pessimist to optimism. Talbot Sandy D'Alemberte, former president of the American Bar Association A compelling story of the human animal bond at its absolute finest. Mary R. Burch, PhD (Director, AKC Canine Good Citizen & Therapy Dog Program)

Author Information

Julie Strauss Bettinger received her master of fine arts in creative nonfiction from Goucher College in 2013. Her work as a freelance writer spans twenty-five years, primarily for publications in Florida and the southeast United States. Her writing appears in Florida Trend, Florida Small Business, FSU's Research in Review, and Florida State Law magazine. She wrote a weekly business column for the Tallahassee Democrat and was the editor of Tallahassee and Emerald Coast magazines. For nearly twenty years she was the editor for two law-enforcement journals. Her published works include the coauthored book Blasted by Adversity: The Making of a Wounded Warrior, published by Inkshares in May 2015. For more information, visit www.JulieBettinger.com.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available