Panther & Me

About the Book

Have you ever asked these questions: “What is a service dog?” “What does a service dog do?” “Can I pet a service dog?” Have you ever been shocked or appalled to see a dog wearing a vest while in your neighborhood, grocery store, restaurant, movie theater, church, or even your school? Have you ever thought to yourself or commented out loud to a service dog owner that he or she doesn’t look disabled? If yes, then rest assured that you’re not alone. In her new book, Panther & Me, Barb unveils her personal true story to answer commonly asked questions through her read, color, and learn methods. With enthusiasm, the writer wants everyone to understand the importance of service dogs and the truths surrounding them. As a matter of fact, this book is applauded by a group of service dog handlers who are discriminated against because they look like nothing is wrong with them at all. They may have hidden disabilities, with their own symbol shown in the book. Barb usually experiences this when she is not using her wheelchair and appears “normal.” Barb is glad to set the record straight to defend herself and other sufferers. After all, it is hard enough being physically or mentally different without being badgered for not looking “sick enough” according to society. Open the captivating pages of Panther & Me. You will find an interactive format like you have never seen before. Watch or assist your child in sharing a wonderful and unique journey of a woman and her service dog. Every child of any age ought to read, color, and learn this poignant true story of modern-day love, friendship, and loyalty in the face of bullying, health battles, and life-altering crises. Finally, Panther & Me brings awareness and advocacy for the fulfillment of worldwide education, acceptance, and tolerance of special people with their trained, ready-to-help canines of many breeds.

About the Author

Native New Yorker, Barb McCarter- Walker is a loving self described “abled disabled” woman who lives in Atlanta with her husband David. She has a super positive attitude, a big pretty smile, and arms that are ready to hug in an instant. Barb’s abundant love pours out onto babies, children, teens, single parent families, the elderly, and animals with an emphasis on dogs and cats. The writer ministers as a Street Pastor and advocates in these groups through Community Love, her street ministry. Barb is a former CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate for children as well as a former nurse of 16 years. The author is also the proud mother of 4 grown children and grandchildren as well. Through her current activities with animals, the author is a professional dog trainer of Service Dogs and everyday pets. Eventually, creative and successful Barb found herself on the other tracks she wasn’t used to on a full time basis. She began to notice that her independence began to be stripped away by progressive disability issues that couldn’t be ignored. Eventually, Barb required partial to total assistance with her activities of daily living. Doctors diagnosed her with Muscular Dystrophy, Systemic Lupus, and Chronic Pain stemming from childhood. With her children returning to Public School, Barb was without help getting out of bed, undressing, picking up dropped items from the floor, and needing assistance in walking from time to time. As Barb grew worse, family and friends seemingly walked away. She needed a loyal friend to help her fight depression and homelessness due to her inability to work. Who would guarantee to accompany Barb to her on errands? Who would listen to her cries but without judging her? Tenatious Barb continued to pray for an amazing friend - a true friend that would NOT leave her side. The ill woman pondered her fate a few times with only a thread left of her faith. Was she was asking for too much? Then suddenly, lo and behold, THAT WONDERFUL DAY CAME WHEN HER PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED! Her forever friend appeared through amazing circumstances in the form of a special homeless dog named Panther.