RUFF AND TUMBLE

About the Book

From hypothesizing about the origins of the Human Animal Bond and how the first animals became domesticated, to defining the bond and ultimately enumerating the many ways in which animals benefit society, the opening of this work commands one’s complete attention. Just as all pet owners become intrigued by the rapid physical growth of a puppy or kitten, the author reminds them to not only be witness to the physical nature of this process but to become attune to the more subtle changes that occur. These changes are primarily rooted in the animal’s sensitivities. Having set the stage for these awe inspiring feelings, she embarks on a most emotional yet at times humorous memoir of her departed Golden Retriever, Ruff and his sibling and littermate, Tumble. The exploits of these animals, together with their adopted feline sister will have the reader experiencing the heights of laughter together with the depths of grief. It is a remarkable roller coaster of emotion that rings so true in its parallels to everyday life. The poetic prowess of her husband, AD, is obvious in the two pieces he authors within the book. The final chapter of the book deals with the seriousness of loss for individuals. Whether the loss is a pet or person, the coping methodologies are similar. The discussion of souls, the levels of love and the enduring bonds provides a venue to release grief, to be open to afterlife communications and to realize that some things last forever. This profound conclusion applies to both humans and animals alike, with minimal changes. Readers will find this book therapeutic in terms of dealing with the raw pain and emotion following a loss in their family. For this is the very reason that the author wrote this work, that is to bring healing to those in need.

About the Author

As a retired US Air Force Reserve Officer, Joan and husband, AD (a retired US Air Force Active Duty Officer) have literally lived around the globe. Rooted in her career field as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, she admits to never having planned to become an author. Subsequent to AD’s military retirement, they found themselves with a need, the space and the love for their own version of “Noah’s Ark”, this taking the form of two sibling and littermate Golden Retrievers and one black, long haired domestic shelter kitty. This accidental author accomplishes her primary objective with this first work. That is, to help others heal from the anguish of deep grief when losing either a companion animal or human family member. Her insights into the Human Animal Bond and animal and human afterlife communications are both personal and provocative.