Lindsay Armstrong shares a book she recently enjoyed: the remarkable story of Endal, a Labrador Retriever, voted 'Dog of the Millennium'. The story tells how Endel, through his remarkable skills, companionship and unstinting devotion, gave Allen Parton a reason to live again.
Allen Parton was seriously injured while serving in the Gulf War. He lost the use of both his legs, plus all memories of his children and much of his marriage. After five years of intensive therapy and rehab, he was still angry, bitter and unable to talk or walk. Then Allen meets Endal through Sandra, his wife, who worked for a canine assistance charity.
Endal is immediately drawn to Allen and soon makes an impact on him. Once at home, learning over 100 commands, Endal helps Allen to live an independent life.
One day a News of the World reporter watched Endal taking Allen's bank card out of the cash machine, thus Endal is discovered by the public and his fame is sealed.
This story is told from both Allen's and Sandra's perspectives, as they tell how a remarkable bond was formed with the assistance dog, Endal. It's a heart warming tale for all dog lovers.
Other titles you may enjoy featuring the bond between animals and humans include:
A friend like Henry
by Nuala and Dale Gardner, available in braille 5v; giant print 3v; TB 16033.
An account of a family's struggle to break into their son's autistic world - and how a dog made the real difference. The Gardner's lives were transformed when they welcomed a gorgeous golden retriever into the family. Henry helped introduce Dale to all the normal activities most parents take for granted, and set him on the road to being the charming and well-adjusted young man he is today.
My life with George
by Judith Summers available in braille 4v; giant print 3v.
When Judith Summers' husband and father both died within the space of two weeks, life for her and her eight-year-old son Joshua seemed relentlessly bleak. Then George bounced into their lives, a loving Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with film-star looks, and reawoke their joie de vivre.
A dog's life
by Martin Clunes available in braille 4v ; giant print 2v; TB 16641.
Martin embarked on a worldwide quest to look into the history of dogs, and link the pampered pets of today with their wild ancestors: painted dogs in Tanzania, dingoes in Australia and wolves in Yellowstone National Park, USA. He also explores how humans have shaped the dog breeds of today, visiting the Beverly Hills Mutt Club and meeting working dogs in several countries: police dogs, hunting hounds and sled dogs.