Press Room
Author Biographies and Photos
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Pet photos
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What the experts are saying about “Almost Perfect”
From a pink-eared cat in Karpathos, Greece, to a handicapable Mexican Hairless, and even a resilient rodent, this remarkable collection of essays touchingly illustrates that inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes. The stories of the people and pets who never give up on each other are a poignant reminder that purpose in life has nothing to do with perfection. Almost Perfect is a book that not only shares insights, but might actually inspire others to take a chance on a less-than-perfect pet and discover the only perfect reward in life: unconditional love.
– E. Mitchell, author of Seattle Post-Intelligencer pet blog FILM HOUND, and contributing author to several books, including A Cup of Comfort for Cat Lovers
This touching collection of essays isn't "almost" anything—it clearly hits the mark. These courageous pets offer a shining example of what it means to not only rise to challenges, but to succeed with wags and purrs. The talented authors keep readers smiling even through misty eyes. Bravo!
– Amy D. Shojai, CABC. Author of 22 pet care titles including co-editor of Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul
Wonderful stories! They will make you laugh, make you cry and overflow your heart with emotion. The special needs pets in this book and the people who love them will amaze you with their devotion to one another. This is a book that shows the true meaning of affection and commitment on every page.
– Kaye Powelson, Owner and Founder of Kittywhiskas online cat club
These wonderful stories about special needs animals and the compassionate people who care for them exemplify the unique human/animal bond. Opening up our hearts to the unconditional love of animals also brings the sorrow of losing them; these stories make it clear why it is worth taking the risk!
– Jan McHugh-Smith, President, San Francisco SPCA
When shopping for a pet, we always have in mind the "perfect pet" for our home—an adorable puppy, a mischievous kitten, the beautiful horse, whatever. No one thinks about taking a three-legged dog or a cat who has to drag his hindquarters, or a sightless animal of any kind. Almost Perfect, a series of stories written by authors who are both humanitarians and true animal lovers of the selfless variety, may change your mind. These anecdotal adventures will make you re-think what it is to be human. In this book are heart-rendered stories of a different caliber. I loved it.
– Andrea Campbell, author of Bringing Up Ziggy: What Raising a Helping Hands Monkey Taught Me About Love, Commitment and Sacrifice (www.andreacampbell.com)
If you aren't an animal lover before reading this inspirational book, you will be afterwards. And if, like me, you're already owned by a couple of pets, it'll remind you why these faithful companions are so important to us.
– Jamie Anderson, singer-songwriter, composer of "When Cats Take Over the World"
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Media Coverage
Newspapers
Bucks County Courier Times – “Believing Without Seeing”
An online Thanksgiving story | Download the PDF (92KB)
The Intelligencer – “Believing Without Seeing”
A Thanksgiving story | Download the PDF (383KB)
Fetch the Paper – “Local Author Praises Disabled Pets”
Interview with Vicki Tiernan | Download the JPG (712BK)
Bay Woof – “Inspiration in Our Midst: Ruby”
Book Excerpt | Download the PDF (324KB)
Magazines
Publishers Weekly – The 2008 Pet Issue
Cover Story (September 1, 2008)
Mary Shafer, a marketing consultant in Ferndale, Pa., has four spirited cats, all rescued from shelters. This foursome, however, shares an unusual bond: they are each in some way disabled—like Idgie, for example, who was born without eyes. When Shafer, who started WordForge Books in 2005, couldn’t find any titles on pet disabilities, she decided to publish one—the result, out next month, is Almost Perfect—Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them. As the book’s press release notes, ”It’s easy to be happy when life has been safe and protected, but it takes a special kind of critter to triumph over brutal circumstances that would make most people give up.” In Almost Perfect, 11 writers—Shafer is one—share true tales of courage, ingenuity, perseverance and inspiration on the part of companion animals that have become disabled either through birth defects or injury. And it’s not only the animals’ stories, Shafer points out: “it’s about the humans who found love enough to welcome them into their hearts and homes.” Shafer’s marketing backgorund is serving her in good stead: she’s planning a postcard mailing to U.S. and Canadian public libraries and U.S. school libraries; using her contributors’ media contacts to connect with broadcast and print media; inundate the blogosphere via publishers and authors; and target pet-related media with ongoing e-mail publicity. — D.D.
 Download Publishers Weekly sidebar
(3.49MB pdf)
Blogs
Purina Pet Charts – http://petcharts.purina.com/
Topping the charts in December, 2008 | Download the PDF (182KB)
Dogtime.com – http://dogtime.com/
Topping the chart in December, 2008 | Download the PDF (307KB)
L.A. Unleashed – http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/
The L.A. Times gives us lots of love | Download the PDF (156KB)
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