The Blithedale Animal Shelter has just ended its annual holiday sale for dogs, and miraculously all but a few have been adopted. An unexpected, welcome surprise for the shelter staff, and great news for the lucky pups who found homes. But for the dogs that remain—a high-strung Lab puppy, a three-legged Chihuahua, a Golden Retriever, a hard-luck Pit Bull Terrier; and a smart, old dog—it will be a lonely and cold Christmas Eve. Their favorite employee, Ginny Collins, is cozying up their cage...

Every dog deserves a forever home and after being given up several times, Wrigley has finally found his. The smart, good-natured dog now spends his days at SunRidge Assisted Living, comforting and doting on forty-five seniors. Wrigley has free run of the place—going where he senses he's needed—but his preferred spot is beside his favorite resident, Marjorie Thompson.All is well until a curmudgeon named Walter Kepsen moves in across the hall from Marjorie. Walter can't stand Wrigley...

After a 17 year coma, Joel Berskin is brought back to life through the power of music and a mystery dog.The last time Joel Berskin was conscious, O.J. Simpson had just led police on a long car chase and nobody knew the name Monica Lewinsky. When he turns on the strange-looking flat screen in his room at the nursing home, he hears reporters on one channel after another talking about Charlie Sheen's infamous meltdown. Once his mother arrives at his bedside, he learns...

"The honesty and wisdom that grace this book will serve as a balm for others coping with their own pain."—Best Friends MagazineThe loss of a beloved pet breaks your heart in a way that animal lovers know all too well. Mark Asher experienced losing his German Shepherd/Chow mix in the worst of ways: while the dog was out of his care. At the time Mark had just finished work on his first book, a loving tribute to senior dogs, and his dog, Humphrey, had been the ...

With dogs as his inspiration, Mark Asher has produced several bestselling books (All That Ails You, Humphrey Was Here). Now, this one-time lyricist of pop songs has given birth to a batch of dog poems. The author's compassion and admiration for our four-legged companions fills this book with many poignant moments. But it is equally balanced with whimsy. Try reading the poem about the man who wakes up as a Great Dane ("Embracing The Unforeseen") or the one about the first ...

Photographer Mark J. Asher has earned praise from the American Kennel Club Gazette as one who possesses "an unerring eye and flawless technique." His previous treasures of photographs have been lauded as "simple and elegant" (The Humane Society of the United States), "highly recommended" (AKC Gazette), and "sure to bring a smile to your face that will grow with every turn of the page" (Chicagoland Tails).If dogs could drive, where would they go and what would they do?...

In "A Tramp Abroad," Mark Twain embarks on a comical journey through Europe, blending sharp observation with witty satire. The travelogue unfolds as a rich tapestry of evocative descriptions, humorous anecdotes, and astute reflections on cultural norms and social intricacies. Through Twain'Äôs distinctive narrative style, marked by conversational tone and introspection, the text serves as both a travel guide and a critique of the society of his time, exploring themes of identity, travel, a...

In "Extract from Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven," Mark Twain employs his signature wit and satirical style to explore the celestial realm, blending humor with profound philosophical inquiries. Captured through the eyes of Captain Stormfield, the narrative unravels the absurdities and contradictions of religious dogma while embracing a democratic view of the afterlife. Twain's narrative is characterized by its conversational tone and keen observational humor, resonating within the bro...

In "In Defence of Harriet Shelley," Mark Twain skillfully intertwines humor and poignancy to dissect the complex relationship between Harriet Shelley and her more famous husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley. Written in the context of 19th-century literary criticism, Twain's narrative not only serves as a defense of Harriet's role and contributions, often overshadowed by her husband'Äôs legacy, but also critiques the societal norms that diminish women's voices in literature. Employing a blend of s...

In "The Complete Essays & Satires of Mark Twain," the inimitable Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, presents a compendium of his most incisive writings that both entertain and provoke. This collection showcases Twain'Äôs unparalleled wit and keen observational skills, revealing his mastery of irony and satire as he deftly navigates social issues of his time, including class, race, and American identity. The literary style reflects Twain's penchant for vernacular speech, ...

In "The Curious Republic of Gondour, and Other Whimsical Sketches," Mark Twain employs his signature wit and satirical style to explore themes of democracy, human nature, and the absurdities of societal norms. Through a blend of humor and imaginative storytelling, Twain presents the fictional Republic of Gondour'Äîa peculiar society governed by an assortment of eccentric characters. This collection unveils Twain's mastery in crafting whimsical sketches that critique contemporary issues whi...

"There is no better companion, teacher, or medicine for a child than the family pet." —AnonymousKids and pets are as timeless a combination as peanut butter and jelly. Pets provide security for kids—a warm buddy to snuggle with on cold winter nights, a sympathetic ear to listen to their woes and secrets (and not tell anybody), a clown of sorts who makes them laugh even when things seem gloomy. And pets find companionship in children, too. Kids give them all the attention they crave...