It’s hard for me to toot my own horn, but I’m thrilled to report I’ve received some very kind endorsements for my book, Giving Paws, from people I truly admire. I’d rather toot Henry’s horn, and promote this as his book, but since he’s a dog, he doesn’t have a horn. In fact, I don’t have one either, but when I was in the 5th grade I played Cornet in the school band.

Oops, I’m getting off topic. Back to bragging about Henry’s book…

Henry just reminded me to tell you that Giving Paws, published by Koehler Books, will be available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble on October 15, 2017, but you can place your order now at https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Paws-Having-Service-Disability/dp/1633935019.

Okay, Henry, where is that horn I’m supposed to toot? I don’t know what I’d do without this little guy.

Here we go. Henry and I would like to share the following comments, and thank the lovely people who graciously wrote them.

“Martha L. Thompson’s book, Giving Paws: Having a Service Dog for a Hidden Disability is a soul-baring, honest, compelling account of living with physical and emotional challenges and how a service animal can literally help someone continue surviving. I know it will be of interest to animal lovers of all kinds, people struggling with their self-worth, and those with disabilities. It offers a detailed account of the process involved in the selection, training and certification of service animals and how to navigate having one in daily life. This is necessary reading for its target audience.”

—DEAR ABBY

“Martha Thompson’s Giving Paws is a powerful, deeply personal journey into a better life beside a service dog for invisible disabilities. Challenged by health, public perception, and a deep sense of ethic about the partnership, Thompson forges a life–and a book–that many readers will find compelling, indeed.”

— SUSANNAH CHARLESON, NYT bestselling author of Scent of the Missing and The Possibility Dogs.

“Giving Paws is a gem of a book, as entertaining as it is educational. Readers will fall in love with Henry, a little dog with a big heart—and an important job to do.”

— BRENDA SCOTT ROYCE, author of Monkey Love, Champion’s New Shoes and Bailey the Wonder Dog

“With compelling honesty about her chronic illnesses, Thompson offers keen insights into the therapeutic relationship with service dogs. She is an engaging guide into the expanding world of animal assisted therapy.”

— JACQUELINE SHEEHAN, Ph.D., fiction writer, essayist and psychologist. Author of Tiger in the House, The Center of the World, Picture This, Now & Then and Lost & Found.

“Martha writes with candor, compassion and love for her animals, especially her Service Dog, Henry. She teaches us the many ways Service Dogs can enrich and enable the lives of people who need them. I learned a LOT!

“This book is for anyone who loves dogs, wants or needs a Service Dog or wants to understand how vital they are to someone with a disability. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

— PAMELA WRIGHT, 25-year Docent for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association

“When I read Martha Thompson’s first draft of Giving Paws more than three years ago, I knew this work had the potential to become a published memoir. Thompson became a professional writer during the process, learning the difficult task of editing and rewriting her own work. The final product is compelling, harrowing and heartwarming. It is a confession, an entertainment and gentle advocacy for those who can benefit from having service animals in their lives, for differing health reasons. Based on other work I’ve seen from Thompson, I know she has many more stories to tell. Keep your eye on this writer.”

— STEVEN STIEFEL, writer and memoir editor, Co-writer of Making Rumours, with Ken Caillat, the album’s producer.

“This memoir is a testament to strength of the bond between dogs and humans, and to the resiliency of our relationships with them. Service dogs, no matter what their size or breed, provide beacons of hope, comfort and vital assistance to those who rely on them. As is told in this moving story, little Henry turned out to be the ideal co-pilot for his person, Martha.”

—CLAUDIA KAWCZYNSKA, The Bark | Editor-in-Chief

“Everyone knows someone with an invisible illness or disability. Yet too few truly appreciate the difficulties faced by those who suffer—not only from the illness, but from the lack of understanding  from those closest to them. Giving Paws: Having a Service Dog for a Hidden Disability is a heartfelt and moving story of one woman’s journey living with invisible illness and disability. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the challenges that face a family member, loved one or friend with an invisible disability.”

— WAYNE CONNELL, Founder and President, Invisible Disabilities Association