“Giving Paws: Having a Service Dog for a Hidden Disability” Martha L. Thompson tells her story Posted September 15, 2017 · Martha L. Thompson’s book, Giving Paws: Having a Service Dog for a Hidden Disability, is a book about one woman’s discovery of her own soul as it comes, again and again, to a choice between…Read more A Spiritual Review of Giving Paws
invisible disabilities
Toot Toot?
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…Read more Toot Toot?
Volunteer Work: the Best Medicine
When my illness forced me to stop working the first time, in 1999, I felt lost and useless. Not having somewhere to go every day was really depressing. I had to find something to distract me from self-pity, but my weak body and fragile mind limited my choices. I explored volunteer options and discovered a class offered by…Read more Volunteer Work: the Best Medicine
Advice from Henry
Enough of this being sick crap, let's live!" Henry said after he got his staples/stitches out on Saturday. Then he suggested I stop worrying about him so much and focus on the finishing touches and promotion of my upcoming book, Giving Paws, which is all about him! My publisher, and I completed the Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of my…Read more Advice from Henry
Advice from my service dog
(Provisionary cover design) During the recent rat-chasing hubbub in our home, Henry, my service dog and guest blogger, reminded me that I should update my readers on the status of my book Giving Paws: Having a Service Dog for a Hidden Disability, due in October, 2017 from Koehler Books. He's made it clear that…Read more Advice from my service dog
Service Vehicles?
Should I get one of these when my service dog Henry retires? Would it have to wear a special vest? Would it be permitted in all the same places?
Funny, but offensive
The use of fake service animals and emotional support animals exacerbates the stigma of mental illness. Not long ago I read an article in the New Yorker by Patricia Marx called “Pets Allowed: Why are so many animals now in places where they shouldn’t be?” Ms. Marx is a funny writer, but as soon as I…Read more Funny, but offensive