The puppy that came for christmas
Subtitle: how a dog brought one family the gift of joy
By: Megan Rix
Publisher: Plume
Published: 2011
Place of publication: New York, NY
Language: eng
ISBN-13: 9780452297487
Subjects: Service dogs; Human-animal relationships; Training; Anecdotes
Description: "Marley, Oogy, Huck-and now, Traffy, the "forever dog" that changed one couple's life.  All Megan Rix ever wanted was a baby. Yet, month after month, Megan's dreams were dashed. Would her life ever feel complete?  Megan and her husband, Ian, found a surprising answer when they began training golden retriever pups to become service dogs for people with disabilities. But opening their homes and hearts up to Emma, and then Freddy-only to have each move on after six months-eventually took its own toll. Megan and Ian didn't know if they could continue. Then, one Christmas, little Traffy came along... and stayed. An instant U.K. bestseller, The Puppy That Came for Christmas is a heartwarming and inspirational story that will captivate dog lovers everywhere. "--

"All Megan Rix ever wanted was a baby. Month after month, she put up a brave face as her dreams were dashed, but secretly she was crushed. What would she do with all of the extra love she felt in her heart? Would her life ever feel complete? She found a surprising answer when she and her husband, Ian, got involved with a charity which provided Helper Dogs to people with disabilities. They would be responsible for training puppies that would then be placed with people who needed these skilled animals to live more normal lives. The dogs do everything from fetching clothing to anticipating seizures in children so their parents can get them through the episode safely. The Rixes first welcomed Emma, a sweet natured golden retriever into their homes--and into their hearts. They lost themselves in the joy of training this rambunctious, yet loveable creature. They fell instantly in love. However, after six months Emma had completed her training and was given to someone in need, and a whole opened up in their lives again. To get over their broken hearts, Megan and Ian took in another pup: Freddy. They fell in love all over again . . . only for Freddy to move on too. Megan and Ian didn't know if they could keep taking in these adorable puppies and giving them away, even if they knew it was for a great cause. It was getting too hard, too painful, and their fertility treatments were going nowhere. But then, one Christmas, little Traffy came along . . . and stayed forever"--