Wonder Dogs

True Stories of Extraordinary Assistance Dogs

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About

Discover the true stories of dogs who open doors, pull wheelchairs, and save lives

After a potentially devastating diagnosis at the age of thirty-nine, Maureen Maurer was given a second chance at life and took a leap of faith to pursue her childhood dream: teaching dogs to help people with disabilities.

In Wonder Dogs, Maureen shares the inspiring stories of some of the many assistance dogs she's had the privilege to train, like

· Tucker, a puppy who visits a young girl desperately in need of a Christmas miracle
· Leader, an abandoned German shepherd mix, who becomes a loyal service dog and best friend for a boy with muscular dystrophy
· Freedom, a golden retriever who helps a disabled vet regain her independence and saves her when she is trapped in a house fire
· Pono, a sweet black lab who becomes Hawaii's first courthouse dog, helping children find the courage to testify

If you love heartwarming stories about dogs and people getting second chances and overcoming challenges, you will find in this book a whole pack of kindred spirits.


Endorsements

"Have you ever met someone who was lovely and unassuming, and then you discovered her life was a treasure chest brimming with rare gems? That's how it was when I met Mo. Her life overflows with incredible God stories that will tug at your heart. This book is a beautiful collection of tales of some of the special dogs who have changed lives with their extraordinary abilities. More than that, it's a generous glimpse into the life of a woman who demonstrates what can happen when you agree to put your whole heart into doing what God created you to do. This book is wonderful."

Robin Jones Gunn, bestselling author of the award-winning Christy Miller series

"The title of this warm and wonderful book should be Wonder Dogs and Wonder Woman, for Maureen Maurer is every bit as extraordinary as the dogs she loves and trains."

Michael Gartner, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, former president of NBC News

"Wonder Dogs will win your heart over! This book gave me a fresh perspective on hardships and how even the most terrible circumstances can be redeemed and turned into joy. Maureen truly has such a gift for training dogs but also for helping and comforting those who have suffered great loss and giving them hope again. This book will do just that for you--give you hope again, in whatever you may be walking through right now."

Alyssa Bethke, bestselling author of Satisfied and cohost of The Real Life Podcast

"Maureen Maurer's big heart shines from every page of Wonder Dogs. The stories will lift your spirits and make you grateful for the great good the dogs are doing for their people--and the world. Prepare to be delighted! You don't often find a book so full of hope."

Kristin von Kreisler, animal advocate and bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace and Earnest

"Wonder Dogs is filled with great stories and shows what a difference one person can make in so many lives. This book radiates love on so many levels."

Kim Komando, national radio host and columnist, Sirius XM, Fox News, and USA Today


The Authors

  1. Maureen Maurer
    Ron Dahlquist Photography

    Maureen Maurer

    Maureen Maurer is the founder and executive director of Assistance Dogs of Hawaii and Assistance Dogs Northwest. Born and raised in Seattle, she holds a master's degree in canine studies. She and her husband, Will, have dedicated their lives to helping people...

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  2. Jenna Benton
    Lahna Marie

    Jenna Benton

    Jenna Benton is a writing coach, editor, and freelance writer from Southern Oregon. She loves research, coffee, and helping people and businesses tell their stories (not necessarily in that order). You can learn more about Jenna by visiting her website at...

    Continue reading about Jenna Benton


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