British author Sharon Ward Keeble has written the best-selling book, ‘My Rescue Pet Rescued Me’, which celebrates humans and the animals they have rescued.
The author who resides in Clermont was inspired by her daughter’s bond with her rescue dog. She decided to write a book on that relationship and that of owners of adopted pets from all over the world.
Sharon’s daughter Faith, 14, and her German Shepherd Micco are featured in the book, which tells the stories of people and their pets.
Micco was adopted for Faith when he was just a few weeks old to help her to cope with watching her dad Dave’s health deteriorate. He suffers from Lou Gehrig’s Disease – or ALS – which has left him paralysed in a wheelchair. Faith struggled watching her Dad get sicker so Sharon, Dave and their other daughters Molly, 20 and Emily, 23, decided to take matters into their own hands.
Sharon writes, “It’s heartbreaking for us all watching Dave get sicker, but for a young girl like Faith, it’s been almost impossible at times. I remember she would sit in her room in tears because she missed the Dad she knew and loved. They would play basketball together, horse ride and go for walks, but then he couldn’t and that’s tough for a kid. She was so sad all the time and we were all very worried about her. We decided that she needed something to take her mind off her dad’s illness.
Faith had been asking for her own dog for a long time, so we decided to look around for one to adopt. It was right before Christmas 2019 and we found him on Craig’s List. Micco has been such a blessing to our family. He became her constant companion, her best friend who would listen without judgment. He’s helping Faith to cope with Dave’s illness and we are so grateful for him.
I thought there have to be other people whose adopted animals have made such huge differences to their lives, so I started to look.”
Sharon found humans need animals as much as animals need humans. The book features true-life stories of humans and all sorts of pets, including dogs, cats, pigs, horses and guinea pigs – there is even a tiger in there!
Sharon and one of her own rescue animals will be appearing at Sunshine Book Co. on April 23, from 11 am to 1 pm. Sunshine Book Co. is located at 647 Lake Ave. Clermont.
“We are encouraging owners to come and bring their own rescue pets to the book store so that we can really celebrate them!” said Sharon.
There will be giveaways and fun for all, including pets.
