ForewordI have known the author of this book, Gisele, for many years. The love that we share for the Border Collie breed has created a bond and a lasting friendship between us. I was offering her support during her time of chaos - during the time that Penelope ruled her world. We exchanged many emails and shared many phone calls on the subject of “what to do” with this little dog.
When I first read this book, I was thrilled, impressed, and riveted throughout the whole story. Every page kept me spell bound, and even though I knew the dog Penelope, I was amazed with how Gisele depicted her children’s reaction to the entire situation.
As a retired teacher, I believe this book needs to be in every household, and in every school library. This book is a tremendous story for children of all ages. It is very factual and informative, and dives deep into a very sensitive subject.
This book is very insightful about life’s lessons with a tremendous moral lesson as well. What Arthur’s family experiences could have had detrimental consequence for the entire family, had it not been for his mother, who was conscientious and diligent in finding a reasonable solution.
When I read Arthur’s story about Penelope, it reminds me of the hundreds of families that have come to me for help, because they bought a puppy for the wrong reasons.
I call on all parents and educators alike. It is time for us to educate and empower our children and young adults with knowledge.
The Story of Penelope will not stop here, as it is the first part of a series of inspiring stories. As Arthur matures, he will take you on a journey, a journey where he will share his quest to address the issues of animal over-population, and then solve them.
Jerri Carter, MA in Education Animal Behavior Consultant Founder, Southeast Border Collie Rescue League, Inc. |
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Rescuer, Jerri Carter with adopted rescue, Trish |
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“I am a dog rescuer. My house is never clean; my home is never quiet, my hours are long and tiresome, my work is never done, my wallet is always empty, but my heart is always full. Full in the knowledge that I saved the life of many dogs and successfully found them a perfect home.”
Jerri Carter, 2007 Founder, Southeast Border Collie Rescue League, Inc. |
Introduction for GrownupsArthur, an inquisitive but typical elementary school boy and his four-year old sister, are thrilled when their Mom brings home a new little puppy, Penelope. It does not take long before Penelope becomes a young adult dog. Much to their surprise, Penelope shows dominant behaviors when she tries to bite both Arthur and his little sister. Thinking that they can control the situation and distance themselves from Penelope, it gets even worse. Penelope begins to attack their other two pets who are Border Collies, and now the entire family is in harms way. How could such a cute little dog rip this family apart?
Arthur’s love for Penelope is compromised, as his family is threatened, and their lives change. While Arthur watches Penelope repeatedly attack his other dogs, he struggles to make sense of her behavior.
Even though Arthur realizes that Penelope has a serious problem, he becomes very angry when his Mom makes plans to find another home for her. As Arthur endures many sleepless nights and attempts to comfort his little sister, the family struggles to deal with their precious little dog, which has become violent.
Arthur’s mother desperately tries everything she can to keep Penelope, until that horrible day came: the day that Penelope seals her own fate and changes Arthur’s life forever. If you love animals, and have children, you must read this story.
A Special Message to ParentsThe purpose of this book is to help parents talk to their kids about the emotional upset that takes place when an animal shows aggressive and dominant behaviors toward other animals or family members.
We are all optimistic when we bring a new pet into our homes, yet things don’t always work out the way we planned. Unfortunately, kids usually think it’s their fault, or they get angry with you, the parent.
If your family is struggling with an aggressive pet, the story of Penelope will facilitate communication between you and your children and allow them the freedom to express and share their emotions with you.
Arthur, a young storyteller, shares his situation with your children so they will not feel alone. More importantly, this book will help educate your children. The knowledge that they will gain by reading this book will empower them for when they become young adults, and future pet owners.
The “What Did I Learn?” section of this book provides vital information that your family should use before you chose your next pet. Also included are websites where professionals and volunteers are prepared to help you. Younger readers will find a handy dandy Glossary filled with easy-to-understand definitions to some of the words used in this book. |
That Wonderful and Glorious DayI usually spend my afternoons defending myself against my baby sister, who, in my opinion, is terribly annoying. Today, however, my sister went out in the backyard to play with our dogs. Finally, I can do some very important things like watch television! Suddenly, the front door flew wide open with a bang. It was my Mom. She was holding a tiny little puppy in her arms. My mouth dropped open and it felt like my eyes had popped out of my head!
I flew off the couch and squealed with excitement. I saw the puppy’s little eyes and nose. My arms flew out in front of me, I wiggled my fingers in the air, and I screamed “Gimme!” Since my sister had escaped to the back yard to talk to her imaginary bug friends, I had a few moments of privacy, and had the puppy all to myself. I couldn’t help but giggle! The feeling that came over me was better than Christmas!
Deep down inside, I knew this puppy couldn’t possibly be ours to keep. We had two large Border Collies, Reckless, and Hoover. Reckless was 11 years old, and Hoover was 3 years old.
I asked my Mom where she found her, who she belonged to, and the obvious question can we keep her? Of course, I expected my Mom to answer the last question with a big fat NO!
If I promised to be nice to my little sister, would my Mom let us keep the pup? I knew my chances were slim. Even though I had two Border Collies already, I knew my Mom was a dog magnet.
Would this adorable little puppy be mine for keepsies? I waited for my Mom to answer my questions, but deep down inside, I didn’t want her to ruin the moment. I sat on the floor with this precious little bundle and enjoyed the smell of puppy breath as she licked my face. I could not believe her short little legs or her tall pointed ears, but most of all, I adored her stubby little tail, which was wagging at light speed. It didn’t look like any tail I had ever seen before! I thought she looked like a bunny.
I thought to myself, “what a genius God was to invent a puppy that looks like a bunny.” Of course, the real question remained unanswered. Was she ours? Even though my heart was doing cartwheels, that little voice in my head was telling me that she was not ours to keep. I guess my heart and my brain were having a tiny war.
I stretched out onto the floor and gently played with my new little friend. I reached for a dog toy to begin a game of tug-of-war with the little fur ball. I noticed a throw rug to my right that was missing a corner, some scratch marks on the leather chair, and some chew marks on the legs of the piano bench. Our house was rich with history and filled with the scars that many dogs had left behind. Many strays had used our home as a halfway house. My Mom would not hesitate to turn the car around in the middle of the road to pick up an animal that looked out of place. Sometimes we found their owners and sometimes we had to find them new ones.
The idea that this dog was going to be ours to keep was insane. My game of tug-of-war continued with the white-faced pup, as I had my own tug-of-war. I forced myself to come to terms with what was probably reality. She was probably a stray or a temporary rescue. Her sharp little bark wasn’t even a real bark, it was a little yap, and it sounded to me like pure heaven!
Then, my Mom dropped the bomb of all bombs. The puppy was not a stray. She was not someone else’s dog. More importantly, my Mom announced that she had bought the puppy, and she WAS ours! I sat in amazement and felt my heart do even more cartwheels. I felt my brain do high-fives! The news that this little puppy was really ours gave me the permission to fall in love with her! This was truly a wonderful and glorious day! |
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The Story of Penelope,An easy-to-understand delightful story for young adult readers that gently explains it all. |
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This page includes the Book’s Foreword, Reviews written by Jim Willis, and others, a Previews and Excerpts, YouTube Videos, About the Author, and About the Illustrator.
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In order to contribute to today’s animal over-population problem, I wrote a children’s book to gently introduce the plight of the American pet. The Story of Penelope, a Puppy Mill Dog—When Dogs Bite, explains it all. The differences between animal rescues, shelters, and pounds. The differences between puppy mill dogs and dogs breed by reputable breeders. What is a reputable breeder? Are Puppy Mills illegal? What is the difference between dominance and protective? What is Dominant behavior? What is a pack? What is an alpha leader or alpha dog? Should I buy a dog from the internet? Should I buy a dog from a pet store or pet shop? Where do pet store dogs come from? Why are so many animals euthanized in our country everyday? What do you do when a dog bites? Why do they bite? If my parents buy a mean dog, what can we do with it if it bites us? What is an all-breed rescue? What is a breed-specific rescue? What is a No-Kill Shelter? I’ve answered all of these questions for your family, so you don’t have to! Buy a copy of the Story of Penelope, and read it to your children. They will learn more about the plight of the American pet, than you do! What’s more important and even more exciting, is they will share their knowledge with other children!
Want to do something fantastic? Buy a copy of the Story of Penelope, and donate it to your child’s school library! |
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If you love animals, and have children, this illustrated book is a must for your family. "The Story of Penelope" is a true story. This delightful and educational story, about a boy and his dog, will entertain and educate readers of all ages. The book gently introduces the abuses of the Puppy Mill Industry, how it affects the American family, and describes the plight of the Dog Rescuer, in a way that children can understand. If you are a parent, an educator, a breeder, an animal rescuer, a shelter operator, an animal transport volunteer, in the veterinary field, or you just love dogs, you'll love this book. The Story of Penelope doesn't stop here. As Arthur gets older, he will take you on a journey where he will share his quest to address the issues of animal over-population, and then solve them. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to Southeast Border Collie Rescue. |
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The Story of Penelope, A Puppy Mill Dog When Dogs Bite By Gisele Veilleux |
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For Kids Only! |
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What Should We Tell our Kids? |
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The Reviews The Story of Penelope, A Puppy Mill Dog When Dogs Bite By Gisele Veilleux |
Jim Willis Reviews The Story of Penelope
Dear Gisele: Finally, my review - use it any way you see fit and after reading your work, I am so impressed that I'm going to put out a separate message to my address book about it. I don't know if that will count for much, but you've certainly impressed me and I hope many will read your book and take its message to heart. Some of my very good friends have large and international animal-related websites and I expect they will write their own reviews and further promote your brilliant work.
"The Story of Penelope—When Dogs Bite" by Gisele Veilleux
As a writer, as the writer of "How Could You?" and "The Animals' Savior" and the book, “Pieces of My Heart”, I hear from a lot of would-be animal-people authors who ask me to write a review, or want a critique, or want to know the "secret" of publishing. I take that so seriously that I even included a chapter in my book "On Writing." I believe everyone in this world has a story to tell, but as a reader, don't we all expect that that story be told well? As all writers know, there is no "secret," and it is all about honing your skills and craft, believing in yourself and your message, and expressing yourself well, with heart and sincerity. Frankly, a lot of what we "published" authors have to read is not very good, but I also believe that we have an obligation to be teachers and to encourage everyone in the discipline, and I suspect most of us consider that responsibility seriously and akin to passing on the torch. (With the constant reminder to "don't give up your day-job.")
What a pleasant surprise Gisele Veilleux and her new work is.
Without being self-indulgent, I have to tell you why, based on personal experience, starting at the end, rather than the beginning. After I wrote "How Could You?" inspired by a real senior dog, I rescued on her "last day" at one of America's kill shelters. Among the many people I heard from were euthanasia technicians who thanked me for understanding the job they do. I never saw that coming, that was not my intent in writing the piece, but how important a job they do (a job most of us could never do!) in the absence of compassion in the world's wealthiest country that still considers murder as a solution to its unwanted animal problem.
Years before that, at my home in another country, I adopted an abandoned dog without the benefit of any knowledge of her history and on her first day there, she threatened the lives of all of my other animals. She was the largest female Saint Bernard I've ever known and that's a breed known for its gentleness. I had part of my property fenced for her, re-arranged my schedule, she slept in my home office at nights, and with some detective work, I found that she had been struck by a vehicle and suffered brain damage. I am an animal behaviorist, and therefore would never give up on a dog, but even during playtime with her, I observed her going out of control, non-responsive, not behaving like a dog, and felt that I was possibly in danger, and my totally no-kill philosophy was challenged. I suffered greatly because I realized that I might, after decades, finally have to make the responsible decision about an animal, not just pass her on and jeopardize someone else. Sadly, thankfully, the decision was taken out of my hands when she suffered a stomach torsion and died under anesthesia on the operating table. I'd only had her a few months, but I bawled like a baby when she died.
I know from decades of experience, hundreds of dogs, and studies that biting is normal communication for dogs - albeit not "acceptable" behavior to humans. (Like their predecessors, wolves, most bites are not intended to kill or maim, because decimating your pack members is not in the best interests of the pack.) The same humans who urinate anytime they like, but will leave an under-exercised, under-socialized dog home alone for 10-14 hours per day, sometimes in a crate, without the companionship of their own species. I don't have a lot of faith in the "general public," insurance companies, the law, and the courts in interpreting dog behavior.
Among the things that I never even thought of, or had time to write - what happens when a well-informed, compassionate person, dog-knowledgeable, with children, chooses to rescue a dog, and then finds out the dog bites? When the whole family, including the children love the dog? What if the family chose a breed that doesn't fit their lifestyle? Well, the easy answer is have the dog killed quietly by any vet willing to do the dirty work and violate the oath they've taken, or further burden this country's put-upon, hopelessly behind the curve "animal welfare" system, and convince the kids that the dog went to "a farm in the country."
But, no. Ms. Veilleux exhausted the resources available in order to ensure Penelope's welfare.
She talked to her children along the way, and explained the issues. She has written a simple, heartfelt description of the experience that is not only appropriate for children, and written so they can understand, but it is telling and meaningful. This book will find a resonance among any of us who once had to, or might have to face the reality, and find a responsible solution for an animal who doesn't fit into our family.
There is nobody informed and involved in animal welfare/rights in this country that doesn't understand the reality. It would take no-kill animal shelters across this country to warehouse all of the unwanted animals, which would still deny them the kind of individual attention they deserve. Even by the current statistics, 25% of animals delivered to shelters are purebred. We wish the public knew that there is a "breed rescue" for every breed in this country (and they aren't miracle workers either).
It would take a public to understand that EVERY animal sold by a pet shop is the product of a puppy/kitten/or other "mill," because no responsible breeder would consider a pet shop (or pet store) the proper venue to responsibly place an animal. It would take a public to recognize that those cute, under-socialized animals are time-bombs of genetic, medical and behavioral problems.
Ms. Veilleux alludes to many of those issues in her poignant text and most importantly, at the end of this book, she includes a list of resources to learn more and investigate the options to "giving up" on an animal.
She has made an important contribution to the education effort.
Anyone of my generation or older hopes that the youth of this world can accomplish for animals what we couldn't and it is because of skilled, caring authors like Gisele Veilleux that our youth will be touched, inspired, and educated to do so.
I can only apologize to the author for the length of my review; as an author who has sometimes been reviewed inefficiently (rarely badly), reviews that exclaim "great!", "must read!", without trying to understand the author and her message, just don't do it for us authors. I read her work, I appreciated the resources she provided at the end, I look forward to more great writings from her, and while the rest of us go about our attention to animals, I'm relieved that there's a Gisele Veilleux out there helping the rest of us educate the masses.
Jim Willis http://www.crean.com/jimwillis |
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“Very informative and entertaining” Joan E. Bishop 4th Grade Teacher
“Terrific book! I purchased this book for my grand nephew and must admit, I think I’m keeping it. I would love to be able to share with so many young children today that truly do not understand puppy mills and the unfortunate puppies and people that get hurt.”
“Wonderful read. I found this book to be a wonderful, informative read!” Ken Sproul Author, University Professor
“Excellent, Just Excellent. What a wonderful read, as well as a story that needs to be told. Children everywhere, as well as many adults need to know the true story behind the puppy mills. In order to correct so many of the world’s problems, education is the quickest and surest way. The book relays the issues, solutions and is a wonderful story for enjoyment all at the same time.”
“I am so impressed with this book as it pulls no punches about the escalating dog population problem. It covers the subject of getting the wrong dog for all of the wrong reasons, and shows the children how to be responsible even when the outcome is not what they wanted. Very tastefully written. Excellent job. Can hardly wait for the next book.”
Jerri Carter Founder, Southeast Border Collie Rescue League |
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“I looked at the caged animals in the shelter… the cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry. “God,” I said, “This is terrible! Why don’t you do something?” God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly. “I have, done something,” He replied. “I created you.”
The Animals’ Savior © Jim Willis, 1999 |
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Remember the Good Old Days? They are GONE! |
About the Author
Gisele Veilleux, born in Quebec Canada, a naturalized American Citizen, was adopted in Canada, and raised in Canada, France, New York, Houston, and Florida.
She currently lives in Florida with her two extremely intelligent young children, and her two very distinguished Border Collies.
Gisele has been a sales and marketing support provider and a technical writer for over 25 years. Gisele is pursuing her lifelong passion to write children’s books and helps others edit and publish their stories.
She is currently writing the powerful sequel to “When Dogs Bite” along with numerous whimsical and comical children’s books, guaranteed to make readers of all ages smile!
http://www.TheDogLiberator.com http://www.EBook-Writing-Help.com
email: GiseleVeilleux@earthlink.net |
About the IllustratorTammy Gray-Ubach, born in Joplin, Missouri Sept 2, 1957, has been drawing since she can remember! She has always loved to draw and put faces and expressions on her subjects.Drawing is one of the things she loves most in life. If she has any spare time, there is usually a pencil or pen and a sketchpad in her lap.Tammy works for in the healthcare industry. Is the proud mother of three beautiful grown children, Nicole, Samantha, and Luke and two grandchildren, Madison and Ferris. They all reside in Florida where Tammy lived for 32 years until 2006, when she and her husband Jose' moved to the Lexington, KY area.Jose' and Tammy now live south of Lexington, Kentucky, in a beautiful part of town, that located up on a hill, and overlooks the hills of the Kentucky River. Together, they have another beloved family member, Danny, their 10 year-old Border Collie.Because of Tammy’s strong support of the Southeast Border Collie Rescue, and her enduring friendship with its founder, Jerri Carter, she has donated the illustrations in this book with much love.
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The Story of Penelope—When Dogs Bite, a Book Written for Kids |
The Dog LiberatorOur kids are more than ready to understand the complexities of “the dog’s world” as it stands today. |
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My Grownup Christmas Wish Stop Puppy Mill Abuses |
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All of my rescue-related videos are published on YouTube. Most of the responses that I get from these videos are from older children and young adults. Their compassion is obvious, but their ability to understand the problems that we have, and their desire to get involved is surprising. We parents underestimate the power of a young mind. Our kids are more than ready to understand the complexities of “the dog’s world” as it stands today.
Recently, I embarked on a journey to help save the life of a little 7-year-old girl, Gabrielle LaVerde who is fighting a rare and fatal illness. It was the children from her elementary school that carried the torch and lead the way for the community to get involved. It was the kids that literally made it happen. If you’re an animal lover, consider allowing your children to get involved by educating them and giving them the facts. |
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Is there a right and wrong way to surrender my pet? What things can I try to avoid surrendering my pet? Is there a difference between shelters and pounds? What states still use carbon monoxide (gassing shelters) in this country? Why some states have laws preventing them from gassing animals, yet still do? Why some people are so against rescues? Why rescues are against irresponsible breeding? What is a responsible breeder? What is breed-specific legislation? Why are animals stolen? Is it okay to buy a dog from the internet? What are the different forms of euthanasia? What cities have reduced euthanasia rates and increased adoption rates? |
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New: Tammy Ubach and Gisele Veilleux have teamed up to write yet another children’s book, “Wendell and the Shoe Worms”. Preview the book on LuLu.com.
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Your donation helps me volunteer for others, and help those who can’t afford my services, but want to help the animals. |