Ordinary Dogs, Extraordinary Friendships - by Pam Flowers (Paperback)

About the Book

In this title, explorer Flowers, author of "Alone Across the Arctic," shares the positive canine character traits she has observed in her 32 years of working with dogs. Eleven spellbinding and valuable stories of wisdom, joy, friendship, concern, loyalty, courage, sadness, and even good judgment fill the pages of this book.

Book Synopsis

Ordinary Dogs, Extraordinary Friendships shares positive character traits explorer Pam Flowers has observed in her thirty-two years of working with dogs. Eleven spellbinding and valuable stories of wisdom, loyalty, courage, and even good judgment fill the pages of this book for dog lovers of all ages.

Review Quotes

"Demonstrates how people and animals can work together and cooperate as a team." --Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation

"Nothing speaks loyalty more clearly than when you take a stand for someone against a bully! We see this in the story 'The Bully', in which Flowers dog Amy stood her ground and overcame a bully dog just by standing up (without violence) and refusing to be intimidated. Readers can be inspired by Amy's example, and we too can take our stand for others against bullying. There are other heart-stopping, cliff-hanging, adventurous stories in the book which will truly have your kids turning the pages to see what happens next! Ordinary Dogs, Extraordinary Friendships is informative, insightful, and refreshing; captivating readers into a world of fierce loyalty, heartfelt sharing and compassion, extraordinary friendships, and an exciting new understanding of our canine friends! --DBR Books

"Suspense-filled true stories demonstrating the ability of dogs to show compassion, courage, and loyalty as well as think for themselves and problem solve. Telling illustrations capture the emotion of the canine characters in this heartwarming read for all ages. An excellent resource for character education. --Terrie Hanke, 2006 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail

"These dog stories are so clearly based on love and respect and include many details about long, arduous and thrilling journeys across the Arctic landscape, that they are sure to entertain and perhaps even inspire readers. . . . A must-read--and reread--for all animal lovers. (Nonfiction. 10-15) --Kirkus Reviews

"This book is a unique look at how the dogs she has raised share the character traits of loyalty, courage and compassion. . . . For classes doing Iditarod units or Arctic units these dog stories will resonate with young readers. This is a book that can be used for counseling discussions or class discussion on character traits. These animals will warm your heart and demonstrate great character for us all. RECOMMENDED --Marjie Podzielinski, Library Media Connection

"This collection of true stories is about some of the many dogs the author has known throughout her life. The stories range from the compassionate to gripping adventure. Many of the stories show the courage and heroism of the author's beloved dogs on their exciting adventures in Alaska and The Arctic. Through sharing her adventures and friendships with her dogs the author brings the reader to an understanding of what dogs are capable of and what they can teach us. The author conveys her deep insight into dogs by clearly describing their personalities and character traits. This combined with the author's remarkable skill at telling stories makes for a fascinating and enjoyable read. The black and white illustrations complement the text. An introduction, pronunciation guide, and glossary are included. Although dog lovers will relish these stories, this book is for anyone who enjoys well told stories with memorable characters. This book offers many opportunities for discussion such a bullying, teamwork, and forgiveness." --K Zuidema, Southern Maine Library District

Here is a wonderful collection of stories for all dog lovers. Pam's voice rings true as she describes her Iditarod and Arctic dog travels. Each dog has been an important chapter in her life. You will really connect with her heartfelt writing. --Marjie Podzielinski, Media Specialist at Coulson Tough Elementary, The Woodlands, Texas

Included in Maine's Cream of the Crop books for 2014: "This book contains 11 short stories about musher Pam Flowers's adventures with her sled dogs in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. A keen observer of animal behavior, Flowers recounts lessons of patience, trust, perseverance and acceptance of loss that she has learned from her dogs. In writing that is uncomplicated and sincere, she conveys her great love and respect for her canine companions. A must read for dog lovers."

About the Author

Pam Flowers has spoken to more than 700,000 students and received the Gold Medal from the Society of Women Geographers. She has participated in nine arctic expeditions, a through-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and shares her adventures with dogs in five books. www.pamflowers.com