One Unforgettable Journey

by K.B. Lacoste, Dan Stallings

Overview

Dan was a traveling business man content with his life when a twist of fate pulled him off the road and changed his life forever. A chance meeting with an unexpected puppy captured his heart, and before he knew it he was getting certified as a dog trainer, opening a dog day care and training facility and running a rescue for Weimaraners. Just when he thought he had seen it all, a friend alerted him to an advertisement for a Weimaraner described as a show dog. Upon their meeting Dan was horrified at the dog's condition and vowed to give him a better life. Little did he know the dog, Maverick, would be the one taking Dan on an unforgettable journey.

As seen on ABC World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer, this book tells the heartwarming tale of the full journey of Maverick from a life of abuse and neglect to being the much-loved underdog at the 2012 Westminster Dog Show in New York.

Proceeds from this book directly benefit Mid-Atlantic Weimaraner Rescue. If you are considering getting a Weimaraner, please check rescue and adoption resources first. Purebred dogs end up in shelters every day.

Award Finalist
One Unforgettable Journey was nominated for a Maxwell Award from the DWAA in the category of Best Human/Animal Bond book of 2012.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940014986281
Publisher:	K.B. Lacoste
Publication date:	07/22/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

K.B. Lacoste is an author, poet and pet lover from Louisiana. A self-professed workaholic, she tries to balance her quest for a Ph.D. with work, travel, writing about pets and visiting her local shelter as often as possible. Her love for writing and animals started at a young age with cats, dogs and many frogs.
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Dan Stallings spent 17 years in healthcare and had a successful career before deciding to do what he really loved - being with his dogs. He went to school and became a certified dog trainer. Shortly thereafter he opened his own dog daycare, boarding, grooming and training facility in Virginia Beach, Virginia. His business quickly grew as people saw his love and passion for dogs was evident.

He realized shortly after opening that he had the space and desire to help not only the dogs of his clients, but also less fortunate dogs. This led him to found Mid-Atlantic Weimaraner Rescue. It's anything but a shelter; the rescued Weimaraners spend their days lounging on sofas, running around a lush grass field, swimming in saltwater pools and getting plenty of social interaction with people and other dogs. He also ensures they receive the very best nutrition and veterinary care. Many of these Weimaraners have never known love, compassion or any quality of life prior to coming to his facility.

Upon learning he was also a trainer, many other rescue groups began seeking him out to help with their difficult rescues whose only other option was euthanasia. Before he realized it, Dan's rescue was a lot bigger than he had ever imagined. He also adopts the most unadoptable dogs with the worst behavior issues or the ones who have previously suffered the most, rehabilitating them over months and even years before finding a suitable 'job' for them (which they often pick themselves).

Dan has taken some of his own rescues he's trained and won dock diving events, competitive obedience trials and now conformation events. If you ask him, he'll proudly tell you he does it to show everyone: "It's not the dog. It never was. It was the owners who didn't understand or care enough to spend time with their dogs and find something to do with them that they both could enjoy. Look what I've gotten in return."

Editorial Reviews

"This is an inspirational book that is truly "about the dog."

Pets Adviser - David Baker

"Every rescue volunteer can tell stories of happy endings. But only Dan can tell Maverick's story-his story will leave a paw print on your heart."

Award-winning Breeder & AKC Judge - Dr. Dana Massey

"It seems like you can't look ten feet these days without running into someone's memoir about their dog. They're everywhere, and they all kind of blend into one story after a while - except Dan and Maverick. Their story has something for everyone, whether you are a dog fancy expert, rescue advocate, or just someone who is moved by the power of one man's unwavering belief inside this neglected creature he found on Craigslist was the heart of a champion."

Pawcurious Media - Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

"As many dog books and stories of rescue that I've encountered over the years, this one is something unlike anything that I've ever heard. One Unforgettable Journey is the story of a man with a heart of gold and a dog with the heart of a champion."

The Pet Show with Dr. Katy, Washington DC News Channel 8 - Dr. Katy Nelson

"Whether a pet owner, fancier or someone who just appreciates the bonds we have with our four legged friends, this book carries the tones of how every rescue can and often is the Best in our hearts."

Animal Planet's Groomer Has It Judge, Champion Breeder - Xavier Santiago