Thursday, November 17, 2011

Pure GOLD--A Book Review and Giveaway


For just today, I'm switching the channel on my blog.  Sugar's Mom, from Sugar the Golden Retriever was given a copy of a book titled 'Pure GOLD' by Holli Pfau and she thought I would enjoy reading it because it's about life with six rescued Golden Retrievers.  I really appreciated their thinking of me, because they were right, it is a book I enjoyed reading!  I was also asked to review the book on my blog, and the publisher will give a copy to someone else who would like to read it.  So today, that's what I'm doing--My very first review and giveaway!


I will start by saying that I love to read.  But unfortunately these days, I don't have much time for it.  But when I do, a book like Pure GOLD is the kind of book I'll slow down to read because it inspires me!  The book is thoughtfully written about six rescued Goldens and how the direction of Holli's life was changed and enriched because of them.  However, it was not only her life that was changed, but others as well through a hospital program of animal-assisted therapy.

Pure GOLD begins by telling about Nikki who came to Holli from a very sad 'backyard breeding' situation. Because of Nikki, Holli becomes inspired to pursue a new career path.  Along the way, Holli finds that Nikki has a debth of spirit and wisdom that became her inspiration and the true cornerstone of what was to come.  
~Daisy, Chatter and Holli~
As you read the book, one by one, Holli tells of her journey from beginning to end as these Goldens find their way to she and her husband Walter.  Each one that she opened her home to, had something unique that the other didn't.  There was Bodie, who loved adventure and provided his own brand of care and comfort to those in wheelchairs.  Tucker came next, and after hip surgery was able to enjoy the life he born for.  Another Golden that found their way to Holli and her husband was named Sophie whose spirit healed as she overcame phobias and fears of a her first year living in a kennel.  Life as we know, can take unexpected turns and a visit to the local shelter brought Daisy bursting into Holli's life.  Her enthusiasm for life introduced Holli to rally obedience and agility.  Finally there was Chatter.  A true diamond in the rough that was suffering from 'emotional neglect,' Holli and her husband Walter understood her needs, not only emotionally, but physically and patiently helped her to become the gem she was meant to be!  

I will end my review by saying how much I enjoyed reading Pure GOLD! Even after 10 years of being involved in Golden Retriever Rescue, I am always touched and inspired by those who open their hearts to a 'second hand dog' (or any animal in need) by not only giving them a good home, but because they look into their eyes and see the potential that is there and the love looking back at them.

I recommend this book not only for those who love Goldens, but for those who love animals or an inspirational story with a happy ending!  Don't forget, if you'd like the chance to be in the drawing for this book, please leave a comment by the end of this weekend and let me know!  


To read more about Pure GOLD, you can visit the website here:

42 comments:

  1. This book is perfect for you to review!

    As a happy owner of a rescue girl (we got her when she was about 18 months old, she's now around 15 years old) I totally love 'second hand' dogs. I would love to win this book (although I suspect it might make me cry a few times?), so please put my name in the hat.

    Thank you!

    xx

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  2. I love golden retrievers...our next pup will be a golden......i like to win this book...my i count in please????.......love from me...............♥.. ♥... ♥....

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  3. Dear Kim
    This so much sounds like the kind of book you should be reviewing! It sounds like a beautiful book and I love rescue stories like that too. I am especially warmed by individuals who are able to open their hearts to 'a second hand dog' (or cat for that matter). I guess I have a special love and passion for the discarded animals and to give them a second chance a living. It very often turns out that that's exactly what they give in return - a second chance at living - getting in touch with ones human core.
    P.S. Thank you so much for your last comment on God's Little People. I found your words so significant and they resonated deeply with me.
    xo
    Joan

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  4. Kim....it sounds like you could have written the book LOL! You ARE the perfect person to review it! Count me in on the giveaway, it sounds like a book I'd love.

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  5. Hi Kim, What a wonderful book; I would love to be entered. We have always rescued dogs-generally mutts so this touched my heart just reading your review.
    If I had a hubby who was willing, I'd be rescueing lots of pups.
    Have a blessed evening my friend.
    Hugs, Noreen & Reggie

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  6. Woof! Woof! We are so Golden Happy that you liked Holli's Pure Gold book. Yah! Its your 1st book review n giveaway.
    We are always thinking of you and your continued Golden Goodness to all Golden Seniors.
    Sending all of you at the Golden Pines Lots of Golden LOVE n Woofs, Sugar n mom
    Here's the link of our Pure Golden Book Review:
    http://www.sugarthegoldenretriever.com/2011/11/pure-gold.html

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  7. This certainly is a book every animal lover would want to read, so count me in for the giveaway :))

    I have unlimited admiration for those who open their hearts and homes for the animals in need. I currently foster kittens for the cat shelter but what I would really love to do is give a home to those, who have less chances to get adopted - if only my husband would be of the same idea... cats and dogs would be so welcome in my home.

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  8. Kim,

    I would love to win this book. I love all dogs. Please throw my name in the hat!

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  9. She sounds a bit like somebody else that I know that loves the goldens! Please put my name in for the book too!

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  10. kim
    YOU write the book.... it WILL be a beast seller!!!
    and I think helen hunt would play u in the movie

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  11. What a great sounding book!

    I think that you, Kim, should consider writing one about your crew, too. Your posts are always fun to read!

    - A

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  12. Great review! Mom would LOVE to win this book!

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  13. Oh my...this sounds like a book YOU could/should write Kim. It sounds wonderful. Please include me in the drawing. Thank you1

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  14. i have only ever had second hand dogs. they are the best, no matter what the breed or muttiness!
    they give more love in one wag of their tail than most of us give in a lifetime!
    it's nice to know there are other angels out there like you.
    and i'm like the others... i think you should write a book!
    though when you'd have time??? not sure. for sure when baby todd is asleep!
    love,
    tammy j

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  15. Sounds like a wonderful book Kim! Please include my name.

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  16. Sounds like your story as well. Great post. We rescued a kitten from the cold 4 years ago her name is Harley, she is a wonderful girl and a great big sister to our Miggy they get along great ! Miggy we got from a dairy farm and glad we did the lady there was nice but I dont think she was able to sell them all and hate to think where they ended up but I am glad we got our wonderful girl Miggy , I love my girls. I love dogs,cats etc and it breaks my heart to see how some are treated , these animals need more people like us in the world to make sure they have the love and the forever homes they deserve ! Have a wonderful day !

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  17. Count me in. I love your review and would love to read the book. Do you actually know the author? I love John G's comment...can see it now!

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  18. I certainly value your opinion, especially on this subject, so please add my name for give-away!
    Hope Todd is recovering from his tutoring nicely!
    xoxo

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  19. Sounds like a wonderful book. We're gonna tell momma to put that one on her book list.

    We don't need our names on the list of people to receive the book cause we'd prefer someone who loves Goldens to receive it.

    Slobbers,
    The CheeseHounds

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  20. This book sure sounds like it would be very interesting, I would love to enter your contest, but even if I don't win, you have raised my interest that I will purchase this book.

    Sheila & Bob

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  21. I would love to be entered in this contest, been reading so many good things about this book.

    Tucker and Daisy's Mom.

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  22. Sounds like a book I would love - -please enter me in the drawing -- thanks Kim!

    Jean-MN

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  23. sounds like a great book - both touching in itself and inspiring. while my i adopted one of current goldens from a rescue i hope that i'm in a living situation someday when i will be able to do more in terms of rescue.

    jacquieastemborski AT comcast DOT net

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  24. oH Kim
    You gave a beautiful review on such a beautiful book!
    I agree with Charlie- you should write a book too. It would be sooo good!
    love
    tweedles

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  25. Hi Kim, We want to be put in the hat too if we are not too late.

    Although My Vickie went and actually picked me out of a local litter, we have had many many goldens come live with us while they waited for their forever homes.

    My Vickie says "After raising you, Bert, I never need to train another puppy so I will just rescue older goldens like Kim does"

    I can't beleive I was that much trouble to raise.

    Thanks for haveing this fun give away

    Bert

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  27. Oh, I hope I'm not too late!
    If not, please count me in!

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  28. It was only ELEVEN FIFTY NINE here!!!

    ;-)

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  29. Wonderful review! Of course we thought of you too when we read the book! :)

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  30. You know Kim I have never met you in person but I love you just the same!!! You are what I wish I could be!!
    The book sounds really good!! I have been having trouble with my eyes of late. My Dad was blind as a child and the again when he got older. I surely hope I don't lose my sight b/c I need you guys!!
    xx, Zoie & Fern

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  31. Oh my yes I would love to win this book. Goldie (original name, I know) was our wonderful golden who we rescued from an abusive situation when she was almost 7 months old and weighed 17 pounds and very ill. She is the most wonderful of dogs. She loves being a therapy dog. She is now our granddog because she wanted to go live with our son and his three "big" dogs. I think it was more fun for her there. They went hiking and just did more activities that the bigger dogs like. We were treating her much like our little shih tzus. She wanted to be a lap dog! This book sounds terrific!

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  32. I'll put it on my list of books to read, thanks for the review!

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  33. Sounds like a wonderful read, Kim. We'll have to look out for it!

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra, Bella & Roxy

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  34. It's certainly true that each dog has a distinct personality. My life has been enriched by each of the dogs that I've known. Sounds like a good read.

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  35. I'm definitely going to buy this book for my husband, so don't put me in the drawing.

    I didn't comment on your post about Bubba's episode but I suspect it might have been shock for one reason or another. Low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and dehydration are also causes of pale gums and many times the dog will want ice or cold water. Having resolved so quickly, it wasn't likely due to anemia which is the first thing to come to mind.

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  36. You nailed it Kim. A thoughtful and accurate review. I'm not quite done reading it yet. I too am enjoying it immensely.

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  37. Dear Kim,

    I won't enter the draw (because of the huge postage costs to New Zealand), but I just wanted to tell you that I am so glad that there are people like you and Holli who give animals who, for whatever reasnon need to be re-homed, a chance to have a good life. What you both do is wonderful.

    Riley's human

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  38. The Mom is an avid reader, and as you know... Golden Rescue is one with our hearts! We would love the opportunity to give her a chance to read Pure Gold!

    [She doesn't do or buy or even think much about or for herself lately. Just saying.]

    with love from the Bleu

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  39. you mean there are more people like you out there? ones with big wings and halos?
    wonderful!
    A great book I'm hoping to read

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  40. Love your review! Love this book!
    Love Goldens! Please enter me in the giveaway.


    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  41. Count us in!!!

    AROOOOF!
    Boondocks & The Love Shack Pack

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!