Wonder Dogs

After a devastating diagnosis at the age of 39, Maureen Maurer was given a second chance at life. Giving up her successful career as a CPA, she took a leap of faith to pursue her childhood dream: teaching dogs to help people with disabilities. She founded two nonprofit organizations, Assistance Dogs of Hawaii and Assistance Dogs Northwest, and unleashed the potential dogs have to help people with special needs.In Wonder Dogs, Maureen shares her story of discovering God's true purpose for her life and the amazing adventure that followed. She also tells the triumphant stories of her beloved dogs and their inspiring partners as they overcome incredible challenges to live life to the fullest. These heartwarming and uplifting accounts show what's possible when we focus on abilities rather than disabilities.Dog lovers everywhere will enjoy this fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at what goes into selecting and training assistance dogs. Anyone who loves stories about second chances and overcoming challenges will find in Wonder Dogs a whole pack of kindred spirits."This book is a beautiful collection of tales of some of the special dogs who have changed lives with their extraordinary abilities. More than that, it's a generous glimpse into the life of a woman who demonstrates what can happen when you agree to put your whole heart into doing what God created you to do."--Robin Jones Gunn, bestselling author of the award-winning Christy Miller series"Maureen Maurer is every bit as extraordinary as the dogs she loves and trains."--Michael Gartner, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, former president of NBC News"Wonder Dogs will win your heart over! This book gave me a fresh perspective on hardships and how even the most terrible circumstances can be redeemed and turned into joy. This book will give you hope again, in whatever you may be walking through right now."--Alyssa Bethke, bestselling author of Satisfied and cohost of The Real Life Podcast"Prepare to be delighted! You don't often find a book so full of hope."--Kristin von Kreisler, animal advocate and bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace and Earnest"Wonder Dogs shows what a difference one person can make in so many lives."--Kim Komando, national radio host and columnist, Sirius XM, Fox News, and USA TodayFrom the Back CoverDiscover the true stories of dogs who open doors, pull wheelchairs, and save livesAfter a potentially devastating diagnosis at the age of thirty-nine, Maureen Maurer was given a second chance at life and took a leap of faith to pursue her childhood dream: teaching dogs to help people with disabilities.In Wonder Dogs, Maureen shares the inspiring stories of some of the many assistance dogs she's had the privilege to train, like· Tucker, a puppy who visits a young girl desperately in need of a Christmas miracle· Leader, an abandoned German shepherd mix, who becomes a loyal service dog and best friend for a boy with muscular dystrophy· Freedom, a golden retriever who helps a disabled vet regain her independence and saves her when she is trapped in a house fire· Pono, a sweet black lab who becomes Hawaii's first courthouse dog, helping children find the courage to testifyIf you love heartwarming stories about dogs and people getting second chances and overcoming challenges, you will find in this book a whole pack of kindred spirits.About the AuthorMaureen Maurer is the founder and executive director of Assistance Dogs of Hawaii and Assistance Dogs Northwest. Born and raised in Seattle, she holds a master's degree in canine studies. She and her husband, Will, have dedicated their lives to helping people with disabilities and other special needs live to the fullest with the help of their assistance dogs. Mo and Will live on Maui and on Bainbridge Island, Washington, with their two dogs, Sadie and Samson, along with a constant stream of future heroes in training.Jenna Benton is a writing coach, editor, and fre