First-Hand Stories from US Veterans on Their Heroes: The Companion and Service Animals Who Love Them

NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ Skyhorse Publishing has just released a book that Jennifer Griffin of FOX News calls "a poignant tale of survival and resilience." Vets and Pets tells fifteen emotional and entertaining stories of the incredible bonds between wounded warriors, veterans, and other service members and their service and companion animals. Whether these special relationships are with dogs, cats, horses, pigs, or even birds of prey, readers will discover how these remarkable animals help veterans return to civilian life and live independently while simultaneously bringing joy and confidence into their lives.

Tyler struggled to adjust to civilian life after losing both of his legs in Afghanistan, until he met his intelligent and willfully disobedient red European Doberman pinscher, Apollo. Vietnam veteran Patrick regained a sense of well-being and hope through the study of birds of prey. Max the horse has helped numerous veterans learn to trust, improve their communication, and increase their self-confidence and self-esteem. Mandi discovered that the intelligence and unconditional love of pigs were exactly what she needed to heal from an abusive past and a disappointing army-training injury. These are just a few of the uplifting stories that are featured in this striking collection.

In addition to exploring the unique, lifelong bonds that can develop between veterans and their animal companions, Vets and Pets spotlights extraordinary nonprofits that unite wounded warriors with service and companion animals, including Pets for Patriots, Hooves Marching for Mercy, Horses Helping Heroes, and Avian Veteran Alliance, among others. A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to Pets for Patriots.

Praise for Vets and Pets:

"I'm hopeful that this book will bring awareness to . . . the dedicated Americans who care about our heroes both human and animal. Together, they help each other heal from the visible and invisible wounds of war." Gary Sinise, actor, director, and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation

"Dava Guerin and Kevin Ferris have searched for and found the light in the lives of our wounded warriors." Beth Kephart, author of twenty-two books, including Handling the Truth: On the Writing of Memoir and Tell the Truth. Make It Matter.

"Witness the unbelievable healing power of pets." Jennifer Lin, author of Shanghai Faithful: Betrayal and Forgiveness in a Chinese Christian Family

SKYHORSE PUBLISHING, one of the fastest-growing independent book publishers in the United States, was launched in September 2006 by Tony Lyons, former president and publisher of the Lyons Press. It has had forty-six titles on the New York Times bestseller list over the course of its ten-year history.

With over 6,500 titles in print, and a focus on publishing books of the moment, Skyhorse publishes a maverick list that includes fiction, nonfiction, history, politics, rural living, cooking, humor, and children's books. Lyons is dedicated to publishing books that make people's lives better, whether that means teaching them a hobby, bringing them a unique and important story, or encouraging them to fight against injustices, conspiracies, or abuses of power.

Vets and Pets: Wounded Warriors and the Animals That Help Them Heal
By Kevin Ferris and Dava Guerin
Forewords by Barbara Bush and Andrea Arden
Skyhorse Publishing hardcover, also available as an e-book
ISBN: 978-1-5107-2193-7 | $21.99 | On Sale: September 26, 2017

Press requests: Madeleine Ball
212-643-6816 x 311
mball@skyhorsepublishing.com

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