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Punk’s Plight
Punk’s Plight isn’t just another book about a rescue dog… It’s a beautifully illustrated story teaching children about neglect, recovery, self-advocacy and hope.
Punk’s Plight is the first of a series of triumphant tails of rescue dogs, each depicting a true story of trauma, hope, recovery and love. Seeing the world through Punk’s eyes as she tells her story provides a powerful tool to support counselors, teachers, friends and individuals who have experienced neglect or who are helping someone through the trauma of neglect.
What makes this book different?
Punk’s story was beta read, edited and endorsed by psychologists, social workers, special education teachers, foster parents, and prevention educators. Collectively, we made sure that the words selected and the way difficult topics were discussed would help children understand neglect, understand the feelings and thoughts that someone experiencing neglect may have, and teach them self-advocacy.
What is ACE?
Are ACEs common?
What is bibliotherapy?
What is socioemotional learning (SEL)?
Meet Punk
Pumpkin (Punk) is a compact, 9 year old English bulldog that was adopted by the Walter family when she was less than two years old. Punk’s inverted corkscrew tail and battle with mange are the likely causes of her neglect during her first years of life.
Rehabilitated by the care and dedication of Pacific Northwest Bulldog Rescue, Punk has been able to live a long and peaceful life in McMinnville, Oregon. When she’s not enjoying her daily car rides or relaxing in the sun, she spends her time chasing tractor tires and fulfilling her duties as couch potato (her body is quite potato-like). Being the alpha girl of the house, Punk has become the surrogate mama to her younger black lab/pit bull siblings and two feisty kittens. Punk lives with her 3 boys, her parents and her grandparents. Although she appears stoic and stubborn, a little butt-wiggle from Punk or her signature “purr” is all anyone needs to put a smile on their face.
Meet the Author: Dr. Hope Walter
I can’t remember a time in my life when I did not have a furry companion by my side. All animals, but especially dogs, have always held a special place in my heart and campaigning for their wellbeing has been a passion of mine for much of my adult life. For the past 25 years, I have had that same level of passion for children and education. My experience as a teacher of young children and as a professor of education and psychology has prepared me to explore the very difficult topics of childhood neglect, trauma, and abuse in a child-friendly format. My experience working with children and working with rescue dogs has allowed me to see the similarities in those discarded or disregarded in our society. My hope for the readers of The Triumphant Tails of Rescue Dogs is to see beyond the despair and envision a future that provides healing and happiness.
When I am not educating future teachers, I can be found at home in McMinnville, Oregon with my 3 sons, 3 dogs, 2 cats and my husband. We love exploring the beauty of Oregon including its beaches, waterfalls, and various parks and trails. We grow a variety of fruit on our land and enjoy cooking and baking as a family with what we harvest.
Meet the Illustrator: Susi B. Davis
I have been painting and creating my whole life. I went to an elementary school where art work was graded very strictly and I would execute fellow students’ art projects in exchange for math worksheets. Living in France during middle school, I had the opportunity to view wonderful art and learn from artists. I fell in love with watercolors in high school and still prefer that medium.
I have always had a great connection with animals, having had turtles, rabbits, horses and, of course, dogs. When we moved back to the US, I brought home so many strays that at one point, we had 9 dogs running around.
I feel very fortunate to be able to use both my loves for watercolor and animals to paint portraits, and to be able to spread my creativity through art classes for young and old, in parks, homes and retirement centers.
I live in Oregon, am married with 3 nearly grown creative children and only 1 dog presently. I love running, biking, skiing and hiking in this beautiful part of the world.
“The topic of abuse and neglect is easy to understand in relation to Punk and her story. A copy of this book should be on the shelf of EVERY elementary school counselor. Ideally, on every early elementary teacher’s shelf as well.”
Jill Gribskov
Special Education Teacher
“Punk’s Plight is a “triumphant tail” filled with touching and teachable moments. It is an important story that every child needs to hear. One that offers hope to those who are neglected and sound advice to those who are in a position to help. A book like this can help change many lives for the better. Your contribution to Punk’s Kickstarter campaign can help make that possible.”
Jerry Stueber aka Bubba’s Dad
Author, Bubba Heard a Mouse (Calling for Help)
“Punk’s Plight provides a relatable story to help children understand what it is like to feel unloved, but also the joy and hope to find a family that finally loves her. If you work with children that have experienced traumatic transitions, I highly recommend adding this book to your collection.”
Tony Lai, LPC
Child and Adolescent Therapist
“Wow, what a neat little story! I loved it! Gives a powerful message without it being scary and I love that you can feel the empowerment.”
Lucy Diaz, Community Outreach Education Coordinator
Juliette’s House in McMinnville, OR
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