​Ruby the pit bull is an incredible dog indeed!

In his first book, "Ruby's Tale," author Patrick Bettendorf took us from the beginning on the rags to riches journey of a very special little dog - a pit bull named Ruby. We followed her adventures and marveled at her resilience on her meteoric rise from abandoned puppy to canine superstar. Nothing could stop Ruby - not unsavory characters, not broken promises, not even cancer. Ruby overcame each obstacle in her path with grace and dignity.

We were left in suspense when our hero Ruby, after being named a finalist in a nationwide contest sponsored by a major corporation, did not receive the remuneration she was promised. Did the company ever make good on its promise?

One must read the sequel, "Ruby's Road" to find out. I am certainly not going to spoil the surprise, but after reading "Ruby's Tale" I could not wait to find out what was next for Ruby and her family.

​"Ruby's Road" brings us all new adventures from the little pit bull with the indomitable spirit. Ruby visits an Ivy League Law School, travels the country and even helps to repay the family that saved her by becoming a professional actress. Ruby also shows us another of her many talents, writing several chapters of the book herself! She also begins to train her successor, Sugar to become a Service Dog when she decides to hang up her vest and enjoy her retirement. And yes, as for the cliffhanger from "Ruby's Tale," we finally do find out what happened with that crazy contest.

"Ruby's Road" has it all - fun, excitement, travel to faraway places and everyday life with the Bettendorf family which includes a whole "tribe" of canine companions.

Most importantly though, Bettendorf reminds us that there are so many dogs like Ruby, just waiting in shelters for the chance to be someone's best friend. While not all dogs will go on to achieve fame and fortune like Ruby has, all have something special to offer.

Like the first book "Ruby's Tale," the follow-up, "Ruby's Road" is a delight. While Bettendorf states that he does not believe Ruby has another book in her, we certainly hope that is not the case.

​Here's hoping Ruby has many more stories to tell.

For more information of both of Ruby's books, please visit her website here.

We have a brand new TV star. Mickey made his television debut on Pound Posse Presents last night. For those who missed it live, you can watch it right here! Hope you will enjoy it!

September is National Service Dog Month so it is only fitting that a very special Service Dog should be featured today. Her name is Ruby. She is a star of stage, print media, radio and television. She has even had two books written about her. Best of all, Ruby is a pit bull.

The world of animal rescue is not all sunshine and happy endings. It has more than its share of heartbreak – something Patrick Bettendorf eloquently reminds us of in his first book “Ruby’s Tale.” While we never forget the tragedies, in the end it is the victories, no matter how small, that inspire us to persevere.

As he takes us through his boyhood and enlightens us as to how he came to be where he is now  ̶  a shelter volunteer, dog foster/adopter, educator, author and advocate  ̶  Bettendorf is acutely aware that his past experiences have made him who he is today.

Back in 2003, the Bettendorfs were the go-to family for pit bulls and Rottweilers at St. Francis Animal Rescue in Forest Lake, Minnesota, where Pat and his wife Lynn were volunteers. So when a foster was needed for a little pit bull named Ruby, the Bettendorfs were the natural choice. Ruby may have been small in stature but she had a heart of epic proportions. 

It was supposed to be a brief foster stint over the Thanksgiving holiday, but Ruby had other plans. She quickly won over the entire family and never left.

(All photos published with the permission of Patrick Bettendorf)

Ruby and her brother had been found in an empty house, emaciated and without food or water. Some dogs never recover from the harm that is inflicted on them early in life but Ruby did not let the neglect and abandonment of her early days prevent her from accomplishing great things. She became a co-host on a radio show and earned a part in a local theater production, despite some apprehensions about her breed. She became a Certified Therapy Dog and Bettendorf’s personal Service Dog. She has traveled far and wide and has become a spokesdog against Breed Specific Legislation.

“Ruby’s Tale” chronicles some of her adventures, including some terrifying moments while vacationing with her family, a trip to Hollywood where she rode in a limo, dined in fancy restaurants, stayed  in a four-star hotel and appeared on “The Bonnie Hunt Show,” and finally a battle with cancer which she fearlessly conquered with courage and dignity. We can all learn a thing or two from Ruby  ̶  the little dog with the indomitable spirit who refused to let life’s challenges prevent her from experiencing all that the world has to offer.

Winner of the 2011 National Indie Excellence Award, “Ruby’s Tale” is a triumph – a true victory for the underdog. It will make you smile, touch your heart and ultimately leave you feeling like all things are possible. I look forward to reading (and reviewing) the sequel, “Ruby’s Road,” with great anticipation.

For ordering information, please visit http://www.rubystales.com/. Ruby’s Tale is also available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle versions. Be sure to follow Ruby on Facebook too! 

It all began with a chance meeting outside a favorite San Diego restaurant last March. There he was – a massive Olde English Bulldog who towered above the other dogs being offered for adoption that day at an event outside the restaurant. I was immediately drawn to this lovable, gentle giant and stopped by to meet him. He was not available for adoption though – his name is Luther and he was accompanied by Carey Laubenberg who made it clear that he is her “baby.”

Luther had something in common with my son and my daughter who were with me that day – he is an east coast transplant, now living the good life in sunny Southern California. Luther and I also had something in common. He and his best buddy Max, an equally engaging and debonair Puggle, who was right there with him along with his human Kari Sherman, are authors! They are also philanthropists. That day they were donating a portion of proceeds from sales of their book to the San Diego Humane Society.

No matter what your age, Max and Luther have lessons to teach and they do so with a flair. Illustrator Julie Ann Stricklin is also back with more endearing, colorful drawings that bring the stories and characters to life.

Max and Luther have done it again. “True Tails II from the Dog Park” is a howling success!

As you have seen, Mickey and I had an eventful spring and early summer. We had to make some adjustments though when car trouble arose. Until the car could be repaired we had to stick close to home. No problem there. Our state of Connecticut has many beautiful places to visit and we uncovered quite a few that were very close by. Here are a few of the places we visited that are less than five miles from home.

We visited the Holy Family Retreat in our town of West Hartford, CT with Mickey's friend Magnolia and her mom Emily. It is a sprawling property with a labyrinth, prayer areas, statues and short wooded trails. A beautiful, peaceful and healing oasis for mind, body and soul.

We also spent several hours at Elizabeth Park which is located in Hartford/West Hartford. It is a place I frequented often in my childhood and has not really changed much all these years later. I always feel like I am taking a step back in time when I visit the park, known for its rose gardens, spectacular flower displays, stone bridges and duck ponds. It is a place where you can spend hours exploring and there is always more to see.

Another day we discovered Sperry Park and the Farmington Valley Greenway. It is just a few miles away, extending from Avon to Simsbury to Farmington, CT. It is a great spot for hiking, bicycling and cross country skiing in the winter. We found a walking path, a pond and a picturesque view of the Heublein Tower. Apparently it is part of a forty mile trail that is being constructed on an abandoned rail line. In all of the years I have lived here I was not aware this beautiful place even existed.

My point? You don't need a reason - be spontaneous! It is fun to just get out and explore on nice days. There are beautiful places everywhere and many are closer to home than you realize. Not only will you enjoy some new adventures and make new memories, your dog will have a great time too!