I am super excited to talk more today about Opening Her Heart (Rocky Mountain Family #2). The six-book series introduces the Winslow siblings who own a Christmas tree farm, and a service dog program called A New Leash on Love. I’m having such a wonderful time researching what different service dogs (and how many breeds!!) can do—Autism (The Black Sheep’s Salvation), Epilepsy (Opening Her Heart), Mobility Assistance (The Marine’s Mission), Disaster Relief (currently unnamed January 2022) and two others. I suspect my love of dogs bleeds through fairly heavily in all these books. I’m a dog person through and through. Since I have bipolar disorder, my own miniature schnauzer Gabby (Gabriella Peaches) is my emotional support dog. She alerts when I am dropping into depression or anxiety and responds by bringing me back to the present with her calming touch and love.
In Opening Her Heart, hero Jake has a lovely little three-year-old girl named Lottie who suffers from epilepsy. One day when they are sharing a pizza with heroine Avery, golden retriever Sissy alerts to Lottie’s seizure even before the humans realize it is going to happen. Here’s a snippet from the book:
“You trained a dog to help a boy with autism? Wow, I’ve never even heard of such a thing.”
“We’ve done some psychiatric service-dog work in the past, but this dog, a Great Dane named Rufus, was amazing. We had no idea. Molly was just out with Rufus one day when he suddenly showed us where he belonged. Without prompting, he took to little Judah as if he’d been specially made for him. Everyone could see it.”
“That is incredible.” Jake could barely put his amazement into words. He’d never even imagined dogs could be so useful.
“I know, right?” Avery actually smiled at him before biting into her pizza again. Another real smile, not the tight, gritted-teeth variety she’d given him since they’d met.
He tried to ignore what that smile did to his insides. He had to stay focused on the end goal, and that wasn’t Avery. If anything, the woman was standing right in his way, blocking the puck, so to speak.
Suddenly, Sissy, who had been lying down quietly next to Avery’s foot, whined and wiggled over closer to the other side of the bench where the child was sitting, repeatedly nudging Lottie’s chest with her nose and licking her chin.
With a curious gleam in her eye, Avery called her off, but Sissy ignored her and continued her ministrations to the little girl, completely focused on Lottie.
“That’s odd,” Avery said, her brow lowering. “It’s not at all like Sissy to ignore a direct command. Something’s wrong.”
As he stared as his daughter, Jake’s face heated as he watched the dog and realized in hindsight he probably should not have let Lottie pet Sissy before she’d finished her pizza, or at least he ought to insist she go wash her hands now that the dog was touching her again right in the middle of their meal.
What kind of father was he, anyway?
It didn’t really surprise him that she was more interested in the dog than the pizza, having begged for one so many times since she’d learned how to speak. But he ought to be more aware of things like handwashing. It was times like this that made him feel as if he was never going to be able to live up to becoming the kind of parent Lottie deserved. And although he couldn’t imagine why it mattered, he didn’t want to come off looking like a slacker dad to Avery.
“Daddy?” Lottie said, her voice high, squeaky and frightened.
“Yes, honey?” he said, immediately locking his attention on his daughter. Something in the tone of her voice alerted him.
It was no longer about the dog, although Sissy was still persistently nuzzling her. Lottie had a strange look on her face—an expression Jake knew all too well.
“I don’t feel so good.”
“Sweetheart?” Jake asked.
Sissy barked and nudged Lottie again. Suddenly, his darling girl stiffened like a board and clutched at the edge of the table, her face blanching as, in her spasmodic movements, her arm bumped her glass, spilling water all across the table.
Because he was sitting across the table from her, Jake couldn’t immediately react. But before he could so much as move a muscle, Avery had scooped Lottie into her arms. She knelt down on the floor with her and tenderly laid her on her side. Avery folded her jacket and gently placed it under Lottie’s head, her knees on either side of her and her hands steady near Lottie’s cheeks so she wouldn’t hurt herself.
Avery’s expression was full of concern, but she appeared to know what she was doing, even though Jake hadn’t yet offered a word of explanation as to what was going on with his daughter.
“It’s okay, Lottie. Your daddy and I are right here.” Avery spoke loudly, reassuringly and evenly. “You’re going to be all right, sweetheart. We’re not going anywhere.”
Jake dropped to his knees beside his daughter and gently stroked her shoulder. He knew she could hear him, even if she couldn’t directly respond to his voice. “Daddy’s here. Daddy loves you. Hang in there, sweetie. It’s okay. You’re going to be just fine.”
Suddenly, the dog was down beside them, wiggling underneath Jake’s arm so she could be closer to Lottie, stretching herself out at the child’s side.
Instead of freaking out at the child’s uncomfortable movements and darting away from the little girl, Sissy put her head across Lottie’s chest and gently licked her chin until the seizure had come to an end.
Was there such a thing as an epilepsy-support dog? Jake had never heard of such a thing, but then, he hadn’t ever heard of an autism-support dog, either. The way Sissy was acting right now, it seemed as though the dog instinctively knew what was happening. Now that he thought of it, Sissy had alerted them even before Lottie showed signs that she was going to have a seizure.
Finally, Lottie’s seizure wound down, and Jake met Avery’s compassionate gaze as she stroked the hair away from his daughter’s forehead.
“Epilepsy?” Avery whispered.
His heart aching until he thought it might burst from pain, Jake nodded.
I hope you enjoyed the scene and if you haven’t already, that you’ll pick up a copy of Opening Her Heart wherever you usually shop.
So back to you…what breeds of dogs would you think might best work as a service dog? (HINT: ALL of the dogs in the feature image at the top appear in my Rocky Mountain Family books!!) Also, please introduce your fur babies.
~~Love Courageously~~ Publisher's Weekly Bestselling, award-winning author of 30 novels, Deb Kastner enjoys writing contemporary inspirational western stories set in small communities. She feels especially blessed to be able to include faith as a natural and genuine part of her characters' lives. Deb lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband and a pack of miscreant mutts. She is blessed with three adult daughters and two grandchildren. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandchildren, but she also enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music (The Texas Tenors are her fav), singing in the church choir, and exploring the Rocky Mountains on horseback.
I love stories with dogs and I feel they should be on every cover.
I think golden retrievers make excellent service dogs.
Hi Deb! Your new series sounds fantastic. Congrats. While volunteer for the Red Cross, our office manager was training a service dog, who often accompanied her to schools and hospitals. While attend university in the 1970s, a blind student had a service dog – a yellow lab. A classmate, who had been in an abusive marriage, has a support dog. A miniature schnauzer. Our family is fond of Shelties. Are Shelties or Sheepdogs every used as support dogs? Best wishes as you write your inspiring series. Enjoy your week. Warming up in Michigan.
Your story sounds great! I do not have any pets. I’m more of a cat person than a dog person, though I do like dogs, and have made friends with some dogs that won’t let others near them. I like any dog for a support dog, though I admit I like medium to large dogs better, I’m not crazy about little ankle biters.
I love doggies! I don’t currently have in though, not since my Charlie passed. He was the sweetest shihzu!
Another book to check out. I love dogs though due to condo restrictions, we have a cat
This sounds wonderful, and so timely! I’m working on a book idea that includes a therapy dog working with an FBI Victim Specialist. For now, it’s a golden retriever, but we’ll see! :) Thanks for the post!
Check out the Service Dog Project on explore.org. Incredible program that raises and trains Great Danes as mobility service dogs. It is fun, educational and inspiring to follow them on camera each day.
Your book sounds like such a very good read, I love books about siblings and I love dogs. We have a half Schnauzer and he is such a sweet and good boy, his name is Honeybear, he is 7 yrs old and I know that he always knows exactly how I am feeling. A lot of people don’t give animals alot of credit, but they are smarter than a lot of people. Have a Great week and stay safe. Thank you for sharing about your very good sounding book.
Love books with dogs in Them I think The Lab is A great Dog for these jobs! Blessing To You!
Oh, that’s amazing! What good dogs! I had to read this to my son after he heard my “cooing” and wanted to know why. <3
I love service dogs in the stories. St. Bernard breed would be a great service dog :)
Aw, I loved the snippet. I want to read the book now.
Right? They are the most important component of my Rocky Mountain Family series covers. My Art Fact Sheets are covered with dog pictures to make sure the art department gets the hint!
They are used in so many ways as service dogs. Born and bred!
Hi Renate! I answered your question on FB. Shelties are naturally protective (herding) and have often been used as hearing or medical support dogs as well as therapy dogs.
Ha ha! My youngest two daughters both have chihuahuas, which is just a little too small for me. My miniature schnauzer is perfect for my needs. She’s a little larger but I can still cuddle her in my lap. I’ve also got a pit bull/shepherd mix, so I like big dogs, too!
Aww. Sorry for your loss! It sometimes takes a while before our hearts are ready for a new pupper. Shihzus are wonderful lap dogs!
My sister (who runs an animal sanctuary) is pushing me to do my next series on cats. Evidently they can be excellent service animals, especially to veterans with PTSD.
I’ve been having fun writing a variety of dog breeds but a golden retriever was perfect for Sissy in Opening Her Heart. Breeds have their own characteristics just like people do.
Awesome! I used a Great Dane as an autism dog in The Black Sheep’s Salvation. I’ve also often seen them used as mental health dogs. They’d be just the right size for mobility assistance (I used a standard poodle in my next book, The Marine’s Mission).
I totally agree that animals often have more emotional capacity than their human counterparts. Honeybear sounds like a sweetheart!
I have a black Lab in the book I’m writing now (January 2022 as yet unnamed). He is a disaster relief therapy dog. I was so excited when I discovered this, as I always pictured therapy dogs in hospitals. But people who have been displaced by a natural disaster really need what these dogs offer!
Aww! How precious!
Excellent idea, especially because my fictitious town is located in Colorado close to a ski resort!
Thanks, Angeline. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I love your schnauzer! Maybe she should feature in one of your books (if she hasn’t already)? Also, I loved the excerpt too! Will be adding your book to my TBR list :)
I’m not a dog person but I enjoy reading about them. I love my chickens.
I love the snippet too. While I am scared of dogs I do appreciate what they can do. I know at a school in Victoria where they had bushfires and many lost homes etc they have a companion dog that comes to school and helps comfort children. I have heard they are trying to get more into schools. They have a one or two that go to visit the nursing home not sure the breed. They use to have a couple of cats at the nursing home who seemed to know which person needed the comfort and go and sit with them. One in particular was really good at it. He never when to the rooms where people didn’t like cats.
I have 2 cats Libby (short for Liberty) and Henry. both are rescue cats. Henry is cuddly on his terms but also very independent. Libby needs more reassurance and is scared of other people.
My neighbor had a pit bull that alerted him whenever his glucose dropped. I always thought retrievers would be great at brig a support dog but Ian learning that it may be the dog’s bond with the person that may be of help.
I have no pets but my niece has a fish.
I love dogs! Such amazing creatures and I think all dog breeds can have the service gift. Thanks for sharing.
I think it’s awesome you have a service job and are writing about them. I have thought about getting a service job for my depression and anxiety.
I meant dog not job. lol
I think just about any dog can be a service dog! Growing up, we had a neighbor that had a black lab for a guide dog (he was blind). I’ve seen many other breeds be emotional support dogs as well. My husband works at a resort motel and they get many breeds of service dogs that come with their human “parents”. I just got done reading a book featuring a husky that not only worked as a police dog , but was also great at helping calm a victim down when they were stressed. I think it’s great when a story includes a dog, they bring their own personalities and quirks to add!
I don’t currently have any pets, but we’ve had dogs & cats in the family.
Gabby would be such a wonderful character! She makes us laugh with her “schnauzer smile” and of course her “gabbing.”
Chickens are really getting to be a thing! I have friends who LOVE their chickens. My grandfather had a chicken coop but I was afraid of them.
Oh, a great cat story! I love the idea of nursing home cats. I have two cats but I think they were born feral. My Dab likes cuddles ONLY on his terms. I’m sorry you’re afraid of dogs. Did you have a bad experience?
Perhaps some breeds are more inclined toward certain types of work, but I’m with you in thinking it has as much to do with bonding.
I agree! All dogs are service dogs in their own way.
I definitely encourage you to look into it. A dog makes a HUGE difference in my life where my depression and anxiety are concerned.
What fun to work in a hotel and see all the different breeds of service dogs people use. And I totally agree every dog has his/her own personality to bring to the table.
I’ve mostly seen black labs, in my experience.
Wow! That is so close to my heart. We are exploring service dog options for my 13y/o son (diabetic alert dog). I have asthma so we are looking into doodle breeds. My husband has fallen in love with Berniedoodles. Reportedly, they are bright, friendly, the right energy level for out family, and highly trainable…and so stinking cute! A fantastic resource is MD Dogs Inc. She has a FB page with loads of info and training videos.
I always want a dog someday, but due to the fact that we are not home much, it is not possible. That’s why I love books with dogs in them.
I think an Australian Shepherd would make a food service dog.
Sadly, I am allergic to pet dander, so we have never had pets at home. I have always enjoyed visiting family and friends with pets, though. Both my mom and sister had Dobermans at one point. One was trained for guarding (not attack) and the other was just a companion. I was amazed at just how affectionate they were to those in their circle of acceptance. Ranger, the companion, was perfect for my parents as they aged.
I have always had a preference for the larger breeds, but any pet (dog or cat) who is affectionate has my vote. :)
Hey Deb, my nephew has a disease that mimics epilepsy, ADHD, and autism. My Dad had a pug named Pepper that loved him and understood his illnesses. He used to swing, holding Pepper under her arms, laying belly up on his legs. Swinging calmed him and she would swing with him for hours.
I love dogs and am fascinated by all the jobs they can do. When I was growing up my family adopted a collie mix from a shelter and I really enjoyed having him as part of the family. Right now I don’t have a dog but I do have a cat named Wrigley.
I have three cats, Luci, Daisy and Fearless. I would think that any dog can be trained to be an emotional service dog. If the service dog is being trained for the blind or disabled, it may need to be a larger dog as in a German shepherd or a lab.
Thank you for sharing such a fabulous book. I have three cats, Luci, Daisy and Fearless. I would think that any dog can be trained to be an emotional service dog. If the service dog is being trained for the blind or disabled, it may need to be a larger dog as in a German shepherd or a lab.