Book Reviews

Healing Through Animal Love

Tears and Tales: Stories of Human and Animal Rescue
by Russell Vassallo.

Feeling down? Going through a rough period of life?  Russell Vassallo, author of Tears and Tales has had more of those times than most people, but has been helped through all of them by loving and being loved by the many animals that have been a part of his life.

We share his journey of healing from a painful childhood through the dissolution of his first marriage, retirement, depression, and then the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.  Beginning with Crazy Duck, the whiskey drinking duckling, Russell shows us the way in which animals help him connect to his feelings. 

Russell shares many stories of how animals guided him through an inner journey of self-reflection.  He is fearless in allowing us to see parts of himself that many would be afraid to share.  We learn of his doubts about his worthiness as a partner and parent; we see him become self-absorbed and misinterpret his wife's caring gestures.  Throughout it all,  we are privy to his willingness to learn about love and life from his dogs, horses, and even a cardinal that speaks to him of the possibility of a joyful life.

Reading this book will give you hope that you can cope with whatever challenges life gives you.  And it will inspire you to share that life with an animal that needs you as much as you need it.