Spaniel stars in new pet therapy book for children
- Because of Bentley is Loren Spiotta-DiMare's 17th book.
Bred for centuries to be lap dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like nothing better than to snuggle and cuddle. Because of their endearing personalities, soulful expressions, silky coats and diminutive size, many Cavaliers excel as Therapy Dogs.
And so it was with Bentley, the star of the new children’s picture book, Because of Bentley.
"I’ve always admired the breed,” said Loren Spiotta-DiMare of Tewksbury, a long-time animal writer and the author of Bentley. “Several years ago, I had the opportunity to write a reference book about Cavaliers. I interviewed numerous breeders and really clicked with Diane Zdrodowski of Evanlake Cavaliers in Blairstown.
"For months, we were in daily email communication. I often joked I was becoming her new best friend,” she added.
When the project came to a close, author and breeder decided they’d like to collaborate on another project and chose to create a children’s book based on Zdrodowski’s first Cavalier.
From the day, Bentley came into her life, Diane new he would be special, Spiotta-DiMare said. “Together they took the dog world by storm competing in numerous dog sports. But the Blenheim (chestnut red and white) Cavalier truly found his calling as a Therapy Dog.”
“I was so proud of Bentley, “ Zdrodowski said. “He loved everyone – adults, children, other dogs. And though breeding champions and winning titles is very enjoyable there is nothing as rewarding as visiting a nursing home patient or sick child and brightening their lives with the presence of your dog.”
Author shares publishing experience through teaching
Bentley won numerous awards over the course of his life, including the first ever Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club USA, Inc – Cavalier Therapy Companion Award and the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association – Therapy Dog of the Year Award.
Zdrowoski and Bentley had so many wonderful experiences on their therapy visits because of Bentley that the title for the book easily popped into the author’s mind. In one scene, a very sick child begins to paint again because of Bentley.
In another, a lonely little boy starts to make friends. In yet another, a young boy speaks for the first time in months. All because of Bentley. So taken with Bentley, Zdrodowski eventually became a Cavalier breeder.
To learn about all her wonderful dogs visit www.evanlakecavaliers.com.
The scenes in Because of Bentley come to life with beautiful color pencil and water color paintings created by Jude Delaney of Choctaw, Oklahoma. Delaney specializes in animal portraiture. Through the years, she has portrayed many different breeds, both show dogs and those special companions he calls Champions of the Heart, those who win our love, but never see the inside of a ring.
Recognized by the Dog Writers Association of America, Humane Society of the United States, the Doris Animal Foundation, and New Jersey Press Women, Spiotta-DiMare has been writing about animals for over thirty years. Because of Bentley is her 17th book.
To order a hardcover copy of the book, send a check for $24.26 (includes tx/sh) to Loren Spiotta-DiMare, P.O. Box 301, Califon, NJ 07830 or visit www.LorensReadingRoom.com.