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Linda Verville saw a lesson to be shared in
the life of her deaf and blind dog Pete, and decided to write a children's
book.
Portland
Press Herald, January 2, 2003, by Grace Murphy Saco
Click here to
read the Bridges4Kids review of this book.
Linda Verville's
Australian shepard Pete is the star of a children's book and has his own
lecture circuit at schools and bookstores throughout Cumberland and York
counties. But he can't see the children who gather around him as Verville
reads aloud the story of how a deaf and blind dog makes his way in the
world.
And he can't
hear the questions children ask after reading the book, like if Pete is
happy. Verville, a former teacher, said she wrote the book "For Pete's
Sake!" after she realized Pete's story could teach children about
independence, self-confidence and appreciation of diversity. The story is
told from the point of view of Verville's dog Chelsea, a
shepherd/husky mix who at first does not understand why Pete does not act
like other dogs. Throughout the course of the book, Chelsea wonders
why Pete doesn't mind like other dogs, or sleep through the night, and why
he bumps into things. Eventually, Chelsea learns about Pete's disabilities
and grows to admire the qualities that make him different from other dogs.
She realizes
that the reason he accomplishes so much is because he can't hear people
telling him all of the things he's unable to do. "He is a popular
character because he is real and his accomplishments are amazing,"
Verville said. "Despite his severe disabilities, he is a very good-natured
and just a happy guy." Verville hooked up with Biddeford illustrator
Melissa Pelletier after going to Brown Fox Printing in Saco to get an
estimate of publishing costs. Pelletier works at the shop, and her
artwork on the walls interested
Verville.
Pelletier said she was initially hesitant about the project, since the
sketch work was so different from her usual photo-realistic style.
After spending time with Verville, Chelsea and Pete, she too saw the
possibilities in Pete's story.
She tried to capture his style of walking, with feet lifted high and nose
in the air.
"He looks like he's prancing, like a horse. It's so joyful," she said.
The story and illustrations describe many of the challenges that Pete
created for his new family after his adoption eight years ago. He couldn't
tell the difference between night and day and wanted to play while others
are sleeping. He relied heavily on his sense of smell, poking his nose
into a sink full of dishes, a pot of spaghetti sauce, and the laundry
basket.
With special training, Pete now knows simple touch commands. A tap on the
side means he did something well. If Verville wants him to follow her, she
taps him under the chin. And if he's naughty, she shakes the
back of his neck like his mother would. Since the book's publication in
September, Verville and Pelletier, along with the dogs, have appeared at
bookshops and schools. The two created a workbook containing activities
for students to go along with the book. The books are also sold to schools
that want to use it as a fund-raiser. "Schools are using the book to
instill confidence in their students, encourage them to overcome
challenges and appreciate the differences in others," Verville said.
Verville
believes Pete's particular handicaps are common in his breed, and she
encourages others to consider providing foster or permanent homes for deaf
or blind dogs. She also donates money from book sales to the West
Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society, where she got Pete.
More information about the book and the dogs is available online at
www.readforpetessake.com.
A sequel is in the works, to help answer some of the frequent
questions Verville gets from children.
The most frequently asked question is how Pete can get around if he can't
see or hear. "You never think of an animal with a disability. It's
sad at first, but when you see what kind of a life he has, then you
realize he's happy," Verville said.
Staff Writer Grace Murphy can be contacted at 282-8228 or at:
gmurphy@pressherald.com
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