Helen a Bemis

Understanding Sassie II Helen a Bemis

"Grandma, what is going to happen to the characters in Understanding Sassie?" Jacob asked. My grandson had enjoyed reading my book but wanted to know more about its characters. He continued his questioning and asked, "Are you going to write more about Sassie and all the other people in the book?" So, I have.

Understanding Sassie, II, starts with some turmoil in the Riverview region. Two teenagers hope to have canine pets, but each faces a different reaction from parents.

A dog thief is in town, looking for victims for his vicious Pit Bull Terrier, Champ, in his illegal dog-fighting exhibitions. Dog-behavior-specialist Millie and her husband, Animal Control Officer Mike, suspect local dogs are being dognapped and abused.

Riverview Animal Shelter makes their dogs available for adoption, but they are rather lax about checking out the people who are adopting them. This needs to change, and quickly, or they are going to be supplying dogs for the dog-fighting operation.

The Shelter runs classes to train the dog owners to train their dogs. Millie explains to the attendees what is being done and why. Even Puppy Play Day has its educational component. Sassie has been trained to be a Diabetic Service Dog; she can tell when her owner is on the edge of a diabetic crisis, and this turns out to save a life.

Families are strange sometimes. People can suddenly discover they are related. A step-brother and step-sister find each other at a particularly providential time.

A hurricane down South leads to complications in providing for the displaced animals at the Shelter.

Two of the adults involved with the Shelter find they have more in common than they first realized. Two others have to deal with a medical emergency.

Sassie brings two shy grown-ups together, to the delight of the young girl who loves her.

In my many years of teaching dog obedience, I have discovered that not all humans understand what the dog is trying to tell them. Although I've enjoyed my opportunities to teach classes on dog communication (the body language of dogs), my goal has always been to reach a wider audience.

I've always enjoyed telling stories. I have discovered that stories can help us to remember and learn valuable information. I hope the reader will find these stories entertaining and informative.