Tamira Thayne's Blog

Kindle Vella is here! What is Kindle Vella? Short stories that are produced an episode at a time. When one of our authors writes one, we’ll share the links with you.

The first three episodes are always free. After that, Imagine…Life on a Chain by Tamira Thayne will cost mere pennies per episode! A new episode will come out every Thursday until the short story is done. And it WILL have a happy ending…because Imagine deserves that.

There are currently six episodes, with the seventh due to come out tomorrow.

The story is written for adults, but could be read by ages 12 and up.

In the year 2020, the worst global disaster in our lifetimes forced humans into confinement against their wishes. They didn’t deal with it well. They fought wearing masks, proven to save lives. Fought any perceived restrictions on their freedom.

One could argue that for the first time ever, humans at large got a small taste of what life is like for a dog on a chain. Dogs like Imagine, who couldn’t speak for himself. If only the humans knew what he was capable of…

Here’s a small taste of Episode One:

Imagine…Life on a Chain

Episode One

In the year 2020, the worst global disaster in our lifetimes forced humans into confinement against their wishes.

They didn’t deal with it well.

Doctors and scientists tried to educate the people, convince them it was for the greater good, and yet—even when faced with the very real possibility of death for stepping outside their doors—humans still did so in large numbers.

They fought wearing masks, proven to save lives.

Fought any perceived restrictions on their freedom.

One could argue that for the first time ever, humans at large got a small taste of what is a daily reality for a dog on a chain.

Dogs like Imagine, who couldn’t speak for himself…

…had no voice to say “no more.”

Shame, too. If only the humans had known what he was capable of, they may not have cast him aside so casually…

Based on a true story, Imagine could be any dog living a confined existence in America today. Each of these dogs is worthy, capable, and deserving of a home and loving family of their own.

And, yes, dare we say, freedom.

A Weird Smell

The dog awoke, feeling more uncomfortable than usual—which was saying something, given that he was chained to a dilapidated box the size of a grocery cart.

The world seemed off, the neighborhood quiet, even the woods behind him hushed . . . like everything waited . . .

He shifted uneasily, sniffed the air.

It was warm for March; the sun was just peeking over the far-off mountains, and he shivered as he crawled out of his doghouse to meet the dawn, memory of the recent cold snap making his bones ache.

He supposed he should be grateful for the promise of a warm day. As he slid into middle age, the winter months seemed longer and more unbearable with each passing year.

He shook his fur out the best he could, hoping for a little more insulation until the temperatures rose a few degrees.

He was a mutt, like so many of the forgotten. His fur was thick but on the shorter side, and his black and tan markings made him unremarkable. His floppy ears bespoke a Labrador heritage, while his coloring hinted at shepherd in the mix.

His eyes were kind, smart, knowing.

And sad.

So very, very sad….Read MORE here!

Post on the tenth anniversary of the purchase of Michael Vick’s dogfighting compound by an animal rescue group. The book about the next four years was written by author Tamira Thayne, and can be purchased from our site or any online vendor.

Tamira Thayne's "Untethered"

The look on my face at the loan signing for the property.
Yeah, I should have been even MORE afraid than this.

Should I Have Done That?

The Eternal Question…

At the age of 57, I often feel like I exist in a state of bewilderment. I vowed never to be as out of it as my mother was, but now I realize that’s not as easy as it seems when you’re in your mid-30s. Poor Mom had no idea of current fashion, trends, slang, or, God forbid, the internet.

I remember when a lesbian couple moved in down the street from her. She called them “The Sisters,” while whispering to me that she knew they weren’t actually sisters, but she felt too uncomfortable with the truth, so “The Sisters” it was.

That was progress for her.

Today I feel more empathy for my mother of 20 years ago, as…

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[image error] No Guppy, Puppy!
The Puppy Problems Series

Written and Illustrated by Tamira Thayne

Buy in Paperback | Buy on Kindle | Buy in E-Pub

No Guppy, Puppy! introduces our littlest readers to lots of new animal friends as we learn about Puppy’s little problem: he likes to chase animals!

But guess what? The other animals don’t want to be chased. So Mom gives Puppy something fun and safe to do for each animal they meet.

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In the end, Puppy finally sees someone Mom will let him chase…shhh…you’ll have to read the story to find out who it is!

Written and illustrated by Tamira Thayne, No Guppy, Puppy! seeks to introduce young readers ages 3 and up to both early sight words and the animals we can see on our daily walks. It also introduces the concept of redirection from unwanted behaviors to something more positive, safe, and fun! Bold colors, simple artwork, and short sentences make for a great bedtime or anytime read for young families on the go.

Buy in Paperback | Buy on Kindle | Buy in E-Pub

About the Author and Illustrator

Tamira Thayne is an author, publisher, and the founder and former CEO of Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit organization seeking to free dogs from chains.

She’s the author of the Animal Protector Series, which to date includes Squirmy Hermie’s Heroics, Raffy Calfy’s Rescue, Spittin’ Kitten’s Speed Away, and Smidgey Pidgey’s Predicament. She’s also written Happy Dog Coloring Book, It Went to the Dogs, Capitol in Chains, Foster Doggie Insanity, and the Chained Gods young adult series. She is the editor of More Rescue Smiles, and co-editor of Don’t Look a Gift Couch in the Mouth (forthcoming), Unchain My Heart, and Rescue Smiles. (see all her books on her Amazon author page here.)

Tamira lives by a river in the woods of northern Virginia, with her husband, daughter, one dog, seven cats, and hundreds of outside birds and critters she adores from afar. You can reach her through her website at tamirathayne.com.

About The Puppy Problems Series

Puppy’s got a little puppy problem—well, lots of them, if we’re honest. Join us for loads of fun—and color!—as Puppy and our littlest readers explore the world around us. We’ll meet other animals and begin to understand life through a dog’s eyes! P.S. Be sure to say it like this: “Puppy Pwobwems,” because that’s how Mom says it to the “real” Puppy and it gets him all wound up!

About The Real “Puppy,” aka why Tamira Wrote the Book

The idea for No Guppy, Puppy! came from my daily walks in the woods with our rescue dog Khronos. Khronos doesn’t know his real name, because I quickly nicknamed him “His Puppyness” or “Puppy” for short.

We wanted to adopt a dog who would stay with us whenever we spent time outside; however, when we chose Khronos from a rescue group in Pennsylvania, we had no way of knowing how he would do off leash…

Unfortunately hanging with us was not his strong suit—our boy especially enjoyed running off and FINDING ANIMALS TO CHASE! Yikes.

One time, he even broke his leash chasing after a squirrel! Luckily, the squirrel could climb and His Puppyness couldn’t, so he/she was able to escape to safety.

Given Khronos’ enthusiasm for chasing animals, I had to find ways to redirect his attention from the squirrels, cats, horses, and other animals we met on our travels.

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I started carrying treats with me, and Puppy loves, loves, LOVES sticks! To his mind, no stick is too big to drag around or chew up. He also likes to bring them to me in an invitation to play tug-of-war with him.

I thought this story would be a fun way to introduce other animals to our littlest readers, and so the idea for No Guppy, Puppy! and the Puppy Problems series was born… —Author Tamira Thayne

Another Don’t Miss Animal Book from WCY Publishing!Brave Cat, Barn Cat From the Farm Tales Series: Oliver & Friends

Written by Stephanie Itle-Clark
Illustrated by Jessie Miller

Being brave can be scary. Join barn cat Onyx, the newest addition to the Farm Tales Series family, and follow the journey of a shy barn cat who takes small steps toward courage. This fun rhythmic text introduces the reader to the work and life of barn cats. Will this shy kitty be able to save the day? Readers will be inspired to face new situations with bravery.

The Farm Tales Series is written just for early readers in grades Pre-K-2. The book text incorporates early sight words as well as discussion questions for parents and educators to support growth in critical thinking and empathy for others.

Buy in Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Publisher : Who Chains You Books (April 25, 2021)Language : EnglishPaperback : 40 pagesISBN-10 : 1954039093ISBN-13 : 978-1954039094Item Weight : 4.2 ouncesDimensions : 8.5 x 0.1 x 8.5 inchesAbout the Author

Stephanie Itle-Clark is a public-school teacher, as well as the founder and president of the Academy of Prosocial Learning, a group which supports prosocial and empathy education and provides resources and professional development for educators. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their pack of tiny rescue dogs.

Stephanie is the author of Tiffany Rolls On, Oliver’s Big Problem, Flock of Friends, Out of the Dog House, and Brave Cat, Barn Cat. She is also the editor of Humane Education in Higher Education.

About the Illustrator

Jessie Miller is founder of the non profit organization EPIC Outreach, which focuses on teaching kindness to inspire compassion. In 2019 Jessie started and now runs the farm sanctuary, One EPIC Farm, with rescued farm animals that serves as an education outreach center.

Jessie lives in Florida, where she spends time at the beach, running, writing, or hanging out with the rescued animals. Visit epicoutreach.org for more info. Jessie is the author of Chance—Wings of Hope and Winne: A Wet and Windy Adventure, and the illustrator of the Farm Tales: Oliver and Friends series.

Hachi and Friends
2nd. Edition, Full Color Throughout!

Written by Anastasia Ormeron
Illustrated by Akitas Comics

Buy Full Color Version in Paperback | Buy on Kindle
| Buy Audiobook

1st Edition, Black and White Version
U.S. Paperback | Italy Paperback
UK Paperback

Author Anastasia Ormeron has found fans in online Akita communities with her book, Hachi & Friends. In fact, she’s had so much success we will be publishing a book of her Akita fan stories coming out this fall!

Through her “travels” in the Akita community, she met the amazing illustrator Akitas Comics, aka Rebecca Szmidt. The two put their heads together and collaborated on a color version of the book interior illustrations, and so a new, full color version was born.

We are keeping the black and white 1st edition available as well (selling for $10.95), while the new, full color version is just $14.95 in paperback. Both are fully illustrated and set to be enjoyed by Hachi fans the world over for years to come.

About the Book

If you happen to be passing through Shibuya Railway Station, in the chaotic heart of Tokyo, you are certain to come across a small bronze statue of a dog.

This is Hachi-kò, the “Loyal Akita Inu of Japan,” who waited faithfully at that exact spot for almost ten years in the hope of his master’s return.

Shibuya Station is a focal point in this delightful tale combining fact and fiction, and every afternoon our hero unfailingly meets the incoming three o’clock train, seeking the one familiar face which means so much to him—that of Master Ueno.

A mysterious kidnapping sets Hachi and friends on a trail that twists and turns through the Tokyo of the 1920s, and Hachi comes face to face with his worst fear. Will he overcome it to win the day?

You’ll meet some of Hachi’s many human and animal friends, including Maro, the vagabond mixed breed who is proud to live as a street dog, Goro, who was abandoned as a puppy outside the police station and now acts as police dog, and Debbie, Hachi’s special fox terrier friend who lives next door.

This illustrated story for ages 9 and up is dedicated to Hachi, beloved the world over. This second edition features all new, full color illustrations by Akitas Comics.

About the Author

Anastasia Ormeron is a mother, a teacher, and now a writer. A friend to all animals since childhood, she carries many of their beloved stories into the classroom, believing that some of life’s greatest lessons can be learned from them.

Anastasia spent most of her crazier growing up years in London, but shares a quieter life today, in a tiny corner of the Italian Alps, with her husband and grumpy grey cat, Mathilda.

About the Illustrator

Talented French illustrator, Rebecca Szmidt, better known as “Akitas Comics,” combines her love of art and dogs with humorous flair. A former student of the prestigious La Cambre-Mode Academy, Rebecca is also a successful fashion designer. Find her on Instagram and Facebook at @akitas_comics.

Introducing The Fox Feats and Shark Tales of Pollution Fighter James F. Phillips and Animal Rights Warrior Steven O. Hindiby Pauline Marie Gambill

The FOX FEATS and SHARK TALES of Pollution Fighter James F. Phillips and Animal Rights Warrior Steven O. Hindi is an extensive and absorbing look at the lives and achievements of two courageous and fearless individuals: James F. Phillips (1930-2001), known as “the Fox;” and Steven Hindi, founder of the animal rights organization SHARK (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness).

The book delves into the early lives of Phillips and Hindi and looks at what drove them to a fierce and relentless dedication to their causes. Their journeys were not without serious and dangerous obstacles, and—in Hindi’s case—even resulted in physical injury. In addition to the telling of the men’s intriguing histories, visual images provide an important peek into their lives and work.

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-954039-05-6

• Publisher : Who Chains You Books (April 2, 2021) • Language : English • Paperback : 296 pages • ISBN-10 : 1954039050 • ISBN-13 : 978-1954039056 • Item Weight : 14.1 ounces • Dimensions : 6 x 0.67 x 9 inches

E-Pub ISBN: 978-1-954039-06-3

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091SK675D

Other E-Pub Sites: https://books2read.com/foxfeats

About the Author

Pauline Marie Gambill is a dedicated environmentalist and animal rights advocate. After working many years for the State of Illinois Department of Human Services in Chicago, she took an early retirement and returned to college to obtain an MA in Environmental Studies. She then worked at the USEPA in Chicago for ten years. Since her second retirement, she has continued her support of environmental and animal rights causes and has been a member of the Chicago Animal Rights Coalition which was originally established by Steve Hindi.

Her other primary interest is genealogy. She has traveled all over the country to do research and has written numerous family histories.

You’ve all got them…funny animal rescue stories…

At least if you’re in the animal rescue “business.”

Truth be told, most laugh-out-loud rescue stories don’t start out funny. They’re in fact disasters of the highest order that only become hilarious in hindsight. (You’ve all read the tale of the roomba smearing doody all over the room, right? Not at all amusing if you’re the one cleaning it up, but it makes for a great story at dinner parties later!)

Editors Tamira Thayne and Christy Burbidge have been scouring the internet to bring you some great moments in animal rescue, moments that bring some laughs to what can be a heartbreaking field.

We still have room for a few more tales! Could One of Them Be YOURS? Deadline is March 31st.

Have a laugh out loud story about something that happened in animal rescue? Share it with us, and we’ll choose 15-30 stories for our upcoming 2021 book entitled Don’t Look a Gift Couch in the Mouth—And Other Guffawfully Funny Stories of Animal Rescue. We’re seeking essays of 1000-3000 words, and would love a photo or two of the animal in question to go with your tale if possible.

Submit your story to us here: https://whochainsyou.com/submissions.html

Happy Writing!

A little birdy, er, puppy, told us today was National Puppy Day! That makes it a great day to celebrate all things puppy, including supporting your local dog rescues by adopting or fostering their adorable little guys and gals.

What could be cuter than this little face?

Fostering isn’t for the faint of heart, however. Ask author Tamira Thayne, who penned the book “Foster Doggie Insanity” when she was knee-deep in puppies and other dogs looking for homes during her years in rescue. As one reader said: “Whether you’ve fostered hundreds of dogs or none, it is an enjoyable read, mixing laughter and empathy with real life situations. Thayne may even leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about our canine companions and the people who care about them. A book that is more than a tool for fostering; it is a declaration of the spirit, heart and soul of rescuers universally. The moral to this story is ‘It’s OK not to be perfect; a dog will love you anyway.’”—Dawn Ashby, former Dogs Deserve Better rep

Got little ones? We’ve got lots of doggy books for you to choose from!

Check out some of our below titles, or visit our website at http://www.whochainsyou.com for a full listing of over 85 books for animal lovers!

Yes, we have selections for Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, and Grandma and Grandpa too!

And so many more! Just visit our website at http://www.whochainsyou.com for a full listing of over 85 books for animal lovers. Happy National Puppy Day.

This year’s Easter Celebration falls on April 4th, and rabbit rescues nationwide are asking the public not to purchase live rabbits as gifts for children.

Might we suggest a lovely book about our adorable bunny friends instead?

The best part of giving The No Name Bunny as a gift this Easter? It’s still adorable and they still get to learn all about bunnies . . . but a book doesn’t require food, shelter, vet care, or daily attention.

The No Name Bunny Makes the Perfect Easter Gift!

Which makes it the perfect way to celebrate the holiday without causing more work for already frazzled parents!

The No Name Bunny tells of one rabbit’s journey to find her forever family, emphasizing the importance of hope in the face of life’s challenges and offering an animal’s perspective on loss and fear, belief and belonging. In this children’s tale of redemption, the No Name Bunny perseveres despite neglect and abandonment to achieve her dream of a better life and to finally get what she wants most: a name.

After reading The No Name Bunny, young readers ages 6 and up will come to understand that, like us, animals deserve compassion and empathy. While the story’s central theme emphasizes humane treatment of animals, humans and animals alike can grasp the need for love, belonging, and identity.

Amazon reader Tina said this about The No Name Bunny:

This book is beautiful, adorable, and touching. This book is SOOOO CUTE! Not only does it have a great message, but it actually moved me to tears, in a good way. I can’t say that about any other children’s book. Definitely worth purchasing.

Another reader, Anna, said “Such a beautiful children’s book. This is a great way to educate children and build their emotional intelligence/empathy for animals. Don’t miss on this buy!”

Grab your copy today at the following venues:

Bunnies Deserve Better!The No Name Bunny

Written by Ali Tibbetts. Illustrated by Rhonda Van.

Buy in Paperback | Buy on Kindle | | Buy Audiobook

Thinking About Chicks Instead?
We’ve got a Beautiful Chicken book,Too!

Friends come in all shapes and sizes! This flock of friends rhymes their way through a day at the farm, sharing some of the things chickens like to do and asking us to think about our friends big and small. Get to know Pebbles, Bingo, Ginger, and Roo and take part in their adventures at One EPIC Farm in the second book of the Farm Tales Series. Celebrate making friends of all kinds and learn how our differences make us special. Also included are fun facts about chickens and questions you can answer with your own friends. The Farm Tales Series is written just for early readers in grades Pre-K-2. The book text incorporates early sight words as well as discussion questions for parents and educators to support growth in critical thinking and empathy for others.

Flock of Friends
Farm Tales Series: Oliver & Friends

Written by Stephanie Itle-Clark. Illustrated by Jessie Miller

Buy in Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Ajeet the Sloth Bear

by Gail Jewel Hunte
Illustrated by Rhonda Van

Wild About the Animals Conservation Series

Ajeet the sloth bear had been awake for hours, eating his fill of ants and termites. His tummy was full, but he used his strong paws to shake the mango tree until a few came tumbling down anyway.

His sister, playing in the grass, called to him. “Ajeet, come and play with me before Mamma Bear calls us back to the cave,” she shouted.

Ajeet peeked through the bushes, and then stopped. Who were those strange men? Before he knew it, the little sloth bear had been taken far away, where he would soon learn his fate…

Inspired by the conservation work of Wildlife SOS in India, Ajeet the Sloth Bear tells the story of a young bear who is captured and forced to dance for entertainment.

Ajeet is afraid of humans, but he senses kindness in a little boy named Ravi. The bear begins to feel hope again as he realizes Ravi wants to set him free. Could he get back to the family and life he longs for? Find out in Ajeet the Sloth Bear, by Gail Jewel Hunte. For ages 7 and up and beautifully illustrated in full color by artist Rhonda Van.

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-954039-03-2 • Buy in Paperback | Buy on Kindle

E-Pub ISBN: 978-1-954039-04-9

About the Author:

Born in London, Gail Jewel Hunte divides her time between the UK and the island of Barbados, where her family roots are. She is known as the Animal Talk Lady, and believes animals are sentient beings that teach us about compassion, forgiveness, courage, and love.

Gail created Barbados’ first pet magazine, Animal Talk, is a radio talk show host for Animal Craze, and is a trustee for the Charity Action for Animals Barbados (AFAB).

When not writing and helping animals, Gail loves spending time with her cats, the family dogs, and relaxing with friends in the warm Caribbean Sea. Weird facts about Gail? She likes spiders and watching clouds. One of her favorite foods is chocolate.

About the Illustrator:

Rhonda Van is an artist, author, wildlife rehabber, and lifelong animal lover.

She particularly adores jackrabbits, squirrels, her animal companions, Shark Week, vegan dinners in Santa Cruz, and her husband Tony. Rhonda has been drawing forever, but only got deeper into illustration after she started drawing the wildlife friends she cares for.

Rhonda is the author and illustrator of Squeak the Squirrel, and the illustrator of Ajeet the Sloth Bear, The Big Wind, The No Name Bunny, Towpath’s Tail, The Sleepy Honey Bee, Lop-Eared Lily, Spittin’ Kitten’s Speed-Away, and Tiffany Rolls On. Find her online at rhondaluluart.com.

Testimonials:

“Wildlife SOS has worked with hundreds of bears like Ajeet, bears taken from the wild as cubs. It is always challenging to explain to a child what that experience would be like for a young bear. Through the eyes of Ajeet the sloth bear, a young reader will learn compassion for animals and a desire to keep them free.”—Nikki Sharp, Executive Director, Wildlife SOS, wildlifesos.org

“I loved Ajeet the sloth bear! It sends out a very strong message both to children as well as adults—respect animals and their habitats. You have drawn attention to the poverty which exists in India very subtly, along with an idea that money can be earned in a different, much kinder way. All in all a delightful read! Much love and best wishes for a super success.”—Shama Noorani Choudhary, Author of Communications from Your Angels