What do you think?
Rate this book
Joy Unleashed: The Story of Bella, the Unlikely Therapy Dog
In 2007, Mary Eldergill, a volunteer member of Amigos de Los Animales (Friends of the Animals), discovered a group of newborn puppies on Dead Dog Beach in Puerto Rico. Mary rescued and rehabilitated them and, three months later, they flew to Newark, New Jersey, to be placed in their forever homes.Jean Baur and her husband adopted one of Mary’s rescues-a dog named Bella-and opened her Pennsylvania home to her new best friend. Just as Jean enrolled Bella in certified therapy-dog classes, she lost her job at the age of sixty-five. This new work, visiting hospital patients with her therapy job, gave Jean hope and a new purpose in life.After moving to Connecticut, Bella’s work expanded to nursing homes and elementary schools, as well as local hospitals and cancer centers. She met an Alzheimer’s patient who learned to smile again after Bella took a treat from her hand. She also befriended a six-year-old boy with autism (who previously held a deep fear of dogs) along with a disabled hospital patient who was withdrawn and uncommunicative until Bella jumped into the bed with him and coaxed him to open up again.Jean and Bella’s journey into the world of therapy-dog work gave them a bright, new outlook-and has helped countless others overcome their own struggles-while proving to all that broken souls can, indeed, be healed.Joy Unleashed is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the true power of the human-canine bond.
- GenresNonfictionAnimals
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2016
86 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 19, 2018
This book is crazy similar to experiences I’ve had with all of my dogs. One of my dogs even picked my husband!
We are so used to getting asked and asking, “What do you do?“. We should be answering, “ I’m a mother with a wonderful husband.” Maybe, “I also work for _____.” “I travel and volunteer a bit and love to read.” I myself answer, “ I’m retired so I do pretty much anything I want to do.” I read a lot, do crossword puzzle‘s, enjoy my two doggies, have lots of friends and travel a bit. In the spring, I will resume visiting hospice patients with my therapy dog, Katy. This is who I am. This is what I choose to do. These are the things I enjoy. What more do you need to know? You must not only identify yourself by your job. Life is so much bigger.
Again, this book It’s so similar to my own experiences, but yet so different.
My latest rescue is from Puerto Rico. A couple of years after adopting Jesse, I wanted a companion dog also. I knew what I wanted. I wanted small, not yappie, not snappy, an intelligent and easy to train lap dog. I did my research. I found that the breed that would suit me best would be a Havenese , an old breed from Cuba. I found my Katy and she has certainly lived up to her breed’s reputation. Havenese are just made to be loved and to love. They have no agenda other than to please.
I was a Eucharistic minister and I began to take Kate along with me when I gave communion on my visits to a wonderful lady, whom I eventually got to call My Anna. At the facility she lived in, it would take me 15 or 20 minutes just to get to her room. There were so many people that wanted a visit. Katy proved that she was a magic elixir for all who were in need, patients and staff. I knew then that this was my calling in life. Or should I say, our calling.
Eventually, after both of us met all the requirements, we became a Vitas hospice Paw Pals team. Visiting patients and caring about them, when you know they are going to die sooner rather than later, is not the easiest job in the world, but it is so very rewarding in so many ways.
Throughout this book, I made many notes and discovered that I have a book in me. One that would encompass my life in dog years. Maybe I’ll be another Margaret Mitchell and write a book in my 70s! I have discovered through my life and through my paw pals that anything is possible.
We are so used to getting asked and asking, “What do you do?“. We should be answering, “ I’m a mother with a wonderful husband.” Maybe, “I also work for _____.” “I travel and volunteer a bit and love to read.” I myself answer, “ I’m retired so I do pretty much anything I want to do.” I read a lot, do crossword puzzle‘s, enjoy my two doggies, have lots of friends and travel a bit. In the spring, I will resume visiting hospice patients with my therapy dog, Katy. This is who I am. This is what I choose to do. These are the things I enjoy. What more do you need to know? You must not only identify yourself by your job. Life is so much bigger.
Again, this book It’s so similar to my own experiences, but yet so different.
My latest rescue is from Puerto Rico. A couple of years after adopting Jesse, I wanted a companion dog also. I knew what I wanted. I wanted small, not yappie, not snappy, an intelligent and easy to train lap dog. I did my research. I found that the breed that would suit me best would be a Havenese , an old breed from Cuba. I found my Katy and she has certainly lived up to her breed’s reputation. Havenese are just made to be loved and to love. They have no agenda other than to please.
I was a Eucharistic minister and I began to take Kate along with me when I gave communion on my visits to a wonderful lady, whom I eventually got to call My Anna. At the facility she lived in, it would take me 15 or 20 minutes just to get to her room. There were so many people that wanted a visit. Katy proved that she was a magic elixir for all who were in need, patients and staff. I knew then that this was my calling in life. Or should I say, our calling.
Eventually, after both of us met all the requirements, we became a Vitas hospice Paw Pals team. Visiting patients and caring about them, when you know they are going to die sooner rather than later, is not the easiest job in the world, but it is so very rewarding in so many ways.
Throughout this book, I made many notes and discovered that I have a book in me. One that would encompass my life in dog years. Maybe I’ll be another Margaret Mitchell and write a book in my 70s! I have discovered through my life and through my paw pals that anything is possible.
October 22, 2017
Jean's stories were so real. I felt her emotions and understood Bella's behaviors. I found that I could not put this book down. I have had some similar experiences and appreciated Jean verbalizing her feelings.
Life does not always work out as we plan. As teacher and counselor, Jean found it difficult to hear what she knew best. With Bella together they grew and healed. Many others benefited from their visits. Thank you for writing and sharing.
Life does not always work out as we plan. As teacher and counselor, Jean found it difficult to hear what she knew best. With Bella together they grew and healed. Many others benefited from their visits. Thank you for writing and sharing.
March 13, 2017
I don't normally read nonfiction but the cover caught my eye and I decided to check out the blurb. This book was better than I'd hoped. The writing was fast paced, witty and I found myself laughing and crying throughout. It was fascinating to get a glimpse at how just how much difference a dog can make. Bella was indeed an unlikely heroine but she survived the odds. She's done more with her second chance than most people. I hope that more dogs like Bella and Shelly steal hearts and lighten loads as they get pets and treats.
September 20, 2019
After reading the reviews, I was disappointed. The author spent too much time repeatedly discussing how difficult forced retirement was and not enough on the joy of owning Bella. I understood the first five times about retirement. However, this fundamental loss may have given the rest of the book meaning. Bella, rescue dog, is full of life and spirit. The story is enduring and heartbreaking. If anyone has ever dealt with training and living with a dog, they will fall in love with the story.
August 31, 2019
Bella
Would have scored higher but I do not condone hitting a dog for any reason except to ward off an attack! She did not did deserve to be hit as she was learning and a correction and chew toys would have made the situation clearer to miss Bella!.
Would have scored higher but I do not condone hitting a dog for any reason except to ward off an attack! She did not did deserve to be hit as she was learning and a correction and chew toys would have made the situation clearer to miss Bella!.
March 4, 2019
Wonderfully written, relaxing read
I know first hand the power of therapy dogs, and also rescue dogs or family pets. Each leave me with a smile on my face, despite being in the same four walls of my room in the nursing home where I live.
I stumbled accross this book by accident, while in pain and sleepless. Reading it in one gulp, Jean's writing was so absorbing it was like having a visit from Bella herself: different, comforting, and has made me smile!
I know first hand the power of therapy dogs, and also rescue dogs or family pets. Each leave me with a smile on my face, despite being in the same four walls of my room in the nursing home where I live.
I stumbled accross this book by accident, while in pain and sleepless. Reading it in one gulp, Jean's writing was so absorbing it was like having a visit from Bella herself: different, comforting, and has made me smile!
July 4, 2018
Well written andmoving
I really enjoyed this. Uplifting and informative about therapy dogs and their value to so many. The only negative was the weird timeline. I'm not sure why it was not chronological, as it made it difficult at times when it referred back to a minor character you heard about several chapters ago and potential on.
I really enjoyed this. Uplifting and informative about therapy dogs and their value to so many. The only negative was the weird timeline. I'm not sure why it was not chronological, as it made it difficult at times when it referred back to a minor character you heard about several chapters ago and potential on.
July 7, 2019
For dog lovers...
This is the well written story of two journeys, one of an abandoned mutt who became a successful therapy dog, and the other of a fired professional woman who found her calling in volunteer work. I enjoyed learning about training the dog, but I thought the events in the nursing home, although often touching, became tedious.
This is the well written story of two journeys, one of an abandoned mutt who became a successful therapy dog, and the other of a fired professional woman who found her calling in volunteer work. I enjoyed learning about training the dog, but I thought the events in the nursing home, although often touching, became tedious.
March 13, 2020
Having trained some difficult dogs, I loved hearing about her successes and her setbacks. I’m thinking of having my current pup become a therapy dog so I was really interested in the topic. She was very honest about her own failings and I appreciated that also.
February 28, 2018
Excellent story of training a therapy dog and using the dog to visit schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. Uplifting!
December 21, 2018
Interesting read
All the training involved for a therapy dog. And all the joy they provide to the l patients makes it worthwhile
All the training involved for a therapy dog. And all the joy they provide to the l patients makes it worthwhile
February 18, 2019
This is a good book
June 4, 2019
A lovely read and very inspiring
A lovely read and very inspiring. I loved the way it captured you as you found out how bella and the owner learnt all through
A lovely read and very inspiring. I loved the way it captured you as you found out how bella and the owner learnt all through
January 19, 2020
A tender story about overcoming challenges, persistence, finding one's calling, and the amazing healing power of dogs.
February 25, 2020
Why
This is about a woman and her friend who train their dogs to be therapy dogs. They take them to different people who need comfort
This is about a woman and her friend who train their dogs to be therapy dogs. They take them to different people who need comfort
March 10, 2024
This book reveals the relationship between the author and her adopted dog Bella, who was rescued from a desperate and likely miserable life on a rough beach in Puerto Rico. The group that rescued her and other neglected dogs brought the malnourished, injured, and frightened canines for veterinary care, healthy food, and places and times to feel safe and cared for. Later, these lucky dogs were flown to rescue agencies in New Jersey, where they were put up for adoption.
Bella--a 4-month-old bundle of energy, fear, anxiety, curiosity, and wonder--was adopted by Jean Baur after the passing of her previous dog, Angus. Adorable Bella was cute, feisty, had a mind of her own, was unused to humans, and was not an easy puppy to raise. But with help from trainers, neighbors, friends, and her own good sense, Jean was able to calm and train Bella to be a certified therapy dog.
Joy Unleashed explores this journey while emphasizing the magical connection dogs can create with humans--children, adults, end-of-life seniors, people with serious diseases and disabilities. Such connection can result in new joy, calm, purpose, and emotional uplift to many. Jean offers a variety of encounters that bring a lump to the throat and/or a sigh of amazement.
While the writing itself is fairly ordinary, the stories, adventures, trials, missteps, and many memorable successes Jean and Bella created are well worth exploring.
Bella--a 4-month-old bundle of energy, fear, anxiety, curiosity, and wonder--was adopted by Jean Baur after the passing of her previous dog, Angus. Adorable Bella was cute, feisty, had a mind of her own, was unused to humans, and was not an easy puppy to raise. But with help from trainers, neighbors, friends, and her own good sense, Jean was able to calm and train Bella to be a certified therapy dog.
Joy Unleashed explores this journey while emphasizing the magical connection dogs can create with humans--children, adults, end-of-life seniors, people with serious diseases and disabilities. Such connection can result in new joy, calm, purpose, and emotional uplift to many. Jean offers a variety of encounters that bring a lump to the throat and/or a sigh of amazement.
While the writing itself is fairly ordinary, the stories, adventures, trials, missteps, and many memorable successes Jean and Bella created are well worth exploring.
January 12, 2023
I enjoyed reading about a subject near and dear to my heart. I had three therapy dogs who also did agility. It reminded me of so many people we visited with the same experiences Jean wrote about. I was annoyed with the timeline going back and forth, but I think that was the best way tell her story.
November 6, 2022
I loved this story about Bella, because my dog is also a rescue from Puerto Rico. In fact, she looks just like her, except she is black.
The many heartfelt stories of Jean and Bella’s journey to help comfort people of all ages brought tears to my eyes. There is no love like that of a dog!
The many heartfelt stories of Jean and Bella’s journey to help comfort people of all ages brought tears to my eyes. There is no love like that of a dog!
August 30, 2020
I used to work at a dog training facility where we, amongst other things, had courses for training therapy dogs. If done right, this can be a very rewarding thing for both the dog and its owner! The story of Bella really shows what can be gained, learned, experienced when participating in these programs.
If you're thinking about starting therapy dog training with your dog, I would highly recommend reading this book! It will give you even more reasons to start doing it.
If you're thinking about starting therapy dog training with your dog, I would highly recommend reading this book! It will give you even more reasons to start doing it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews