A police dog helps take down criminals and searches for lost children. A cat defies odds and distance to be reunited with its family. A lion cub blissfully shares a kitchen with a family and a few pugs. These true stories and more are collected in this inspiring book by Joyce Grant-Smith. These tales show us the breadth and width of an animal's ability to communicate with each other, and us with them. Primarily rooted in the Maritimes, each story shows a very different example of how a pet can influence events around them, including an eye-opening account of the growing field of Annimal Communications--people who learn to interpret and respect what these critters are trying to tell us, and who help other people communicate as well.

There are 18 stories in total, and each is written in a heartwarming style reminiscent of the Chicken Soup for the Soup series, and will be a pleasant and uplfting read for all ages.

Joyce Grant-Smith was born in Annapolis Royal and has spent most of her life in the beautiful Annapolis Valley. She completed her Bed at Acadia University in 1979 and has enjoyed teaching in elementary and middle schools ever since. She and her husband, Les, have been married for over thirty years, and have have raised two children, Jesse and Alexis, and a large menagerie of animals. Joyce's profound connection with some of her pets prompted her to learn more about animal communication and to begin this book.

Joyce Grant-Smith's profile page

This heart-warming collection of real-life animal stories will certainly bring a smile of joy and nod of understanding to any animal lover out there. Grant-Smith had always felt a strong bond with animals and so she shares wondrous tales of the connection between people and animals. The book is divided into nine sections and includes 18 stories in total. Each section is themed into topics such as devotion, heroes, therapy dogs, and animal communicators. Inside, readers will learn about the special relationship that many owners have with their own pets as well as with other animals, and how animals can be great teachers and advocates of compassion. They have inner radars that help them navigate, sense danger, and communicate with humans. There are stories about dogs, cats, horses, cows, deer, lions, and chickens. Some stories are about how animals relate to those who have disabilities, sickness, or, depression; others speak to how animals have saved lives - literally and figuratively; and some stories discuss how animals are able to find a way to communicate with humans and each other in times of need. This book is written in an easy and simple style and can be enjoyed by all ages ranging from juvenile to adult readers. Because it is broken down into sections, it is easy for the reader to start and stop as time permits. There are numerous black and white photos of the animals throughout the book and this only helps bring their stories to life. "Animal Talk" is an amazing little collection of true heroism that is sure to tug at your heart strings. It makes us aware of animal rights, pet ownership, and animal consciousness; and perhaps even serves as a gentle reminder to cherish our animal relationships and be more attuned to life's little treasures.