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Bigfork author pens new children's book
Posted: Wednesday, Sep 14, 2005 - 09:47:23 am PDT
By KATHERINE HEAD
Bigfork Eagle
Barry Schieber and his muse Moritz will soon start
touring to promote their second book.
It is widely believed that some animals have healing
powers. Any pet owner can attest to their faithful
friend's sixth sense and comforting presence. Bigfork
author Barry Schieber has captured that salubrious gift
in an upcoming children's book.
"A Gift to Share" tells the story of Schieber's own
canine companion, Moritz. Born in Switzerland, the
Bernese Mountain dog is told by his mother that he has a
very special gift to share with the world. Shortly
thereafter, he is adopted by Schieber and brought to
Montana where that gift is fostered and put to good use.
"It's a book about generosity," Schieber said. "It just
came to me and I searched a long time for an
illustrator."
The artist, Mary Garbe, brought Schieber's story to
life. The finished product will hit shelves the first
part of October.
This is Schieber's second account of Moritz's role as a
therapy dog. Published in 2002, "Nose to Nose" is a
memoir of the pair's experiences during visits to
Community Medical Center in Missoula. Schieber and
Moritz are part of the Delta Society's Pet Partners
Program, which trains owners and animals for volunteer
work in hospitals and medical centers.
"Anyone with a friendly animal can do this program,"
Schieber stressed. "I think a lot of people would like
to help but they don't know how. You don't have to have
a perfect dog."
To partake in the animal-assisted therapy program, the
pet must be a year old and pass an evaluation. The owner
must attend a workshop and review various instruction
materials. The duo must also be evaluated to ensure
cooperation between owner and pet. Once approved, the
animal is registered and insured. Often times,
participating hospitals also have a set of requirements
that must be met before visits can be arranged.
Schieber's own recovery from illness led him to
contemplate becoming a dog owner in the first place.
During a visit to Switzerland five years ago, he was
diagnosed with cancer. After recovering from surgery,
Schieber paid a visit to friends also vacationing from
the states. The couple had owned a Bernese Mountain dog
named Heidi, who died young and suddenly. The
conversation sparked an unshakable notion in Schieber's
head, and he made an appointment to visit a local
breeder. He chose Moritz from a litter of seven puppies,
and flew him home to Montana at the tender age of 12
weeks.
"He just has this soft quality about him," Schieber
noted. "The Swiss have a saying, 'He has a ghost of a
woman inside him.'"
It's that quality that makes Moritz an effective therapy
dog and an able muse for his owner. Moritz is now 5
years old and just over 100 pounds. Friendly and calm,
Moritz goes everywhere Schieber goes--even on book
tours. He's even met Martha Stewart. The pair will
travel again to Switzerland to meet with the country's
head of animal therapy; then back to the U.S. to market
the new book. Electric Avenue Books in Bigfork will host
a book signing on Nov. 19. Moritz will most likely be
meeting and greeting old and new fans alike.
"Moritz has such charisma. He's such a beautiful animal.
It's hard to keep that to myself," Schieber said.
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Wonderful photos of Moriz and the
places Barry and he have visited. |
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Moritz and Barry often receive
letters from readers, patients and teachers who have
been affected by Nose to Nose and pet therapy.
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