“When we published Lisa's story in the Times Herald-Record, it drew so much response that we knew a fuller version would make an important, funny and touching book. She has proved us right!” Genie Abrams, copy editor and author of Louey Levy's Greatest Catch

“I laughed. I cried. I found hope! It covers issues that a lot of people can relate to—a child’s plea for a pet, a mother’s anguish over a suitable one for a family with a disabled child, and the consequences of a variety of disastrous, though very entertaining pets!" Carmen Burton, Coordinator, Congenital Cytomegalovirus Association UK and mother of Natalie born with congenital CMV

“A hilarious set of pet tales! This mini-classic shines with the assurance that every child is beloved and valuable. I wish I’d had this book to read to my children. Lisa has given us yet another funny, tender tale of family life.” Dr. Elisabeth Schafer, author of Vegetable Desserts: Beyond Carrot Cake and Pumpkin Pie

"Honest and entertaining! It’s a light read that's multi-layered in substance." Ann Kuehner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

“Very touching, moving, personal; a joy to read. I laughed out loud and I cried. I congratulate Lisa on producing a very good piece of work.” Gail J Demmler-Harrison MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Director of the Congenital CMV Disease Registry and Research Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas

 “Having walked the same road, I've lived Lisa's feelings and stories and ultimately shared the same unshakeable and deep, deep love a mother has for her CMV child." Tracy McGinnis, Founder of the Brendan B. McGinnis Congenital CMV Foundation and mother of Brendan born with congenital CMV

“A remarkable story, told in a way that is powerful and unforgettable. The dialogue is delightful! It's almost impossible to end a book in a truly satisfying way, but Lisa has succeeded 100%. I have a pregnant friend who works at a preschool and daycare facility who definitely needs to know about congenital CMV. I plan to print out some information for her immediately.” Krista Niles, Graduate Student, University of Chicago

“Colorfully written—full of humor and compassion. Very informative on the subject of CMV.” Maria Saunders

"I read this straight through in one sitting and loved it! It was moving—and funny! It was the love for both daughters that led Lisa to first put up with a pet, and then later to love and appreciate one. During the first half of the book, Lisa is torn between trying to give Jackie what she wants and trying to protect Elizabeth—many of her early pet experiences seem to confirm her reasons. However, Lisa keeps trying for Jackie’s sake, and in the end, she becomes a pet lover because of the ultimate benefits, rather than the risks, for Elizabeth. That Elizabeth creates this changed perspective is one of the many powerful aspects of the book.” Mary Goodin, M.A., Educator

Deleted "scenes" from ANYTHING BUT A DOG!

“Elizabeth and the Dog that Understood”

by

Lisa Saunders

There once was a girl who couldn’t walk, couldn’t talk and couldn’t even feed herself. She couldn’t move at all--except to smile. And she smiled about everything! She smiled when her sister brushed her long, brown hair, she smiled when her father pushed her along a bumpy, gravel path, and she smiled when her mother drove her around in the red convertible with the top down. She even smiled when she had her hair cut short so it could be donated to a sick girl who had lost her own. In fact, she smiled so much her teacher gave her a “Best Smiling” award at school.

The girl’s name was Elizabeth and she had cerebral palsy—her muscles just didn’t work.  Everyone liked her because she never said anything unkind, yet no one knew what she was really thinking. She was mysterious! But sometimes Elizabeth wished that she wasn’t so mysterious, that she had a true companion--one who could understand her, or at least sit beside her on the couch to keep her company.

Then one day, Elizabeth’s mother called an animal shelter and told the keeper, “I have a daughter who can’t play with a frisky dog. I would like an older, lazy one who wants to lie on the couch all day. Do you have one like that?”

“Ma'am, I not only have a couch potato here, but he’s the whole sack of potatoes!” The dog’s name was Riley. His owner had left him there because he couldn’t take care of him anymore. Elizabeth’s mother brought him home and patted the couch, letting him know he could jump up on it next to Elizabeth. So he did just that.

Riley was big and hairy. Even though he was only five years old, he weighed 100 pounds. Even though Elizabeth was 11, she weighed only 40! Riley looked like a clumsy old black bear next to Elizabeth, but he was gentle. He knew how to jump on the couch and find a spot without stepping on her.

Although Elizabeth and Riley were very different on the outside, they seemed to be alike on the inside--they both loved to sit on the couch and watch cartoons. The only problem was that neither one could talk, or operate the remote control, so they had to wait for Elizabeth’s family to change the channels.

Riley would curl up next to Elizabeth for hours, and never leave her to do silly things like wash the dishes as her mother did. He didn’t leave her to mow the lawn or do homework. And Riley was happy that Elizabeth didn’t run away from his bad breath. When Riley panted “Hello” in people’s faces, everyone turned away and said, “Yuk,” but not Elizabeth. She wasn’t afraid of his doggy smells. She smiled when his hot breath hit her nose.

But Elizabeth was afraid of the cold--she couldn't keep herself warm like other children who could jump up and down or ask for a blanket. Since Riley had two coats of fur, one short and thick, one longer and shaggy, he wasn’t afraid of the cold at all. One day, the temperature dropped slightly and Elizabeth's little feet began to turn purple. Riley understood what was happening. Without being told what to do, he carefully laid across them. His weight and warmth made Elizabeth feel so good she smiled. Riley was glad--he not only had a couch, but he had someone who needed him. And Elizabeth's family was happy too—she finally had a companion who understood her.

Elizabeth and Riley grew older together on the couch for several years. Then one day, Elizabeth passed away. Riley was never truly happy after that and he passed away a year later. His ashes were spread over Elizabeth’s grave—now they are forever keeping each other company.

End Note: Elizabeth's disabilities were caused by congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV)--the #1 viral cause of birth defects--more common than Down syndrome. Women of child-bearing age need to learn how to avoid it during pregnancy. Please see my Web site at www.authorlisasaunders.com to read more about Elizabeth and CMV prevention, or visit http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/. My soon to be released book, ANYTHING BUT A DOG!, is the comedy and tragedy of life with Elizabeth and her dog Riley.

 “The Woodcutter”

Moved by my inconsolable grief over the loss of Elizabeth, my father wrote, “The Woodcutter”—an allegorical tale about the eternal unity of a family transcending the temporary separation of death:

“The Woodcutter”

by

Dick Avazian

Once upon a time long, long ago in a far-away land lived Patrius, a woodcutter, and his wife Matilda. They had a 19-year-old daughter, Filia and a ten-year-old son Stefan.

It came to pass that the countryside was ravaged by sickness accompanied by high fever that caused many to perish. Stefan was stricken and shortly became very ill. The woodcutter summoned the old midwife, a gray-haired woman who also served as a doctor. “Patrius, Matilda, I am sorry to tell you that Stefan is beyond my help and must soon die.”

Struck speechless by this pronouncement, they heard the neighing and hoof beats of horses outside their cottage. Patrius went out to discover that the Princess in her royal coach had stopped. “I was returning to my castle when I heard your son was sick. Bring me to him.”  Patrius led the Princess inside and she beheld the dying Stefan. “Let me take him home with me and I will heal him. However, I will keep him with me as I have no sons after four years of marriage.” Although it broke their hearts, Patrius and Matilda agreed for they knew it was best for Stefan.

The Princess herself picked Stefan up to carry him to the carriage. As soon as the Princess lifted him, Stefan started to look better. The Princess placed him in the coach seat opposite her and the coach drove off, leaving the couple waving goodbye with tear-stained faces.

Life was not the same in the little cottage, although the family seemed closer together then ever before. Their shared grief was an invisible weight pressing upon their shoulders, made bearable only by the sharing.

Three days after Stefan’s departure, a white dove appeared and made a nest in their thatched roof. Strangely, the family felt comforted by the presence of the dove that never left their roof. Patrius always looked for it when he returned from his woodcutting forays into the forest. Matilda and Filia often looked up when they were doing their outdoor chores to see if the dove was still there and to experience the sense of consolation and protection, which seemed to emanate from the dove.

After a few years, Filia married a cooper and moved to a village about ten miles distant.

Though they missed their daughter greatly, the couple now had the dove for company.

Finally, stricken with years, the old couple became weaker and weaker and sensed that they both were going to die. Patrius said, “Let us go outside, bring our bench and sit on it, hold hands and look at our dove.” Matilda agreed and they brought their bench outside. They settled themselves on the bench and faced their cottage, but were surprised to see that the dove was no longer on the roof. Finally growing too feeble to move, they heard the sound of horses’ hooves.

With their last breaths, they beheld the royal coach approaching. As the coach drew near, they saw a smiling Stefan inside, dressed in shining white garments and looking every inch a Prince. “Come home with me,” said Stefan. Overjoyed and amazed that they suddenly no longer felt feeble, the couple stepped into the coach. As the coach started to pull away, Patrius and Matilda looked back to see if their dove had returned. But the dove, no longer being needed, was gone.

This disappointment was replaced by their boundless joy at seeing how happy Stefan had been and by knowing they would be with Stefan forever in their new home.