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  All You Need To Know™

Lights, camera, action! What happens when you get a puppy, Carmine, in training to be an assistance dog in front of a camera crew? Her own doggy make-up artist, a sound technician exclaiming “It sounds like Velcro…people, I’m getting VELCRO HERE! VELCRO!” and a professional dog handler who could not say goodbye to Carmine without shedding tears.

Thousands of Americans live with disabilities that limit their mobility. A specially trained dog can help these individuals gain back their independence, allowing them to once again enjoy activities they were forced to live without. Assistance dogs begin their training at just eight weeks old and this is where the story of Carmine begins in A Priceless Gift.

Steven Harlan, Carmine’s puppy raiser, was responsible for her training and teaching her basic obedience skills. The book follows the pair through their trials, accomplishments and heartache. Steven wrote, “I read the book and it is simply wonderful. Brought back so many memories.”

Betty Jean Pearson currently has a B.A. degree in elementary education and a M.A. degree which certifies her as an educational diagnostician and a special education teacher. She has taught over twenty-three years. Her debilitating physical disability began in 1960. Fortunately, her first service dog, LaDee, came to live and work with her until 2006. Shortly after LaDee passed away, Betty was blessed with the gift of Carmine.