Dear followers of Hope Has a Cold Nose,
Did you stand or did you fall
Build a bridge or build a wall
Hide your love or give it all
What did you do, what did you do
Did you make them laugh or make them cry
Did you quit or did you try
Live your dreams or let them die
What did you choose, what did you choose
When it all comes down
It ain’t if, it’s how they remember you –
Lyrics to “How They Remember You”, Rascal Flatts
As I write this update for October 2020, fourteen days from tonight will be the on-line launch event of Hope Has a Cold Nose. November 11, 2020. One thousand, two-hundred, and twenty-three days after I wrote the first veteran/ service dog story for a class project. Or so I believed that is all it was at the time. That is, until approximately six months later when my mind answered the call of my soul and a seed began to grow.
On November 11 at 7:30 p.m. EST (4:30 p.m. PST, 5:30 p.m. MT, 6:30 p.m. CST) all are invited to join a fun-filled, informative, and inspirational evening in celebration of Hope Has a Cold Nose. The event will include guest speakers. We are honored to have military veterans joining. You just might get to meet a service dog or two as well! We are also privileged to have at least one guest from North West Battle Buddies who will be attending to help answer any questions you might have about the training that goes into preparing beautiful four-legged souls to fulfill their missions. During the event, we will also share how you can purchase Hope Has a Cold Nose, as well as information about a special launch offer in how you can contribute to hope in the form of a cold nose. Bring your curiosity as there will be time for Q&A. Bring your excitement and celebration, and most of all your support, for 23 extraordinary stories on this very special Veteran’s Day! Note: The link to join the virtual event is provided below.
Recently I was asked what I would like people to take away when they read Hope Has a Cold Nose. My answer included this: PTSD is not unique to military veterans, nor is depression, isolation, and anxiety that military veterans share about in their stories. Nor is suicide unique. This year has increased the level of uncertainty, anxiousness, and hopelessness to an unparalleled level for so many. These stories are certainly relevant for military veterans and their families as well as for anyone who grapples with pain, trauma, sorrow, or despair.
To the readers: May you learn about the effectiveness of service dogs as a healing modality for those who struggle with PTSD. May your increased understanding foster the ability to listen to others experiencing pain, trauma, sorrow, or despair with the same kind of unconditional acceptance as those with fur do. And if you are undergoing significant pain, trauma, sorrow, or despair, may you find compassion and understanding for your own story. May you find hope.
I anticipate for the 23 co-authors of Hope Has a Cold Nose, their answers would include: Service dogs save lives. When you see someone in public with a dog, don’t judge. We didn’t share our stories for fame. We shared our stories for twenty-two individuals who reach the end of hope every day. If you are one of them reading this – we understand your pain, but don’t give up!
Soon you will be able to read these 23 extraordinary stories I talk about. Soon it will not only be me who has been forever changed for the better because I have been privileged to have my path cross with each of these co-authors of Hope Has a Cold Nose. In just a short time your hearts will be moved, inspired, and stamped with beautiful footprints – and paw prints – from remarkable stories of pain and resilience, trauma and dignity, sorrow and healing, despair and hope.
As a reminder, please mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. EST (4:30 p.m. PST, 5:30 p.m. MST, 6:30 p.m. CST). Share this invite! Spread the word! The more the merrier! The blessing of virtual is there is no space constraint!
Below you will also find information on how you can purchase a copy of Hope Has a Cold Nose. It is available in hard cover, paperback, and e-book formats. Please share this information as well. The more these stories are shared, the more we all are making a positive difference to reduce 22 to 0.
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” I made a difference for that one.” – Loren Eisley, The Starfish Story
Sincerely,
-Christine
November 11, 2020 virtual launch event. Join via zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72069784618?pwd=cmdON1pxckI1cHZpUDdSd3RsWUhmdz09
Meeting ID: 720 6978 4618
Passcode: HHCN6’
To purchase Hope Has a Cold Nose:
Amazon: <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Cold-Nose-Christine-Hassing/dp/1982255307/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=christine+hassing&qid=1603935155&sr=8-1″ rel=”sponsored nofollow”>https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Cold-Nose-Christine-
Barnes and Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hope-has-a-cold-nose-christine-hassing/1137781095?ean=9781982255282
Balboa Press:
https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/811622-hope-has-a-cold-nose
or you can contact me: https://christinehassing.com/contact/
Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions. I welcome exchanging in dialogue with you. I can be reached by visiting https://www.hopehasacoldnose.com/, https://christinehassing.com/ or you can email me at ckhred30@gmail.com
P.S. For additional impactful and powerful information regarding the healing impact of service dogs, please visit https://www.northwestbattlebuddies.org/a-vision-of-hope/.
