New Review by Frank Stapleton For Independent Professional Reviewers

Shep Forever Faithful is a story of devotion that stretches beyond the noblest of imaginations. Stewart H. Beveridge and Lee Nelson have written a wonderful story of a devoted dog and his ability to transform the lives of everyone he met, as well as everyone who eventually learned of his tale. This story resonates in the hearts of those who have ever had a bond with a dog, and the kind of love that can only be shared between man and his faithful companion.

Shep has been described by others as a truly faithful dog. As Beveridge and Nelson point out, the true story of Shep has graced the pages of national newspaper headlines and found its way into the annals of Ripley’s Believe it or Not. However, the story of Shep is much more than an anecdote; it is one of true friendship and loyalty that is unconditional and rarely ever exhibited.

Shep nuzzles his way into the reader’s heart from the opening chapters, as his heroism is detailed by struggling to fend off a pack of hungry wolves in the middle of a terrible thunderstorm. Shep’s extraordinary abilities are showcased later when he attempts to corral stray sheep that had been scattered throughout town. As impressive as these feats are, they are easily overshadowed by Shep’s overwhelming devotion to his master. After Shep’s master dies from illness, Shep follows his body from their camp to the train station where the casket is send home. Shep would wait for his master at that train station for the rest of his life.

This story is as much about devotion as it is about redemption. Whether we follow a husband who can’t seem to take care of his family, an insecure bar owner who preys on the fragile, or a single mother who regrets the decision she has made, each deals with their individual failures and struggles to make things right. Shep is certainly the fulcrum in their lives, and he provides the hope that can get lost in difficult times.

Beveridge and Nelson have penned a story worthy of the highest praise in Shep Forever Faithful. Their understanding of the dynamic between man and animal has created a story with the love, hope, pain and heartache essential to convey Shep’s impact on the many lives he touched. Each relationship in the story is authentically genuine and woven together with respect for the real individuals. This book is highly recommended for all.


Frank Stapleton
For Independent Professional Reviewers
http://bookreviewers.org

The Lost Dogs

This book has special meaning for us, as we sold many copies of Shep Forever Faithful, through the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.  Best Friends was one of the groups that redeemed Michael Vicks' dogs upon discovery of the controversy.

Faithful

To be full of faith

Fidelity - While most movies do not portray fidelity, it is a most important virtue to be reinstilled in all Americans.  Those without fidelity have fallen like the Roman Empire over a millenia ago.

Loyalty and Trustworthy - Many of the attributes of the Scout Law are centered on this principle.  A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Hachi

We watched the movie about Hachi. They changed the setting from Japan to New England. They Americanized the movie away from the Japanese book. It would have a great story even with the setting in Japan. At least, it would have seemed more authentic that way.