Newsy Tuesday FiveSibes E-Book Review & Giveaway: 25 Days of Doggy Tail Wagging Holiday Adventures by Terri Rodefer
I love books. I love reading, editing, and writing them. I actually think I may have been born with a book in one hand and a pen in the other! If you've been a follower here at FiveSibes, you also know how I love to share news of a great book when I find one, and today, I'm thrilled to share Terri Rodefer's 25 Days of Doggy Tail Wagging Holiday Adventures E-book starring her very own adorable King "Henry!"
First, a little background info. Terri and I "met" years ago through this wonderful world of dogs (and horses) and I have always loved her canine articles she publishes over on Tail Wag Wisdom, which I often share on my FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews Facebook page. She also shares with us stories of her handsome boy Henry, who is the cartoon star of this E-book! While I was sent a copy of the E-book, I only share my honest reviews and opinons as always, and trust me, this is a book you'll want to add to your digital library!
Now, go grab your favorite cuppa and snuggle up with your beloved pup, and let's see what fun and freebie bonuses are wrapped up in this book...plus...an interview with its author, Terri!
A Book For Kids and Adults Alike!
This is such a fun book. Kids and adults will love it. And it's interactive, which makes it all the more family fun! Terri, with the aid of some AI, created Henry in a cute cartoon form. In the E-book, Henry the dog takes us through a fun 25 days, starting December 1st and leading right up to Christmas with some fun adventures and escapes to do together!
The Book is Also An Advent Calendar!
The story includes everything from "cookie capers to wrapping disasters," but all in good howliday fun! And, it doubles as an Advent calendar, too! It's 25 days filled of pre-Christmas cheer by bonding with your beloved dog! I love the cute little real-life stories accompanied by her suggested activity with your dog.
Henry will bring you along each day and leave you with a warm, toasty holiday feeling, or a good chuckle and wanting to read ore! It all leads up to the day when when Santa Paws arrives! Such a fun-filled, unique interactive family book! And it's in E-book form, so you can take it right along with you from home to over the river and through the woods to your holiday destination!
Henry's Countdown to Christmas Also Gives Back!
Not only will you be filled with holiday cheer, but so will other pups as Terri will DONATE $1 from each sale of her E-book to a "worthy animal organization" that readers who subscribed to her Email list will have a mitten in choosing! (To sign up for her free newsletter, simply go HERE! being a subscriber gets you lots of FREEBIES, too, like budget templates, treat recipes, tips, etc.)
Enjoy a Sneak Peak...
Terri, who has a teaching background and a self-confessed sense of humor, wanted to step outside of her usual canine health articles because she was inspired by her muse, Henry, who seems to share Terri's sense of humor (dogs are fabulous for being silly and bringing us joy and laughter). And what better time for some cheer than the holiday season?
A Christmas Gift For Readers is Included!
Yes, that's right! Not only will Terri donate $1 from each E-book purchase to worthy animal organization, but she will also include a FREE 18-page printable companion activities book as her gift to you for purchasing her E-book! To purchase the E-book and get the complimentary activities book, visit her site HERE.
A Special FiveSibes Code Discount Coupon!
Terri, who has a background in teaching, says she always "Naturally navigates toward the furry one in a room!" I think we can all relate to that! At one time she thought about becoming a veterinarian, instead she has majors in marketing and economics with a minor in biology, and really enjoyed helping her veterinarian put on low-cost vet clinics. Terri prides herself on finding "out-of-the ordinary solutions" and created her website Tail Wag Wisdom she says, "With the goal of helping other pet parents more easily care for and enjoy their furry buddies."
FiveSibesMom/Dorothy Wills-Raftery (FSM/DWR): Tell me about Henry, and your past
pets (all kinds, not just your dogs).
Terri Rodefer (TR): I adopted Henry several years ago. My last cat had crossed the Rainbow Bridge a few months prior. At the time, I was caring for my mom who had Parkinson's, severe COPD, legally blind, and a brain tumor (among other issues). Mom was confined to a wheelchair, and I was living my RV in the driveway to give her space, yet keep eyes on her, and save my sanity. I was back and forth between the RV and the house all the time. My heart was broken, I was exhausted, and I really didn’t enjoy my job (before I started blogging). I really needed a new furkid to focus more of my energy on and lift my spirits.
FSM/DWR: I am so sorry about your Mom. Having cared for my own, I do understand. Please tell us more about your beloved pets.
TR: My one kitty (Winnie) desperately wanted a pup. Unfortunately, with mom, I couldn’t make it happen. So, when her sibling (Daffy) passed, I waited patiently (okay, maybe not always patiently) for the right pup to come along. At the time, I really wanted to get a dog to be a Therapy Dog for kids. I researched the temperament and requirements, built my criteria list, and was online constantly searching. I made several trips to California when I spotted dogs who I thought might fit the bill, but none seemed to be the right one. Then there was an announcement that in late May there would a big adoption and yard sale event about 30 miles away in Reno. It would give me the chance to see dogs from about 20 different organizations all at once. These were foster dogs and it would save me a lot of running around and making appointments to meet and greet a dog. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to go and counted the days.
The morning of the big adoption event, I sprung out of bed. I just knew in my heart that my pup was waiting for me. The event started at 10 am. I was there at 9am with a friend who loved yard sales. I waited as the trailers pulled in one at a time. They set up play pens, tents, and artificial grass for all their pups. I checked out the greyhounds. They were too big for my small RV space. Also, I wanted to take the pup to work with me to make that situation better. I looked at the St. Bernards, German Shepherds, Labs, and organizations with all breeds. I was starting to loose hope.
Then an old airstream trailer slowly pulled into the parking lot. It was the last one to arrive. They got into their spot and slowly set up their space. Then they opened the door to the trailer and gradually all the dogs jumped out barking. They were all small Chihuahuas. I was open to a Chihuahua, but at first glance none seemed to fit my criteria list.
FSM/DWR: Then...?
TR: The last one out of the trailer was a black fluffy thing who didn’t seem to fit in with the other barking dogs. This pup slowly emerged from the trailer, looked around, spotted me, came over to me feet, and sat as if to say, “I’ve arrived. Let’s go home!” While my heart did melt, I was determined to turn the pup into a Therapy Dog. My friend screamed at the top of her lungs, “YOU BETTER DAMN WELL TAKE THAT DOG!!!” I picked him up and made my way to the woman at the front. I asked about his history. She told me he had been in foster care for 4 months since his family died. She also said that she was a dog trainer. So, I hopped on that bit of info, and told her my intent. She said, “I don’t see why he couldn’t be a Therapy Dog.” I pondered for about two minutes, filled out the application, and we were family.
FSM/DWR: I *so* love to hear adoption stories and how our beloved pets came to be our family! What a great story! I call it fate. What was next for you two?
TR: Henry and I started our first training class about 14 days later. He’s gone through all the training, including therapy, and Good Canine Citizenship, and successfully passed everything.
FSM/DWR: Congrats, Henry!
TR: Thank you! BUT, I haven’t taken him to be certified. I realized he isn’t meant for therapy work. He gets too excited when he meets anyone/anything, which isn’t an acceptable reaction for a Therapy Dog. So, he went to work with me. People immediately fell in love with him. He had about 20 people who would come into the building just to get their “Henry fix.” He’s more popular than I ever would’ve dreamed.
That’s how Henry became everyone’s Therapy Dog. He’s certainly mine!
FSM/DWR: That is so sweet! You and I are animal lovers straight from the heart. Tell me about some of your others...
TR: As far as other animals, I’ve had a few. Unfortunately, we lived at at the edge of town and people used to think it was a great spot to dump unwanted pets. I could never take any animal to the shelter. Only in the last couple of years has the local shelter switched from a kill to no-kill shelter after they “accidentally” euthanized a tagged and chipped dog. So, dropping off a scared furry friend at the shelter wasn’t an option. Even if I couldn’t get the stray kitties to come inside, I’d get them spayed or neutered (which at times was a challenge), give them a safe space to land, provide food and water, and as much love as they wanted or could handle.
FSM/DWR: Oh, my gosh. That's a horrible mistake. I'm so glad they are a non-kill shelter now. Can you tell us about some your beloved pets? I know we both shared a life and love of horses.
TR: Yes! My Horses 🐴 - "Jezebel" was my first horse before I could walk. I only remember trail rides with her. She was a speckled appaloosa. Very sweet even with a toddler. "Dusty" was another great trail horse. A kind gentleman who was never scared or in a bad mood. I always thought of him as a kind elder Englishman. I don’t know why, but that seemed to fit him very well. "Sandy" I think she was a mustang, or part mustang. I’m not sure where dad got here. She just suddenly appeared one day. Dad was like that throughout his life. I was just glad it was a lovable critter and not another hubcap. Sandy was the first horse to do competitions. I ran barrels, pole bended, and the basic gymkhana events with her. She was small but we had a tight course and surprised people with our times.
"Hank" was a local ranch horse. He loved me more than anything. I remember he’d follow me around like a dog and was very jealous if anyone stepped between us or tried to talk to me. He earned his celebrity status in the state. I ran barrels and poles with him. We had a nasty spill at one local gymkhana. We were the last to run poles before the grating of the arena, which happens after every 10th contestant. We went down in deep dirt at the end of a pole. Hank used all his strength to not fall on me, then ran to the other side of the arena, watched me very intently, but calmly, while folks tend to me. I was surprised when long-time horse people said they’d never seen a horse do that before. He was one of a kind and I think he knew it as well.
"Macho" came off the pro rodeo circuit as a barrel racer. I had a friend call me one day and say there was a horse that needed a home or he’d be shipped off to slaughter. He was on a livestock ranch a few hours away in California (Marysville). I drove over with my parents and the trailer. Looked at him, rode him, and loaded him up. He was so timid and shy. You could tell he hadn’t been shown any love. So, with Hank’s help, and about a year of TLC, he developed the sweetest personality I’ve ever seen in a horse. He’d lick me each morning from feet to head. You’ve never lived until you’re completely slobbered by a loving horse. Macho was blind in one eye. The vet thought it was a good idea to let him keep running. So, I worked with him and we ran barrels. The first barrel was on his blind side. That meant he had to trust me completely. He did, which was amazing. He was definitely part thoroughbred and had lightening speed. Our times were some of the best in the state at the time. Macho sadly was my last horse. I thought about another horse, but with caring for mom, I didn’t think it would be fair.
Another reminder of the special 50% off deal from Terri!
FSM/DWR: Now, since this is a dog blog, and your book stars a dog (Henry!), tell me about some of your dogs.
TR: My Dogs 🐕🦺 - "Tag" was my first dog. He was only about one year younger than me. Mom brought him home with distemper. He was too young to be separated from his mom, so he got bottle feed and around the clock care. Tag was a fiercely loyal dog. He was in the house fire with us and got his ears burnt slightly, but that never stopped him. I remember one day he defended us from a person trying to push his way into the house. I don’t think that guy ever forgot Tag and I’m certain, that guy didn’t know my dad was in the FBI!
"Homer" broke down the door one evening to escape what must’ve been a horrible situation. She trembled at the sight of men with long hair. (We called her Homer because she came home to us). Such a sweet pup. She’d always burry her bones and go for days without eating even though she had good food. The vet said he thought it was built into her after her traumatic beginning. Tag even approved of her and protected her, which was surprising, because he generally didn’t care for other critters.
FSM/D: Now, we have to know about your current adorable furry best pal and muse, Henry!
TR: I know you know him well, but wasn’t named Henry originally. The rescue called him Timmy. He hated that name. Honestly, it didn’t fit him. So, my friend who went with me on the day I adopted him kept texting what she thought were French names. We knew he had at least some Poodle in him, and thought a French name would be fitting. She went through Peri, Jacque, and then Henry (not Henri, but Henry). As she texted, I would say the names out loud. I said Henry and he turned around! I said it a few more times. He jumped up and twisted his head with excitement. So, we landed on Henry. It’s royal, and he wears his “King” status well.
FSM/DWR: We have so much in common! Like you, I've also had horses, dogs, cats, bunnies, and even a goat! (Who ate my homework and the teacher didn't believe me!)
TR: There were also a few fish, frogs, and a salamander! They were fun to watch. My Cats 🐈🐈⬛ - "Marilou" was an abandoned long hair orange kitty. So sweet and never wanted to be confined. She’d get out and make her way over to visit the elder folks nearby. I guess she just had to spread her love around. "Ralphy" was also an abandoned long haired tan and white kitty. My grandma was so upset that we named him Ralphy. Grandma had five brothers (four sisters) and Ralph was her favorite brother. The nerve we had to name this kitty after her beloved brother. I didn’t even know she had a brother Ralph until we landed on the name! But I’ll never forget it now. The kitty Ralphy loved to ring the door bell to bring in a live prize at 3 am. From Grandma’s story of her brother Ralph, I think they were both characters!
FSM/DWR: Oh, that's funny! We've had a few that used to "gift" us with live presents! Our pets can sure remind us of some relatives and/or friends!
TR: There was also "Katdugan." She was my only adopted kitty. My heart needed another kitty after Ralphy passed. She was a complete Diva and let me know it too...She also let me know when I’d done something she didn’t approve of! "Wally" was an abandoned long haired black kitty, and a roamer. He didn’t want to be confined. But we got him neutered..."Stubs" was a barn kitty and another abandoned pet. She had long grey fur with only a stub for a tail. It looked like she’d had a rough life. So, we called her Stubs and loved her dearly. "Daffy" was a wild long haired black kitty...and goofy to match it. She earned the Daffy name. Sweet, but she let Winnie know she was Queen. Honestly, I suspect she was lacking a bit of brain power. Cute as all get out. "Winnie was a super sweet soul. She was a grey striped kitty and sat like Winnie The Pooh, which is how she got her name. She would watch all the big dogs on TV and try to get them to play with her. She loved curling up and watching (literally watching) cute Disney movies with me. And then there was "Spudsy." He was an abandoned tuxedo barn kitty who became Macho’s best barn buddy after Hank died. Every morning I’d brush and massage Macho. Then I’d walk him around the property. We could never begin our walk until Spudsy showed up and they did their morning nose kisses. The absolute sweetest thing ever!
FSB/DWR: I love to hear the history of pet names! What is it that
you love about dogs?
TR: You know, I can’t truly say I love dogs more than other critters. I love Henry the most of all my dogs. He’s so willing to learn, adjust, explore, and love me when I’ve had a bad day. I think really what our fur kids give us is more than we can ever give them, regardless of their cover (breed or species). I still have a spot in my heart for horses. I miss Hank and Macho everyday. I wish Winnie could’ve meet Henry. They would’ve been fast friends. That might be a cop out, but I can’t say for sure what I love so much about dogs. They are loyal, dependable, lovable, and Henry is portable. But, I can say most of that about all my fur kids. Maybe I just have a furry heart?
FSM/DWR: A "furry heart." I love that. Let's chat about your
holiday E-book. Will it also be available in hard copy?
TR: No. Sorry. It’s only going to be available in E-Book style. The reason, is when I go to an outside publisher, I lose control...So, I’ve taken my ball (or book in this case) and decided to just play in my shop. Also, I will be donating $1 from every purchase to a worthy animal organization selected by my subscribers. So, it has a double impact.
FSM/DWR: I totally understand self publishing. I do my own editing and publishing, as you know, and had my own company for several years specifically for that reason, to get my books out on my schedule. Otherwise, it can take up to several years before seeing it a book published, and we both have specific ideas of how we want it to look. Is there anything else you'd like to add that we haven't covered?
TR: Here’s a few fun stories! After Macho died, I couldn’t let go of my need for a horse. I knew carrying for another wasn’t in the cards,
but I needed to still feel connected. So, I looked for clinics or workshops I could attend. I found a natural horsemanship (think horse whisperer) clinic that was located at a dude ranch in Wickenburg, AZ. I talked my brother into coming and carrying for mom and I went to the week long clinic.
When I arrived at the ranch there was a woman in the lobby with a black eye. I greeted her, but didn’t think much about it. The next day we got assigned horses to work with for the next three days...I got paired with a black and white Paint horse named "Tex." He was eager to learn. I was shocked at how in just three days Tex went from being a very advanced horse to a kid's horse. The dude ranch even paired him with a child after I had worked with him. The last day of the clinic the instructor pulled me to the side and asked if I’d remember the woman from the first day with a black eye. I said yes. She said, “Tex gave her the black eye. I knew you could turn him around.” It really was amazing to see that horse change so quickly. Honestly, I recommend folks take a natural horsemanship workshop, even if they don’t know much about horses. It reaffirms what’s possible with kindness and love.
FSM/DWR: Wow...that's a wonderful story and true testament to you! As a former cowgirl/horse trainer/shower, I know firsthand how you can turn a horse around, if you listen to them. My heart horse, Sam, was a wild colt and the horsefarm's trainer advised me to "stay away from that crazy horse." I didn't. I bought him, worked with him, and was amazing! He just did not like men and the whip the trainer chose to use. Horsemanship is definitely key. As is horse whispering (I know you do, and I learend from my cowboy dad!) I find the same communication works well with dogs, too. All animals, if we just listen.
TR: This story I know my mom would insist I share with you.
Before Mom was confined to a wheelchair, we’d go for walks most days. Mom got to the point where she didn’t enjoy walking with me so much because I was like Dr. Doolittle. I’d talk to every dog, cat, bunny, squirrel, bird, and they’d start following us. Of course, I’d get the dogs and cats home, but the wildlife were on their own. Mom said it turned a quick walk into a long furry and feathered journey. She was right, but I loved it.
Here’s another fun story that was probably foreshadowing what was to come years later. When I was in college I ended up tutoring friends in classes I wasn’t taking because they couldn’t grasp the material. I read the textbooks, tutored them, did my own class work, and they all passed with flying colors. A few even called my mom to thank her for raising me well.
Maybe not surprising, I was an English teacher for several years. I
remember from my tutoring days that if I break things down, use
examples, and sprinkle in a lot of humor, people learned easier and
quicker. I try to do the same with my website and blog.
One last bit of trivia, I graduated from college as one of the Top Ten Senior Graduating Women. I hold that one dear since I was battling health issues, caring for my mom, commuting 40+ miles daily, and taking care of my fur kids.
FSM/DWR: Those are great stories, and I commend you also for caring for your mom and still being named to the Top Ten Senior Graduating Women list. That is indeed something to be very proud of. I have to say, you have amazing content on your site, and
you're adding to it with dog trivia, a new self-created treat tool, etc. What is your overall vision for your site?
FSM/DWR: A referral page sounds wonderful. I know that will be very helpful to folks.
TR: Also, I’m having fun stretching more into the tech realm. I love the cookie selector recipe post as well. I also have a similar one to find out how much mental stimulation your dog needs daily. I’m looking forward to adding more free tools as we enter 2026.
FSM/DWR: What do you hope folks take away
from your fab site?
TR: That it’s helpful. Easy. Accessible. Actionable. I just sent out a
newsletter telling people that my core values for the site are:
1. Knowing there’s always a way
2. Always being willing to learn
3. Knowing when adjustments are needed
4. Everything is easier with a giggle
Knowing that life is better with your furry buddy and that even if they’ve made a mistake or two or more, it’s okay. Heck, I’ve made a ton of mistakes but I don’t give up. There’s always a way. My mom used to say that I liked to color outside the lines. I am just now starting to understand that this is an asset, not a put down.
Overall, I want my website to be a safe spot with great information any dog parent could possibly need. Reach for the stars, right?!
FSM/DWR: Can you list your social media accounts where readers can find you?
TR: I’m most active on Bluesky, Facebook, Flipboard, and Pinterest. I’m also on Mastadon, Mix, Medium, Surf, and Tumbler. I recently joined Stacklist, but I’m still trying to figure that one out. You can find me on each with @tailwagwisdom.
FSM/DWR: Wow! There's a few new-to-me ones there I will have to check out. Thank you, Terri, for taking the time to share a bit about you, your beloved life with pets, King Henry, your fabulous new book, and Tail Wag Wisdom!
I'm so honored that you reviewed my little ebook. I hope your readers enjoy it. I certainly had fun creating it. Maybe I should add more fun things in the new year. It's good to change up the routine. I can't believe how much we have in common. If we lived near each other we'd be in a constant gab fest. I think we could easily cover almost any topic. I'm looking forward to adding the resource section to my website. I really want to have a spot where people can easily find where to go for help. Top of that list is you for Epi-Dogs. You're always my inspiration. Somehow, I think people will get that we like to talk and that we are very much alike. Thank you so much, my kindred spirit for writing this in such a lovely way. I'm blessed and touched beyond words. ❤️💚🎄🎅🧑🎄🐾
ReplyDeleteTerri sounds really fabulous and her horse is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for a book!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read this book! Its so cool seeing a little inside view of both of you. And feeling that hyped up fan girl love.
ReplyDelete