Linda Adkins wrote and self-published an illustrated children’s storybook. “The Dog Who Couldn’t Wag His Tail” tells the true story of Mighty Mite (so named because he was infested with so many mites!).

Mighty Mite was abandoned and near death when Linda found and rescued him. Thankfully, he survived with the help of a generous community. Afterward, Mighty Mite went on to repay his debt to society. He began to perform community service work (becoming a Blood Donor, raising awareness for animal cruelty laws, etc.) and eventually was again able to wag his tail.

Mighty Mite accompanied Linda on many adventures, including visiting children in schools, libraries, and hospitals. He entertained all of them wearing his special jacket and performing his cool tricks! And especially, he taught them to be kind to all animals and not allow animal cruelty to occur.

Here are a few pages from his “Tail-Wagging” rescue and adoption tale:

The veterinarian was shocked at how awful the dog looked. He had so many things wrong. His skin was terribly inflamed. His ears were so swollen he could hardly hear the kind words of the staff. He barely had any hair, even around his face. A policeman came and took photographs, in case he could ever find out who the owner was that had neglected the dog so badly. He was very upset that the dog had been left outside, barely fed, and uncared for. There is no excuse for neglect or abuse of any kind toward an animal. They need to be loved in a safe environment, with appropriate food and protection.

So the next day they went shopping.  They found Mighty Mite a proper leash and collar.  They also bought a name tag in case he ever got lost, and a big fluffy dog bed to snuggle up in.  Then they went over to the jacket display to pick one out.  He looked warm and toasty in the jacket with the bright stripes.  One lady they walked past said that "Mighty Mite" was a very fine name, especially for a dog who looked like he was wearing a cape!  Mighty Mite smiled, but he still couldn't wag his tail.

The girl knew that Mighty Mite was getting   stronger and needed to work on his   obedience training. If he knew how to   properly behave, it would be easier to find   him a new home where he would be loved   forever. So Mighty Mite learned all of the   basic obedience commands, plus how to   properly walk on the leash.   They also had lots of fun teaching him   new tricks. He learned "Speak!" and "High   Five!" His favorite trick was "Bang!" He   would flop over onto his back, asking for   a belly rub!

The girl believed that Mighty Mite should   do good deeds for other animals, because   he had been so lucky himself. He should   also do something special to help all of his   good friends at the clinic.   So Mighty Mite became a blood donor. He   went back to the clinic every so often   during their animal blood drives. That way   he could assist other dogs who needed   help.

So many good things had happened, that Mighty Mite became a little bit of a celebrity! The girl decided there was only one thing to do.  She realized Mighty Mite could eloquently speak for the other abandoned and abused animals who needed to be rescued and adopted.  It became a "Mighty Mite Mission" to go out into the spotlight.  He could help talk to other people about homeless animals and how animal protection laws need to be improved. Mighty Mite began to go public.  He began to appear at book signings and grand openings.  Everybody looked forward to meeting him!  He made many new friends.

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Profits from Mighty Mite’s book help support the Animal Welfare Project, a non-profit group which Linda helped to create. The main mission is to professionally re-train homeless animals, and adopt them back into the community as pets, sporting animals, or to work in Community Service (Search & Rescue, Therapy, etc.) Books cost $20 (taxes and shipping included) and can be shipped anywhere. Each is stamped with Mighty Mite’s personalized paw mark, and signed by Linda. If you desire, she can also dedicate it to some one special!

A very special story awaits those who click here to order!

CONTACT THE AUTHOR:   lindaadkins1@verizon.net

The Dog Who Couldn't Wag His Tail (c) 2003 Linda Adkins. Illustrations (c) 2003 Kristopher Dilworth and Sean C. Rhodes. Book excerpts provided by permission of Keep Me Company Publishing Company.  All rights reserved.  No part of these text or illustration excerpts may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.