Summer is finally here, although, at times, it doesn’t much feel like it.  There’s been lots of rain throughout the country but we try to focus on the sunny, warm days that we can all be outside to play!

Brandy and Val wrapped up their pet therapy school year on a very positive high note.  The kids really responded this year and were much more comfortable and interactive in the pups’ presence.   The strides taken are a cumulative process and  we can’t stress how important we think our work is to the kids.  They have really warmed up to them and we can see how much they appear to enjoy having Brandy and Val around and interacting with them.

Our work on the top of pet therapy was featured in two articles this past spring.  One on the website Acting Balanced which is hosted by a mom with a child who has Autism Spectrum Disorder.  The other appeared in the Calgary Herald.  We are grateful for the opportunity to speak about what we do and spread the word about how pet therapy dogs enhance the lives of others.

Continuing on with that theme, Brandy and Val will be making another appearance at the Center For Independence camp the end of the month.  The campers are comprised mostly of children who have CP (Cerebral Palsy) and MD (muscular dystrophy).  We enjoy bringing added happiness to their day.

As our mission is “to do good where good is needed” we hope you will continue to remember that with the continuing sagging economy, many pets are being neglected and abandoned.  It is through the sales of our toys and books -BRANDY AND VAL, BRANDY AND VAL’S FAVORITE THINGS and BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY — that we also help animal sanctuaries throughout the country such as Best Friends and Pets Alive.   In addition, 100% of the sales from BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY go to support Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue, the shelter that both Brandy and Val were adopted from.  SOOOOOO, feel good knowing that you are helping and animal in need with every item purchased from us!

As always, thank you for your continued support and enjoy the season!

Ilene Fine, Author

Brandy and Val, Real Dogs with Real Tales

REAL DOGS WITH REAL TALES

Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer!  Brandy and Val are enjoying their ice cream to beat the heat and we hope you are having your own “fun in the sun.”  Our big news is that Brandy and Val, LLC just celebrated its’ first anniversary.  We are very proud of our accomplishments this year in “doing good where good is needed.”  To name a few, the following charities have benefited from the sales of our products: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary; Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary; Prader-Willi Association; Cabrini Connections Tutor-Mentor Connection and, of course, Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue, where Brandy and Val were adopted from!  So, a big thanks to all of you who have supported us throughout our first year and who helped make this possible.

Continuing to make news with our fabulously fun books and toys for tots, we appeared this past month in PET PRODUCT NEWS and NATURAL DOG.  If a child you know doesn’t have one of our books or toys yet, order one now as they make great diversions for the kids while on car rides, at the beach or anywhere toddlers become restless, in other words, EVERYWHERE!

We would LOVE for you to comment and suggest stories for our blog, “What We are Barking About” and don’t forget you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter, too. Also, look out for our article in the September edition of Women’s World magazine. I hear it will be on newsstands in mid-August.

In closing out the month, Brandy and Val also want to say thanks to the Center for Independence Camp for allowing us to read to and work with your special children.  We hope that through our pet therapy duties, we can enhance the lives of children in some positive way!  Please contact us at info@BrandyandVal.com if you would like Brandy and Val to visit a school, library or children’s program in the Chicago area.

Enjoy the rest of the summer.  As always, thanks for your support,

Ilene Fine, Author,

Brandy and Val, Brandy and Val’s Favorite Things, Brandy and Val’s Special Story

Summer travel season is finally here!  Brandy and Val love road trips so why not include them in your travel plans?  Compact size books and toys EASILY fit into a carry-on or beach bag and the kids will love having them along.

Our newly designed website is complete.  Visit our HOME page which now includes a downloadable discussion guide for parents and teachers and easy access to how we’re making a difference in the lives of others.  The ABOUT tab has a drop down menu offering new bios about Ilene, Brandy and Val; press and word-of-mouth we’ve received; and upcoming events.  The BUY page has testimonials from some of our biggest fans AND, to celebrate summer, we’re offering a set of 3 Brandy and Val titles for only $30.95, a $5 savings.

Join the disucssion on our blog, “What We’re Barking About.” Topics range from “all things dog” to causes we celebrate and believe in.  If you have a story you’d like to share wtih us, send us an email and let us know.  Don’t forget that you can also find us on Facebook and Twitter, too.

Our mission at Brandy and Val is “to good where good is needed” and it is through the sales of our books and toys that we can help support animal rescues and sanctuaries throughout the U.S.  It is through our pet therapy duties that we can benefit the lives of children so THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Look for us in the coming weeks at:

BARRINGTON LIBRARY Read to Rover program, Barrington, IL.  Sign up now and have your children read to Brandy or Val.  Wednesday evenings in June, 7 – 8 p.m. Call 847-382-1300.

GLEN ELLYN BOOKFEST, downtown Glen Ellyn, IL.  Saurday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Brandy, Val and Ilene will be signing and selling books at the Inland Bank, 520 Crescent Blvd.  We hear there will be dog treats so bring your pups and your kids!

CENTER FOR INDEPENDENCE Summer Day Camp, Lake Zurich, IL. Friday, June 25, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.  Story reading and activities with Brandy and Val.   Call 708-588-0833 for details.

Until next month, enjoy your summer!

Ilene Fine, Author,

Brandy and Val, Real Dogs with Real Tales