Books with author J. Carr

N.J. The Super, Smartest, Smallest Sheltie highlights the Shetland sheepdog breed. Readers follow the adventures of N.J., the main character, narrator, and a "brilliant Sheltie: from his adoption and training by the author, to his puppy antics, to becoming a "Super Sheltie," and culminating with his stellar performance in two fun videos, The N.J. Show Acts 1 and 2. N.J. was born on Christmas Day in an animal shelter in Washington, D.C., and adopted at eight-weeks-old by the author, who soon realized he was a very smart Sheltie. At four months of age his superior intelligence, eagerness to learn ability to "communicate with his mom," and "learn at lightning speed" were evident. His mom tells him, "N.J., you're ready to begin your training. You'll learn so much with lots of play, hugs, kisses, treats and praise." After one training session his mom told him, "N.J., you're the Super, Smartest, Smallest Sheltie!" Joy, love, intelligence and faithful devotion to their families await those readers who choose to bring a Shetland sheepdog into their lives. "Teaching N.J. was an exceptional experience and telling his story was a labor of love." J.C. Carr is also the author of the S.J. Book Trilogy, which includes, S.J. Goes Home, the sequel, S.J. Goes to School, and concludes with S.J. Goes to Work. They are the true stories of her magnificent rescued collie, S.J., who became an award-winning therapy dog.

"I watched as the women rescued my family. I knew this could be my last chance! I had to do something! As the woman closed the cage door, I placed my paw on her hand. I looked at her, with my head held high, loudly barking: LOOK AT ME! PLEASE, TAKE ME, TOO!" S.J., the main character, narrates his feelings while communicating through moving gestures and vocalizations, pleading to be rescued from his life of confinement in the puppy mill. Readers are taken on a heartfelt journey as he tells his story from the perspective of a puppy mill dog: from difficult beginnings in a puppy mill, to his rescue and temporary placement in an animal shelter, to the extraordinary circumstances that led to his adoption by the author. The book, beautifully illustrated in color by Kerri Carabetta, vividly, yet delicately, captures a myriad of emotions as evoked by the dogs. The story and images will instill compassion for these dogs in children, parents and teachers, as they are educated to their plight. After reading S.J. GOES HOME, readers, like the author, will champion the humane treatment of animals, realizing, that pet adoption is both a rewarding and a wonderfully humane deed when choosing a pet.

“N.J. Goes to Congress” is the second book in “The N.J. Sheltie Series,” and the sequel to “N.J., The Super, Smartest, Smallest Sheltie.” In “N.J. Goes to Congress,” N.J., a very vocal Sheltie, understands that many dogs have no one to speak for them. His mom nicknames him, “N.J., Speaker of the House,” and says, “N.J., you have so much to say, you should get elected as a Representative in Congress, and speak for all dogs that need help.” He begins to collect signatures and paw prints needed to get his name on the ballot, then, campaigns and gets elected. People cheered and dogs barked during his Election Night victory speech as the Representative from the District for All Dogs. Soon, word of his election reached dogs throughout America. Howls of joy could be heard from puppy mill dogs, shelter dogs, and homeless street dogs. Now, the dogs had a friend in Congress who would fight for them. Finally, there was hope they would find forever homes. Newly elected, Congressdog N.J. will fight to end puppy mills, increase pet adoptions from animal shelters, rescue homeless street dogs and educate people about the critical need to spay and neuter pets. “N.J. Goes to Congress” is a child’s fun introduction to the American election process, while shining a spotlight on serious animal welfare issues, and perhaps, pique an interest in becoming a future leader, just like N.J. A must read for all dog lovers!

N.J., Speaker of the House is the third book in The N.J. Sheltie Series, which includes, N.J., The Super, Smartest, Smallest Sheltie and N.J. Goes to Congress. In N.J. Speaker of the House, newly elected Congressdog N.J. wants to find homes for Every Great American Dog, especially, the puppy mill dogs, shelter dogs, homeless street dogs and all dogs in need of food, medical care and love. Congressdog N.J. is called "the hardest worker in Congress" by the President of the United States. Wow! The president then tells the country how Congressdog N.J. brought reporters and a cameraman inside a puppy mill to interview and videotape the dogs. When the report is aired on WDOG-TV, the American people are saddened to learn how badly puppy mill dogs are treated. Congressdog, N.J., then writes a new law named, The Puppy Mill Rescue Act. He works his Sheltie heart out to get it passed by the House and the Senate. Then, the President of the United States calls Congressdog N.J., and tells him he will sign the Puppy Mill Rescue Act into law and invites him to the signing ceremony in the oval office. How awesome is that! Through Congressdog N.J.'s hard work and dedication to the welfare of all dogs in America, members of Congress view him "as one of the most important thinkers of our time and we believe you will make a great Speaker. We would like you to run for the office." Under Congressdog N.J.'s leadership, they believe he can help, not only his fellow dogs, but, all Americans. Congressdog N.J. agrees, and in another historic election, he becomes the first dog unanimously elected Speaker of the House. He was once called a puppy, a shelter dog, a "Super Sheltie" and a Congressdog. That night, N.J. remembers the day his mom told him he was a "very vocal Sheltie," and she nicknamed him Speaker of the House. Now, he is called Mr. Speaker because he is . . . N.J., Speaker of the House.

"That night, I left school for the last time. I thought about all I achieved, but I never forgot my Collie family and all the dogs --- too many to count --- I left behind in the puppy mill and animal shelter. I barked and wished that they could all be adopted, and then, there would be no more homeless animals in shelters. And wouldn't that be wonderful?" S.J. Goes to School is the sequel to the true story of S.J., a rescued puppy mill collie and adopted shelter dog from the book that started it all --- S.J. Goes Home. S.J., the main character and narrator, tells his story of rescue, adoption, his schooling and achievements. His mom, realizing that he is an exceptionally smart dog with an "excellent memory," tells him, "S.J., it's time to go to school." She enrolls him in beginner, intermediate and advanced training classes where he meets fellow students, Frankie and Olee. S.J. excels in his classes and graduates with "Best in Class" honors on his three diplomas, then, prepares to take the "Therapy Dog Test." Children, parents, teachers and all readers cheer him during his final exam where he is "one cool collie" under pressure, aces the test and earns his fourth diploma to become a certified therapy dog. The book, beautifully illustrated in color by artist, Kerri Carabetta, captures the essence of S.J.'s temperament, intelligence, humility and education. After reading S.J. Goes to School, readers, like the author, will champion shelter pet adoptions. Children learn the responsibilities of pet ownership by providing training, care and love that give a dog a second chance at a forever home and a happy, fulfilling life...just like S.J., who is a testament to what shelter dogs can achieve when given that second chance.

S.J. Goes to Work is the final book in the S.J. Trilogy. S.J. Goes Home started it all, as S.J., a rough collie, tells his story from a puppy mill survivor rescued by "Animal Helpers," to shelter dog, to the extraordinary circumstances that led to his adoption by the author. In the sequel, S.J. Goes to School, he narrates the training required to become a therapy dog and is "one cool collie" as he aces the therapy dog test. In S.J Goes to Work, S.J., a magnificent collie, and the main character and narrator, describes the therapy dog work he did with his mom during their weekly visits to schools, preschools, libraries, healthcare facilities, the elderly, and private homes. When his work week ends, he rests and reminisces about Helen, the school girl who nicknamed him "S.J., the doggie with the smiling face;" or the visually impaired children who gently felt his "fur-face" with their fingers, and "Frankie, a gentle man who played his saxophone for me and mom." The author's belief that dogs are good for people is a recurring theme in the books as she watches S.J. work his magic with both children and adults. S.J's humility, perfect temperament and great collie heart earned him several titles, made him an outstanding therapy dog and a faithful, loving companion. He is the subject of three books, and was honored with four awards for accumulating 350 therapy dog visits.

"That night, I left school for the last time. I thought about all I achieved, but I never forgot my Collie family and all the dogs --- too many to count --- I left behind in the puppy mill and animal shelter. I barked and wished that they could all be adopted, and then, there would be no more homeless animals in shelters. And wouldn't that be wonderful?"S.J. Goes to School is the sequel to the true story of S.J., a rescued puppy mill collie and adopted shelter dog from the book that started it all ---S.J. Goes Home.S.J., the main character and narrator, tells his story of rescue, adoption, his schooling and achievements. His mom, realizing that he is an exceptionally smart dog with an "excellent memory," tells him, "S.J., it's time to go to school." She enrolls him in beginner, intermediate and advanced training classes where he meets fellow students, Frankie and Olee. S.J. excels in his classes and graduates with "Best in Class" honors on his three diplomas, then, prepares to take the "Therapy Dog Test." Children, parents, teachers and all readers cheer him during his final exam where he is "one cool collie" under pressure, aces the test and earns his fourth diploma to become a certified therapy dog.The book, beautifully illustrated in color by artist, Kerri Carabetta, captures the essence of S.J.'s temperament, intelligence, humility and education.After reading S.J. Goes to School, readers, like the author, will champion shelter pet adoptions. Children learn the responsibilities of pet ownership by providing training, care and love that give a dog a second chance at a forever home and a happy, fulfilling life...just like S.J., who is a testament to what shelter dogs can achieve when given that second chance.

"I watched as the women rescued my family. I knew this could be my last chance! I had to do something! As the woman closed the cage door, I placed my paw on her hand. I looked at her, with my head held high, loudly barking: LOOK AT ME! PLEASE, TAKE ME, TOO!"S.J., the main character, narrates his feelings while communicating through moving gestures and vocalizations, pleading to be rescued from his life of confinement in the puppy mill. Readers are takenon a heartfelt journey as he tells his story from the perspective of a puppy mill dog: from difficult beginnings in a puppy mill, to his rescue and temporary placement in an animal shelter, to the extraordinary circumstances that led to his adoption by the author. The book, beautifully illustrated in color by Kerri Carabetta, vividly, yet delicately, captures a myriad of emotions as evoked by the dogs. The story and images will instill compassion for these dogs in children, parents and teachers, as they are educated to their plight. After reading S.J. GOES HOME, readers, like the author, will champion the humane treatment of animals, realizing, that pet adoption is both a rewarding and a wonderfully humane deed when choosing a pet.