Tears and Tales: Stories of Human and Animal Rescue

Feeling down? Going through a rough period of life? Russell Vassallo, author of Tears and Tales has had more of those times than most people, but has been helped through all of them by loving and being loved by the many animals that have been a part of his life. We share his journey of healing from a painful childhood through the dissolution of his first marriage, retirement, depression, and then the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Beginning with Crazy Duck, the whiskey drinking duckling, Russell shows us the way in which animals help him connect to his feelings. Russell shares many stories of how animals guided him through an inner journey of self-reflection. He is fearless in allowing us to see parts of himself that many would be afraid to share. We learn of his doubts about his worthiness as a partner and parent; we see him become self-absorbed and misinterpret his wife's caring gestures. Throughout it all, we are privy to his willingness to learn about love and life from his dogs, horses, and even a cardinal that speaks to him of the possibility of a joyful life. Reading this book will give you hope that you can cope with whatever challenges life gives you. And it will inspire you to share that life with an animal that needs you as much as you need it.

As the tears came to my eyes as I read the stories of each special animal, I realized that our vulnerable friends make our lives rich. Having rescued and loved many animals, memories came to mind of the sad times and happy times throughout the years. This book will warm the hearts of so many people. Take the time to enjoy it!

Mr. Vassallo beautifully expresses how animal "relationships" offer life lessons we can apply to our encounters with each other, as well as discover things we didn't recognize in ourselves. We may not always like what we see, but we are forever changed by the experiences and lessons these beloved creatures impart to our daily lives and those around us. You will close this book with a sense of understanding your own "Tears and Tales" after reading and re-reading this honest recollection of love, loss, laughter and a sprinkling of magic even if you don't believe a Cardinal can save a man's life...in this case, Mr. Vassallo's! I look forward to the next time Mr. Vassallo will entertain and enlighten us with his gift of telling it like it is when you have animals in your life....worth every joy and every tear, and what you lose if you don't. This unique personal perspective of the human/animal bond will speak to anyone with a heart. The author's very candid and revealing insight into his personal space, and the the animals who entered is most reassuring to anyone who has ever felt like giving up or looking for strength to go on. Thank you Russell,for sharing.

Tears and Tales is a beautifully, simply written book that will touch the hearts of all animal lovers. As my husband and I were driving to Michigan last summer, I was reading and he kept handing me tissues to wipe away the tears streaming down my face. At least once a chapter I read him an excerpt that was especially touching. I enjoyed the book so much that I purchased additional copies to give to friends for Christmas. They all loved it.Today the book has a place on my bedside table. I can't wait until his next book comes out.

I'm a college student at the University of kentucky and I read Tears and Tales because i love animals. It's a great book. It's filled with stories that are both funny and sad but there is a message in each story. I've read it several times and recommended it to my friends who work at the library. I give it a rating of 5 stars. Brian Bagby