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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Ralf by Anne Crawford

Ralf by Anne Crawford is a book that touches your heart and has you riding an emotional rollercoaster.

Ralf is a Giant Schnauzer with a heart of gold. Facing an uncertain future Caroline Lovick  and her family take Ralf into their home in Melbourne. Ralf soon becomes an important part of not only Caroline’s family but that of those he greets at the school gate each day. Children stop to pat him, turning him into a celebrity in his own right. Caroline soon feels there is more to Ralf than anyone realises. After attending the Royal Melbourne Show, where Ralf competed, Caroline see’s his potential as a therapy dog. Ralf soon spends many years of his life touching hearts at not only Trinity Manor nursing home but largely at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

Ralf is a gentle read that you just don’t want to put down. For myself this book came into my life at a time when I was in the process of getting an assistance dog for my daughter who has Autism so I surely related to the wonders of animals as therapy. I easily connected to Ralf and his ways, bonding with a lovable dog with a huge heart. 

Ralf is more than a story about one dog, it is a story of compassion, understanding, love and dedication. It is a celebration of the endless time volunteers give just to place smiles on faces and share love with others. Caroline is an amazing woman who dedicates many of her hours to those who are sick, alleviating stress from families. Caroline’s compassion, understanding and tireless work should be commended. Ralf by Anne Crawford celebrates a dog and human team who work miracles. 

I went through all the emotions when reading Ralf, emotions created not only by the patients of the hospital but by Ralf and Caroline and their relationship together. Anne Crawford has written a book that allows you to easily connect to the content, traveling the journey with the team. 

The share of royalties from this book that would normally go to Ralf’s family are being donated to The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne and Lort Smith Animal Hospital, who looked after Ralf throughout the journey. Another show of how Caroline, and her family, put others needs before their own.

If you are after a easy read that will touch your heart, educate and envelope you in love and warmth then Ralf by Anne Crawford is what you are after. 

ISBN: 978-1-76011-122-9

Published 2015 by Allen & Unwin

review: Jennifer Douglas