Gayle M Irwin

Christmas Hope or Heartbreak?

Colter, Montana waltzes in brilliance during winter, with glistening snow on mountain peaks and diamond-like frost on trees and rivers. Romance and dreams flourish in this Christmas card setting. However, news of friends missing after a raging blizzard and a later accident and subsequent illness disrupt the lives of Rhiann and Levi Butler, who operate a horse ranch and pet rescue sanctuary. Will the joy of Christmas be silenced or strengthened after a pair of stray animals take refuge at the Butlers' property? Can a cat named Mina and a Corgi christened Maverick deliver hope or will they add more heartache for a couple and community struggling with fear and sorrow?

A ranch like no other …
Erin Christiansen is still adjusting to life as a widow. She seeks additional healing by volunteering at Compassion Ranch, a sanctuary for former research animals. Upon arrival at the majestic and unique northwestern Wyoming ranch, she meets Mike, a man she knew in high school, whose compassion for animals and people might be the balm Erin needs.Retired veterinarian Mike Jacobs is no stranger to loss. Five years after the accidental death of his wife, he now serves as ranch manager of Compassion Ranch. He not only fixes fence and provides tours, but he applies his veterinary skills and his heart for animals to his work. Upon recognizing Erin from high school, he can barely believe his first love will spend a few weeks at the sanctuary. Can Erin and Mike span the years since they have seen each other or do they, like many of the rescued animals, have wounds that run too deep to trust and love again?

"What good is a blind dog?" My husband and I were asked that question several times when we told friends our springer spaniel would eventually become blind due to a genetic disease. What good is a blind dog? You might think you don't need that kind of issue on top of all your other problems. Some people might give the dog away. Or, like us, you might keep your pet and bond even closer as you work to see together. My husband and I discovered great value in our dear dog, not monetarily, but in the life and faith lessons she taught. In the process of figuring out how to adjust to her blindness, the God who created people and blind dogs may taught us valuable lessons about really seeing and trusting ... lessons that will not make all problems go away but will increases faith, hope and joy in the midst of them. Come journey with us and discover these wonderful character and spiritual lessons!

Dogs love to explore. Mary is a springer spaniel, and she loves taking trips in the car and exploring places when she arrives. Come along on Mary's adventure to the world's first national park, Yellowstone, and experience the many wonders with her! Learn about the area's many wildlife species, the geysers, and the history of this special place. You can also write your own Outdoor Explorer Story! Includes activity pages to educate and encourage children to spend time in the outdoors near or away from home and vocabulary words to improve their reading and understanding of science.