Woof! Woof! Discover the Special Life of a Therapy Dog Named Riley the Retriever
Jill Mangel Weisfeld, an award-winning children's book author, shares the special tale of her certified therapy dog - Riley the Retriever -- on this special episode of the Oh Behave Show. Tune in to learn how her once rowdy puppy is now seasoned as a patient, sweet therapy dog that visits schools, hospitals and libraries. And, get your paws on Weisfeld's latest children's book -- Riley the Retriever Wants a New Job. Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit several pet charities. And follow Riley the Retriever on Instagram at www.instagram.com/workingdogtales.
BIO:
Jill Mangel Weisfeld author of Riley the Retriever Wants a New Job, a new children’s book based on the adventures of her own dog, Riley will be holding a book reading and signing at Bronx River Books in Scarsdale, New York on June 22nd.
Riley is a certified therapy dog trained by the Good Dog Foundation, who visits schools, libraries and nursing homes in the New York area.
The book tells the adventures of Riley who is trying to find a more meaningful job than being a retriever. Riley begins her quest researching working dog jobs on “Doogle” to see if she can find one that’s a better fit for her. The colorful illustrations by Shirley Ng Benitez bring Riley’s adorable personality to life.
Weisfeld wrote the book with her mother, Deborah Mangel, also a children’s book author, who passed away not long before the book’s publication.
“I wanted to write a book that was both educational and enjoyable and to teach kids about working dogs,” says Weisfeld. “By visiting schools and nursing homes, Riley helps provide happiness and comfort to members of the community.”
Weisfeld and Riley have been participating in Wag Your Tale! Read to a Dog events in Westchester in which dogs and their human volunteers listen to children read as a way for independent readers to practice their skills.
Weisfeld is currently Art Director of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and has done freelance graphic design for various non-profit organizations, including Temple Israel Center of White Plains. She is a former Senior Art Director at Bride’s Magazine and Art Director for Macy’s Advertising in New York. She is Founder and CEO of her own publishing company, Peek-a-Bear Press based in Scarsdale.
Her first children’s book, Take a Peek with Peek-a-Bear, received five awards including a gold medal in the prestigious Mom's Choice Award in the category of Children's Picture Books, and a silver medal in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards in the category of Book Arts/Pop-up/Cut-out.