New Children’s Book To Raise Funds for Local Animal Shelters

Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog
by Sandra J. Gerencher

EYNON, PENNSYLVANIA – Tribute Books announces the release of Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog by Sandra J. Gerencher. The children’s picture book depicts the timeless tale of a boy and his dog. A portion of the $12.95 retail price will benefit local animal shelters including the Humane Society of Lackawanna County and the SPCA of Luzerne County.

“This is a story of adoption. The adoption of a special dog and the adoption of a very special child and how these two become life long friends. It is a story that starts in an animal shelter and ends in a loving home by a mom that everyone should have,” states Warren Reed, executive director of the Humane Society of Lackawanna County.

Vince Sweeney, executive director of the SPCA of Luzerne County concurs, “What a marvelous story! I enjoyed it thoroughly. Pets need people to be complete and whole, and I think people need pets to be the very same thing.”

Over the past 10 years, author Sandra J. Gerencher of Bethlehem, Pa. has been on a mission to save dogs from animal shelters. All of the book’s characters are based on her real life family. She adopted the main character, Chance, a Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix as well as P.J., Shelby and Lil Rascal, a trio of Pomeranians.

However, Gerencher’s most significant adoption was her son, Terry, who is the inspiration for the character Ryan in the book. He is considered a special needs child because he was born with a genetic disorder known as Fragile X Syndrome. The disorder can cause many cognitive disorders such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation and depression.

Professionals in the autism field appreciate Gerencher’s book. Chris Remick, M.A., B.C.B.A., clinical director of autism services for the Friendship House in Scranton, Pa. states, “This is a delightful story about belonging and love from the viewpoint of the underdog in all of us ... a great treat!”

Kathy Roach, director of permanency for Diakon Adoption & Foster Care of Topton, Pa. agrees, “Second Chance touches on the companionship of a boy and his new pet dog and the importance of stability and permanency in their lives.”

Filled with softly blended watercolor photos, Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog is a testament to a single mother’s devotion to creating a family of her own. It serves as a positive example of how autistic children and shelter dogs can thrive through adoption, and how everyone deserves a second chance.

About the Author
Sandra J. Gerencher of Bethlehem, Pa. is a special education teacher in the Bangor Area School District. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked at Lehigh University in a school-based program, as a Program Specialist for adults with disabilities. Over the past 20 years she has worked with children and adults with special needs in such areas as counseling, behavior specialist consultation, behavioral research, crisis intervention and abuse therapy. She graduated from Lehigh University with a M.Ed. in Special Education (2004) and from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology (1999).

Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog
By Sandra J. Gerencher
$12.95
ISBN: 978-0-9814619-2-2
Published by Tribute Books
www.tribute-books.com and www.chancetheshelterdog.com

Please contact Tribute Books for author interviews, review copies, book artwork and any other requests.