LABMED: What's New: Labrador Tales Press Release



Labs Saved			What's New FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LABMED announces the release of Labrador Tales: A Celebration of America's Favorite Dog Unique non-profit fundraising effort conceived, created, and completed over the Internet July 15, 1998 -- Nashville, TN: Labrador Tales: A Celebration of America's Favorite Dog is a heartwarming collection of short stories, poems, and essays about Labrador Retrievers and the people who love and respect this versatile, noble breed. But what makes this book truly unique is that it was entirely planned, compiled, and organized by LABMED, a non-profit organization run over the Internet, and all proceeds from the sale of this book benefit LABMED's Labrador Retriever rescue efforts. Labrador Tales represents months of collaboration between authors John Arrington and Walt Zientek, illustrator Terry Albert, and LABMED, an Internet-based non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide financial assistance to rescued Labradors in need of medical care. The group met on Labrador-L, an Internet mailing list where Arrington and Zientek were among the list's most eloquent and creative writers. Following the success of its self-published LABMED Cookbook, LABMED approached Arrington and Zientek about combining their stories with illustrations by Albert to create an original book as a fund raising effort. Shortly thereafter, stories were written, drawings were created, and a publisher was chosen, with nearly every communication about the book taking place via email or the World Wide Web. Though the author's styles are very different, their stories resonate with a deep love and respect for the Labrador breed. Arrington's wistful tales of his departed Lab, Cheddar, evoke the pain of losing his beloved companion and friend, while stories of his new pup, Chamois, are full of laughter at the antics of the new "girl" in his life. Zientek's touching short stories, essays, and poetry are drawn from his own experiences and the lives of Lab lovers he has known. One particularly poignant poem, entitled "Carry You," was written for a friend on the loss of her dog. In just a few simple words, it relates how a dog owner carries a pup when it is young and then, at the end of its life, carries it again to its final destiny. 35 illustrations by award-winning artist Albert lend new dimensions of character to the stories and bring the book to life. Availability Unlike the LABMED Cookbook, which is only available through LABMED's Web site and at LABMED booths at dog shows, Labrador Tales will be available in bookstores as well as on the Web at Amazon.com and the LABMED Web site (www.labmed.org) beginning in September. All proceeds from the sale of Labrador Tales directly benefit LABMED's rescue efforts. For review copies, please contact Richard Schaaf of Azul Editions, or Bonny Georgia Griffith, LABMED PR Chair. Media Contacts: Bonny Georgia, LABMED PR Chair (413) 529-2239 or [email protected] Richard Schaaf, Azul Editions (703) 573-7866 *Labrador Tales: A Celebration of America's Favorite Dog* Release: September, 1998 U.S. $13.95 (5 1/2 inches by 8 1/2 inches) ISBN: 1-8885214-16-2 200 pages, 35 illustrations, soft cover Distributed to the trade by LPC Group - InBook (800) 626-4330 About the Authors and Illustrator Author John Arrington lives in Eureka, CA with his yellow Labrador named Chamois. Since 1969, Labs have been Arrington's constant companions, backpacking and camping partners, and best buddies. "Relationships come and go," says Arrington. "But I just can't imagine living without a Lab to love." Author Walt Zientek is a Special Education teacher who makes his home in Northford, Connecticut with his wife, Wendy, his daughters, Cory and Jaime, a yellow Lab named Caleb, and a French Bulldog named Gibson. Zientek's Labrador stories, poetry, and thought-provoking essays have appeared in Labrador publications on three continents. Award winning writer and artist Terry Albert resides in Poway, CA. She specializes in pet portraits and provided illustrations for the 1994 Labrador Retriever National Specialty poster and sweatshirt. She is a member of the Dog Writer's Association of America, and Colored Pencil Society of America. In her free time, Albert is active in Labrador and Collie rescue and competes in obedience and field events with her dogs. About LABMED LABMED is an Internet-based, non-profit organization formed in 1996 as a result of the plight of a yellow Labrador Retriever found abandoned and critically injured on a country road. Funds were not available to repair this sad little man's injuries until his rescuers told his story over an Internet mailing list called Labrador-L. The outpouring of love and concern for this unwanted dog sparked the formation of LABMED, which now provides funds for emergency medical assistance of other ill or injured rescued Labs. To date, LABMED has helped put more than 25 Lab rescues on the road to recovery. LABMED's international Board of Directors is spread throughout the United States and Australia, and conducts all its business via a private Internet mailing list and e-mail. To learn more about this unique organization, view its guidelines for funding, and meet some of the dogs it has helped, please visit http://www.labmed.org.
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