“Sniffy the Beagle” Proves That Kids Still Love a “Tail” in Rhyme; and That Being Different Isn’t a Crime

Denver, CO, March 28, 2007 --(PR.com)-- “Sniffy is a beagle hound who always has his nose to the ground.”  This is just not good enough for his little owner, Tommy.  Tommy is disappointed and disgruntled until, one day, an ad in the newspaper changes everything. And Sniffy, the beagle, “wins by a nose.”

Psychologist Rita S. Eagle has teamed up with syndicated cartoonist, Gerry Rasmussen to create a delightful little book that will capture the hearts and minds of children, parents and teachers, and beagle lovers of all ages. It is a story that celebrates exceptionality, and the rewards of tolerance and respect for differences. It speaks to the talents that may be found in each of us, and to the value of responsibility for and commitment to doing a job as best as you can. “Sniffy the Beagle” is exciting, action-packed, heart warming and fun. This memorable tale is written entirely in entertaining, witty rhyme, with lively illustrations that capture all of its motion and emotion.

The story starts with an unexpected twist on the “boy and his dog” theme. Little Tommy does not like his dog, a beagle who sniffs and sniffs the ground all day. Tommy wants instead a dog that fetches and plays. But then, one morning, Tommy reads an ad in the paper that changes everything:

Wanted (it said), a sniffing hound;
A dog who Knows with his Nose
Where food can be found.

Persons who have such a dog are asked to call “Constable Sam Moriarity/Chief Canine Trainer at the Airport Authority.”

So begin Sniffy’s adventures at the airport, where he endures a harrowing experience while faithfully fulfilling his duties. By virtue of his genius at sniffing, and commitment to his job, Sniffy became a hero, “and knew, when he heard the applause/he was a hero for being… just who he was.”

In this delightful tale, children will learn about the training of detector dogs. But they will also learn, with Tommy, that “it’s what you are that really counts/and not what you’re not." It is a message that may be especially of interest to children with special needs, and to the parents, siblings and classmates of “different” kids. But, it is also a message that is important for all kids – and grown ups too.

Rita S. Eagle, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with over forty years of experience with children of all ages, abilities and disabilities. She is also the author of the recently published book, “Help Him Make you Smile: Intersubjectivity in the Atypical child”. As a parent of a child with special needs, she knows all too well the importance and power of acceptance.

The family’s beagle, Henry B. Eagle, is the prototype for Sniffy, although he has never worked a day in his life.

Gerry Rasmussen’s comic-strip, Betty, appears in nearly 100 newspapers and magazines in seven countries. It has been syndicated by United Media in New York since 1991. However, in illustrating Sniffy, his first children’s book, Gerry, like Sniffy, clearly has discovered his secret talent.

Rita S. Eagle, Ph.D., 310-792-4794 (w); 310-490-1504 (cell); 
ritaeagle@ yahoo.com
ISBN: 1-59800-537-5
Retail Price(s): $13.95
Size and Format(s): 8.5 x 8.5 Paperback
Page Count: 44
Availability: Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, www.outskirtspress.com/sniffythebeagle

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