Description

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Next Door’s Dog is a Veteran’s Dog is the fourth book about working dogs, written by Gina Dawson to educate children about the roles of Assistance and Therapy Dogs in modern society and the invaluable work they do. Veteran Joe and his family have moved in next door to Lucas. Dad and Joe are good mates who served in the military together. They both look well and healthy, but Joe is troubled by memories that make him anxious, angry, or sad. That’s why he has Poppy, an Assistance Dog, who goes with him everywhere. When Lucas sees Joe getting off the bus with Poppy by his side, he wants to know more. He listens to Dad but doesn’t really understand how Poppy helps Joe—until he sees it for himself.

About the Author

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Vivienne da Silva is an Adelaide-based artist and published illustrator who has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born in Australia to Brazilian family, she is fluent in two languages and has two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts from Flinders University and a Bachelor of Design Communication from The University of South Australia. She has also studied art at CDW Studios (School of Visual Effects and Entertainment Design) of Adelaide. In 2017, she collaborated with South Australian author Gina Dawson to illustrate her first children's book Next Door's Dog Has A Job, which was released worldwide by New Holland Publishing in 2018. The second book in the series, Next Door’s Dog Goes To School, was released in 2019. The third book in the series is due to be released in 2020! In her spare time she sketches, paints watercolours, and designs t-shirt logos for her favourite TV shows and movies, some of which have been featured on the front pages of Redbubble, TeeFury, and Threadless Tees. Gina Dawson is a teacher who spent fifteen years presenting programs on a variety of social and personal issues to students of all ages across all school sectors. She knows how to present facts on a range of topics and promote discussion in a way that is fun, non-threatening, and entirely comfortable. As well as her interest in youth well-being, Gina is a lifelong lover of dogs, an experienced trainer, and is cognizant of the disability sector. She volunteers for a Service Dog organisation and is keen to educate children about the many roles dogs play in society. Now retired, Gina’s passion is writing children’s books that educate and promote awareness, as well as ghost writing memoirs. Her other interests include reading, walking, architecture, travelling, and spending time with family, friends, and of course her dog.