New Memoir Reveals How a Rescued Dog Gave Minnesota Author a Ticket to the Rest of His Life

Online, November 12, 2012 (Newswire.com) - A Dog Named Leaf: the Hero from Heaven Who Saved My Life (Lyons Press, November 2011) is Allen Anderson's story about the shocking news that although only in his mid-fifties, he had two potentially fatal health issues - a brain aneurysm, which could rupture at any time, and a blood clot aimed at his heart. His memoir includes pulse-pounding brushes with danger, the realities of bringing home an abandoned shelter dog, cross-species communication, prophetic dreams, and unique perspectives on fulfilling one's purpose later in life. Anderson's dramatic healing journey synchronizes with the adoption of Leaf, an emotionally scarred cocker spaniel who turned his home inside out due to a traumatic past. The dual journey of this man and this dog, coming together at exactly the right time, offers valuable insights for those who contemplate re-inventing themselves in order to take their next steps in life.

One reviewer wrote, "This book transcends the pet-animal story genre by leaps and bounds." Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Ph.D., New York Times best-selling author of When Elephants Weep and Dogs Never Lie about Love, says. "Although I am not a religious or spiritual person, the more I read, the more my skepticism melted. I am convinced of Leaf's ability to sense what Allen needed. Readers will feel as if they know Leaf, and they'll grow to love him too."

In 1996, Allen Anderson and his wife Linda Anderson founded the Angel Animals Network. The Andersons books have been featured in media such as Oprah.com, the Today Show, ABC's Nightly News, BBC Radio, Washington Post, LA Times, Amazon.com's Hot 100, and B&N's Top 10. Anderson's 2006 book about animal rescue won the prestigious American Society of Journalists & Authors Outstanding Book Award. He received a commendation by the Governor for his contribution as an author to the state of Minnesota. He teaches writing at the Loft Literary Center and donates a portion of his books' proceeds to animal welfare.

"Dr. Marty Becker, resident veterinarian on Dr. Oz Show and Good Morning America calls Anderson's new book: "A dramatic dual journey that explores intangibles of health and healing without attempting to explain them away. This is truly the most unusual dog book ever."

A Dog Named Leaf ($16.95, ISBN-10: 0762781654, ISBN-13: 978-0762781652), a 224-page paperback published by Lyons Press, an imprint of Globe Pequot, is available November 6, 2012 at major online book retailers, in bookstores, and at lyonspress.com. For more information and to read an excerpt go to www.adognamedleaf.com. Visit the book's Facebook page and view photos of Leaf at www.facebook.com/ADOGNAMEDLEAF.