PONDER – David R. Hardiman, author of the Christian and inspirational “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan,” will sign books at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Betty Foster Public Library in Ponder. His autobiography shares how he endured a lifetime of illness alone before Bailey – a shih tzu – became his best friend, service dog and hero.
Because it’s imperative that Bailey goes everywhere with Hardiman to provide assistance, she will attend the signing event and offer her paw signature on the books.
“My story, our story, is one of struggle, prejudice and pain,” Hardiman said. “It’s also a story of perseverance, love and triumph over adversity.”
Hardiman of Arlington was born with a rare medical condition that eluded diagnosis for decades, and he developed post-traumatic stress disorder late in life. Bailey senses when Hardiman is about to have an attack, and she alerts him and helps him deal with the horror.
“Bailey is an extraordinary gift – part of God’s remarkable plan,” he said. “She doesn’t look like the typical service dog, but Bailey works hard every day to help me function in the world.”
“Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” (Brown Books Publishing Group) cautions against judging people whose disabilities aren’t obvious. Hardiman doesn’t look like he has disabilities, but the challenges he faces are real.
His book also provides some information about laws that protect people who rely on service dogs.
“Bailey and I have been told to leave malls and other public places because business owners, employees and even some police officers aren’t familiar with the laws that protect the use of service dogs,” he said. “Bailey and other service dogs are not pets, companion dogs nor comfort animals; service dogs perform essential tasks every day to help their owners live their lives.”
Tina Hager, library director, said a hardcover of “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” will be added to the library’s collection. The book is family friendly and suitable for adults and children.
In addition to signing his books, Hardiman will read “Move Over, Rover!” by Karen Beaumont to children attending the library’s Family Booktivities program that day. The program starts at 1:15 p.m.
The library is at 405 Shaffner St.
Hardcovers of the book are available via Hardiman’s website http://www.baileysremarkableplan.com. To receive autographed copies before or after the signing event in Ponder, send emails to baileysremarkableplan@gmail.com.
Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online retailers also offer “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan.”