Understanding Champ - Helen A. Bemis

The characters involved in the activities at the Riverview Animal Shelter return in this third book of the series. Rehabilitating a battle-scarred, fierce former fighting dog, Champ, a Pit Bull Terrier, presents a major challenge. A different challenge is faced by a woman who must decide whether or not the man with whom she has fallen in love has indeed been rehabilitated himself, after extended incarceration in his youth.

The lessons in Champ relate to training dogs, certainly, and rehabilitating Pit Bull fighting dogs in particular, but they extend to the rehabilitation of people who have erred, who have paid, and who have been changed, a theme that Helen Bemis started in the first book, Understanding Sassie, concerning a woman who was fired for misbehavior from her job; Helen has extended this question to marrying an ex-con in Understanding Champ.

Besides offering entertainment, this book’s intent is, in part, to guide its readers to no longer fear breeds like the Pit Bull Terrier that have exaggerated reputations for aggression. Certainly, one should choose a breed that reflects one’s own energy level. (Helen has a Great Dane.) There are many dogs who will provide companionship and protection if treated with love, and their owners will be richly rewarded for taking them into their lives.

From the author: “In my many years of teaching dog obedience, I have discovered that not all humans understand what their dog is trying to tell them.  I’ve enjoyed my opportunities to teach classes on dog communication (the body language of dogs). My goal has always been to reach a wider audience, which publishing my books will allow.  

“I’ve always enjoyed telling stories. I have discovered that stories can help us to remember and learn valuable information. I hope the reader will find these stories entertaining and informative.”

This is the third in this multi-book series, following Understanding Sassie and Understanding Sassie, II. Readers can enjoy it without having read the first two. All three novels combine upbeat personal stories with insights about training dogs with affection and love.