HEALTHY LIVING--AUTHOR CAROL VAN NATTA AND SCI-FI CHARITY ANTHOLOGY

Carol Van Natta is a science fiction and fantasy author who writes the Central Galactic Concordance space opera series, as well as paranormal romance. She shares her Fort Collins, Colorado home with a resident mad scientist and various cats. They all want to explore the galaxy. Learn more about Carol and her books at her website. 

Pets in Space + Dogs for Heroes = Win-Win

Earlier this year, twelve authors came together to write stories for Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2, a science fiction romance anthology. A strong motivation for me to participate was the chance to support a fabulous charity with 10% of the first month’s sales. Hero-Dogs.org improves quality of life for U.S. veterans and helps them regain independence by raising, training, and placing service dogs and other highly skilled canines, free of charge, with lifetime support of the partnerships. And when we finally manage to explore the stars, of course we’ll take pets. I may have gotten carried away in the number of pets I included in “Pet Trade,” my contribution to the anthology, but I couldn’t pick just one.

Authors Veronica Scott and Pauline B. Jones organized the anthology. They thought it would be fun to mix sci-fi romance and heroic pets and to see what different authors would come up with using the same theme. They agreed they wanted to donate to a charity that helped animals and veterans. Hero Dogs was the perfect fit for the group, with their excellent track record of supplying disabled veterans with wonderfully trained service dogs. I begged shamelessly asked politely to be allowed to join the party.

I asked the other authors as to why this subject and why this charity. Author Cara Bristol said, “Everyone has or has had a pet at one point in their lives. If we were going to travel into space, of course, we'd want to take our furry companions with us. So, to me, sci-fi romance and pets was a fun blend. Besides relating to pets, we can relate to heroes. These are the men and women who gave their all for their country. Supporting Hero-Dogs is a great way to give back to the heroes who need our help now.”

Veteran and current jet pilot Susan Grant said, “As a veteran myself, I think what Hero Dogs is doing to help veterans is so important. As a pet lover, I know the special bond between humans and animals can heal the deepest wounds. As an author, I couldn't pass up the chance to write about that special bond.”

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author S.E. Smith said, “The act of giving back is very important to me. Hero-Dogs is an organization that reminds us there are many wonderful ways to help others. As the daughter of a disabled vet, I can appreciate how much having a furry companion enhances the quality of life for those struggling with day-to-day activities.”

Jessica E. Subject said, “I have seen firsthand how therapy dogs can help people. And I think this is a great opportunity to help this charity along with some of my fellow sci-fi romance authors.” Michelle Howard added, “Hero-Dogs.org combines two things I really respect and love: our service members and dogs. It was a no-brainer to say ‘yes’ when asked to participate.”

Alexis Glynn Latner said, “I have a dear friend who suffers from PTSD, not as a result of combat but because of a horrific car accident. Her dog Rinnie arrived on the doorstep as a sickly stray, but it soon turned out that Rinnie's presence really helped my friend function well and feel OK. Subsequently, Rinnie took to PTSD service-dog training like a duck to water. That has made all the difference in the world for my friend. So I really believe in the kind of good work Hero Dogs is doing.”

Laurie Green said, “When Pauline first mentioned the pets + space idea, I immediately loved it and have been honored to be a part of both story collections. It’s inspiring to know my fictional StarDogs are helping support Hero Dogs and all the wonderful things these service animals do for our veterans. The amazing healing power of animal companions is something I believe in.”

Sabine Priestley said, “Like so many, I have friends and family that suffer from PTSD. Animals have the ability to affect our energies in ways science doesn't fully understand. When I was asked if I wanted to join, and told about Hero Dogs, ‘no’ wasn't an option. The group of authors is outstanding and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.”

Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2

The pets are back! Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2, featuring twelve of today’s leading Science Fiction Romance authors, brings you a dozen original stories written just for you! Join in the fun, from the Dragon Lords of Valdier to a trip aboard award-winning author, Veronica Scott’s Nebula Zephyr to journeying back to Luda where Grim is King, for stories that will take you out of this world! Join New York Times, USA TODAY, and Award-winning authors S.E. Smith, M.K. Eidem, Susan Grant, Michelle Howard, Cara Bristol, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Laurie A. Green, Sabine Priestley, Jessica E. Subject, Carol Van Natta, and Alexis Glynn Latner as they share stories and help out Hero-Dogs.org, a charity that supports our veterans!

10% of the first month’s profits go to Hero-Dogs.org. Hero Dogs raises and trains service dogs and places them free of charge with US Veterans to improve quality of life and restore independence.

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