Nuzzle: Love Between a Boy and His Service Dog

Nuzzle is a sensitive and humorous portrayal of adoption, disability and the unconditional relationship between a boy and his service dog, Chancer. It is written through the eyes, ears, nose, paws, and voice of Chancer and designed as an early reader for six to eight year olds. This book will forever change the way you think about brain injury and second chances. Readers will learn how this irresistible 90-lb. golden retriever helps to raise his special 'human' boy. Children and adults will understand the daily challenges faced by a child living with the life-long, hidden birth defect called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD is the umbrella term used to describe a broad range of effects associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. "This book sings. It is now my all time favorite children's book " - Deb Evensen, FASD Special Education Consultant, Anchorage, Alaska NUZZLE is an auditory and visual joy-the lively artwork and engaging words offer an easy-to-read format both children and their parents will understand. How I wish I had such a book in my early journey into the world of FASD. Perhaps through the heart of Chancer, FASD can be better understood and families can receive the help they need most. - Victoria Deasy, M.S. Special Education Teacher, California Consultant, Writer, Parent to a wonderful son with FASDs Nuzzle is a wonderful story for any kid who doesn't understand what FASD is. I have FASD and I struggle with Math-a lot I have my own little comfort of fluff, my cat MiMi. Iyal is lucky to have a companion like Chancer who is so stinkin' cute I'm glad after being abused, Chancer found love in the arms of a boy who needed a good friend. - Rachel "Donnie Kanter Winokur's passion in building awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) has helped many and opened eyes to professionals working with persons with this brain damage. Donnie utilized her pre-adoption professional skills in founding NOFAS - Georgia and developing statewide and national awareness. It is a privilege to work beside her. Her role as service dog handler for Chancer for her son has moved mountains and opened doors for other children with FASD." - Jodee Kulp Visit Chancer at www.TheChancerChronicles.com

While Donnie’s interest is based on first-hand experience parenting her own son who is affected by fetal alcohol syndrome and a host of other disorders, her outreach extends to the international level in the field of developmental disabilities. From 2005 to 2009 Donnie worked diligently to develop and establish NOFAS Georgia, Georgia’s first state affiliate of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). In 2008, Donnie’s son, Iyal, obtained the first certified FASD Assistance Dog in the world. Since then, she presents to international experts on the profound benefits of providing service dogs for children living with FASDs and other ＂invisible disabilities＂. She consults with Georgia State University’s Center for Leadership in Disability and is serving an appointed 6-year term with Georgia’s State Advisory Panel on Special Education. Currently Donnie serves on the Committee for Developmental Disabilities at Jewish Family and Career Services in Atlanta and as a Board of Directors’ member for All About Developmental Disabilities. Donnie has recently been appointed to work with Georgia’s Children’s Justice Act Advisory Committee which is a CAPTA Citizen Review Panel. Her family’s story has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, Reader’s Digest Canada and Guideposts magazine. Donnie’s writing about FASDs has been published in Adoption Today magazine, the International Journal on Child and Adolescent Health, and Living with FASD for the FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan, Inc. Her internationally award-winning children’s book; ＂Nuzzle - the love between a boy and his service dog＂ was published in 2011. This followed her 11-year old daughter’s award-winning book, ＂My Invisible World - life with my brother, his disability and his service dog＂.