My name is Jo Helms and I am the author of "Grizz’s Story-A Greater Courage" but I had a very special co-author too. I use the term "co-author" because Grizz himself tells his life’s story to his readers. A unique and charming twist because it is told through his eyes. I have said in interviews that I believe that I was simply the instrument though which he told his story. Perhaps, I should list him as the author instead.
 
It all started on November 8 th , 1991, when a very special puppy came into this world. A special furry bundle of love, with one brown eye and one blue eye, who would change our lives forever. He was our very first Siberian husky and he joined our family on New Years Day, 1992. We shared all of the typical antics that one experiences with a Siberian husky puppy along with an unbelievable bond and many precious moments that will stay in our hearts forever. We also shared his courageous battle with cancer which struck our lives when he was 10 years old, and fought with him all the way. His story is not an uncommon one except for the fact that it has given me the drive to bring awareness to other animal lovers the increasing occurrences of cancer and offer the support of someone who fought back and is continuing to fight for them. His book is a tribute to a beautiful soul who touched the lives of all who knew him or have read his book and he will never be forgotten. It is a very beautiful full-color soft cover book dedicated to his life and will to live and to all companion animals whose lives have been shortened by cancer. It has given us a mission to help find a cure.
 
Some of you may already have read it, many more will, I know. It is a true story of devotion, love, courage and the incredible bond that forms between humans and our furry companions. All the proceeds are being donated to a very special 501c3 fund that we established at the University of WI-Veterinary School in Madison, WI, where Grizz was treated. It is aptly named; "The Grizz & Friends Companion Animal Cancer Fund" and it will be used to help find a cure so that others may live. It was a promise that we made to Grizz as we handed his leash back to God and let him journey across Rainbow Bridge on January 21, 2003. In the first year after its publication, we made the honor roll at the UW-Vet School for the donations made towards insuring a better future for all companion animals. We were also recognized by the Kathy Lee Gifford organization and featured on their web site as a "charity of the month" because of our efforts. This book is not available through bookstores or on Amazon because of the huge fee that these places charge to handle books. Amazingly we have had orders from Germany, Australia, Canada, England, Sweden, and 32 states throughout the continental United States. We have committed ourselves to making certain that the money that we raise through the sale of this book, t-shirts, and wrist bands, go to help the animals, not into someone’s pocket.

The book is only available from us directly and I have built a web site in memory and dedication to Grizz where the book can be ordered and people can read about our sweet Grizz and us. We would love for everyone who has ever loved an animal to visit us at:  http://www.grizz.20megsfree.com or email me at cheesedawg@earthlink.net for information about ordering or better yet, join us at the Siberian Husky National Specialty this year in Rockford, IL. Kathy Stryeski, DVM, from the Siberian Husky Health Foundation did a very special book review for us which is displayed on their web page. Goodnewsforpet.com, Oncolink(The Abramson Cancer Center) and The Perseus Foundation have also featured information about us and are displaying our link among many other distinguished web sites who have graciously helped us along the way. I continue to work with cancer pet owners through our web site and also through CanineCancerAwareness@yahoogroups.com to help others who are dealing with the unanswered questions we all face when this strikes close to home.
I do all my own marketing, shipping, and sales. We depend upon word of mouth to help us spread the word and wonderful people who are willing to give us a chance to help the animals, through networking. As you visit our web site, please note that our first and primary concern was Grizz’s happiness while giving him every chance of survival. Cancer claims the lives of so many companion animals and the numbers continue to climb. It is estimated that as many as 4 million new cases will be diagnosed this year. There are advancements in the treatment of this devastating disease made every day but cancer is a very formidable opponent which follows no rules, and shows no mercy. There are many forms of cancer and some are more treatable than others. It will take great effort to find the cures but we must try, for them. It is a very personal decision whether or not to treat and we are out there to be supportive of whatever choice is best. We would never stand in judgment of anyone’s choice because not everyone can afford to treat and you have to be comfortable with your choice and what’s best for your companion. We offer moral support either way because it is a difficult and trying journey, and we have been there. We know first hand.

Because our budget is small and we have done this totally on our own, with no outside financial backing, our travel is somewhat limited. We have attended state and local shows/events as well as the Siberian Husky National Specialty for the past 2 years, along side the Siberian Husky Health Foundation. We have met a lot of wonderful people and made precious friendships that will last a lifetime. We are looking forward to attending the Siberian Husky National Specialty being held in Rockford, IL this year and hope to meet many more of you who love this beautiful and stoic breed. We will have a booth adjoining the Siberian Husky Health Foundation again this year and we plan on being there the afternoon of October 17 through the 20 th . Please join us there. I am happy to personalize a copy for anyone who requests it. They make wonderful gifts.
 
Hugs, wags, woo’s,

Jo Helms and "Grizz in shining spirit from the playground of Angels"
God keep you safe and keep you and your furry loves healthy…

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Jo Helms - Author 

If you would like to make a difference, buy this book.  It is a story that is tragic, as well as inspiring.  Jo is beating down the doors to raise money for research to cure cancer.  All proceeds go to the University of WI-Veterinary School in Madison.  If you do nothing at all today.  Buy her book.  Making a difference, one person and one dog at a time.  
 SIBERIANS USA

Purchase the book by emailing Jo or visiting her website.  Griz's website. 

 

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