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02/18/2018 11:00 PMConnie Bombaci shares story of inspiration in her award-winning, debut book, ‘Hogan’s Hope’
KILLINGWORTH, Conn. – In her new book, “Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Hero’s Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance” (published by iUniverse), author Connie Bombaci shares the story of her deaf Dalmatian named Hogan, who learned over 70 signs in American Sign Language. Bombaci’s success with Hogan led to TV appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dateline NBC, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures, and Amazing Tails.
“Deaf dogs are often destroyed, mistreated, or abandoned,” says Bombaci. “(Hogan’s) story continues to provide the hope of life for many deaf dogs worldwide. But, more importantly, his courage to overcome challenges and prejudice continues to give inspiration to anyone, human or pet, that accomplishment, success, and genuine love are truly possible.”
Bombaci saved Hogan from neglect when he was an 18-month-old puppy. Through hard work, dedication and an understanding of Hogan’s unique limitations, Bombaci demonstrates that success can happen regardless of the circumstances one faces – and that “all God’s creations … are worthy of acceptance and love.”
An excerpt from “Hogan’s Hope”:
Hogan taught me how to live my life as a courageous journey. I determined right then that his life was going to be “A gift that keeps on giving.” Our mission was to carry on the signs of God’s unconditional love and to share Hogan’s Hope.
During his lifetime, Hogan’s journey took him to local schools, civic organizations, and care facilities to show people what wonderful and loving family members deaf dogs can make. Today, his story continues to travel across state lines into Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware to spread his message of inspiration and promote the belief that everyone is worthy of acceptance and love and that the fulfillment of hope is truly possible.
About the Author
Connie Bombaci, a retired educator and first-time author, is an optimist and compassionate person whose faith guides her to believe in the extreme goodness and immeasurable importance in all God’s creations. Her resolute love for animals began in childhood, rescuing both domestic and wild orphaned or abandoned animals. Her desire for others to believe in the value of themselves led her to become an educator where she worked fervently to increase young peoples’ confidence and belief in themselves no matter what challenges they faced. She offers hope where frustration and failure seem inevitable. While a teacher and assistant principal in Regional School District No. 17, she enjoyed working with young people, finding it especially fulfilling to help students who needed special encouragement. Her involvement with animals also developed from her desire to be kind. She has enjoyed many pets, especially ones that have needed help, rescuing domestic and wild orphaned, injured, or abandoned animals Hogan’s is a story of success despite the odds. In her book, Connie shares his story and the message that hope is real and found in the kind and generous hearts of gracious people.
Bombaci grew up in a suburban neighborhood outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and now lives in Killingworth, Connecticut with her husband, Jim, and their two rescued pups in the rustic, puppy-friendly home that Jim built on their five-acre "piece of Heaven." Hogan’s life is a story of success despite the odds.
Bombaci, accompanied by her deaf dog, Judea, continues her cause and readily makes herself available for interviews, appearances, and presentations. More information is offered at www.conniebombaci.com.
“Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Hero’s Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance” has received recognition for its story and message. Awards include:
First Place Non-Fiction LuckyCinda Book Contest 2017
Award-winning Finalist in the 2017 Best Book Awards for Narrative, Non-fiction Animals/Pets
Readers’ Favorite FIVE-STAR review
Readers’ Favorite reviewer’s recognition as Book of the Month for September 2017
The Book Designer’s Gold Star for eBook Cover for July 2017
Bombaci makes herself available for interviews, appearance, book signings, and presentations.