Newfoundlands are considered to be the most loyal breed of dogs. It is said that once one of the giant water-dogs bonds with a human, they can never bond with another. Atticus Stockton is a Newfoundland living in Wells, Maine with his master, John Stockton. Together, they make their living from the sea on their fishing boat the Anne Marie. The dog's life is perfect- hot meals, good company, with a kind master and crew. One fateful day, Atticus's life is turned upside down when a violent storm breaks apart and sinks their fishing boat in the seas off of Maine's rocky coast. The unforgiving storm takes the Newfoundland's family away and leaves him emotionally and physically devastated with an uncharacteristic phobia of water. When no one from Atticus's small town will take him in, he is forced into a dog pound in nearby Portland, Maine. There, in the confines of the pound, the big dog meets other interesting canines with stories of their own. As Atticus rests each night on the lonely concrete, he is haunted by vivid dreams of his once perfect world and its abrupt ending. Can Atticus find a home and overcome his fears? If so, can he ever love another human again?
About the Author: Israel's life had humble beginnings. Born into a musical family, they moved several times early in his childhood until eventually settling in Henderson, Nevada. After high school, he chose to enlist directly into the United States Coast Guard. A year after beginning his military service, Israel enrolled into the Coast Guard's elite Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Program. He was one of only four members to graduate in his class. Since his early days in the ranks of the rescue swimmer fraternity, he has possessed a strong affinity for writing. In 2004 Israel was stationed at Air Station New Orleans, one of the Coast Guard's busiest air, search and rescue, units. One year later, Hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed the Crescent City. Israel, who was scheduled to be married the same week the hurricane hit, cancelled his wedding, and returned to New Orleans where he participated in countless daring rescues. These experiences recharged his desire to tell his stories. Israel has described some of his fictional writing as a regurgitation of his life altering events in and out of the Coast Guard. He possesses an innate ability to capture the essence of his diverse experiences, and has penned them with the ultimate purpose of furthering his influential walk with society. His medium of impact has simply transformed to the safer confines of these printed pages. Israel currently resides in Mobile, Alabama with his wife Melanie, their daughter Marleigh, and their two dogs. He remains on active duty, serving his country as a Coast Guard Officer.