Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The 1,000th copy of Where’s Baloo?, a short story about an adorable chocolate brown rescue dog who regularly brings joy and laughter to autistic children and those with communication challenges, has been sold.
It was snapped up by dog-owner Matthew Rock over the summer from Delmon Pet Oasis, the retail arm of Delmon Boarding Kennels and Cattery in Barbar.
Unaware that this milestone had been reached, Matthew later received a limited edition print from the illustrated book presented by the book’s author Sarah Clarke when he arrived with his Golden Labrador Chloe for a training session at the kennels.
Baloo and his helpers also presented a third cheque to Christine Gordon, founder of RIA Centre in Adliya. This brings the total money raised for the centre from the sale of the book and artwork to almost BD4,000. To mark the occasion, RIA students and, of course, Baloo, attended and celebrated with a special baked delight donated by the Piece of Cake eatery.
Since the book’s publication, Baloo has visited more than 30 schools, nurseries, exhibitions, fairs, hotels, companies and shopping malls helping to raise awareness about autism and the work of the RIA. “We have been overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness,” said Sarah. “Without exception, Baloo has been welcomed wherever he goes. He loves to meet people and part of his role is to demonstrate how a well-trained dog can help in the community.”
Following the summer break, Baloo is once again available for short school and workplace visits. However, as he is nearly 13 years old - more than 90 in human years – he has had to reluctantly retire and take on a supervisory role for the Baloo’s Buddies programme that Sarah founded at RIA.
A second dog, Misha, a male black Labrador, is being trained by Sarah to take over his rather large paw prints. Regular dog visits have shown to help calm the children and help them better interact.
“It is a tough act to follow!” admitted Sarah. However, Misha, named after the black bear mascot at the Moscow Winter Olympics, appears to be up to the task and will even be introduced to readers in the next book in the Baloo series.
Illustrated by Dubai-based artist Sunanda Docherty, the new short story features Baloo and many of the four-legged friends he has made in Bahrain.
Once again the book is designed to appeal to a range of abilities including autistic children. All being well it will be published in November in time for the festive season.
“We’re very excited that the follow up book will soon be available and are sure that all Baloo’s friends and supporters will be anxious to get their copy hot off the presses,” added Sarah.
Where’s Baloo?, whose publication was sponsored by Oak Utility Solutions and Development, is available priced BD3 from The Bookcase on Budaiya Highway, Delmon Pet Oasis, or direct from author Sarah - email balooandduba@gmail.com or call 38338064 for more details.
All proceeds from the sale of the series go to RIA.
Readers can also follow Baloo’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram: Baloo’s Buddies.
