Three heartwarming stories about animal communication with a Lunenburg County connection are featured in "Animal Talk."

 The 132-page softcover book published by Nimbus Publishing written by Annapolis Valley's Joyce Grant-Smith is a collection of stories about animals and their ability to communicate with humans.

 Marni Gent, Barbara Claussen and Karen Runge of Lunenburg County are featured among the nearly 20 short stories of remarkable connections between animals and people.

 Ms Grant-Smith recounts a story about the cherished hen owned by Ms Gent. Pearl, as she was named, was captured by a fox and all of her feathered friends came out to help the woman locate her favourite hen.

 In the case of Ms Claussen, the author tells the tale of a gentle and sensitive Scottish terrier named Barney whose affinity for balls served as a source of comfort even after his death.

 Ms Grant-Smith also shares the story of Ms Runge and her ability to communicate with animals. Her skill led her to fulfilling the wishes of cats and dogs.

 The true and inspiring stories show an animal's ability to communicate with each other and with people.

 Most of the stories are rooted in the Maritimes and show different examples of how pets can influence events around them, including an eye-opening account of the growing field of animal communicators - people who learn to interpret and respect what pets are trying to say.

posted on 09/07/10