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Launch of Endal's story puts
book on bestseller list
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| Judith Turner (Endal's puppy parent), Endal, Allen and Sandra Parton. |
RECENTLY Endal attended his very first Book signing at the One Tree Book Shop in Petersfield - a town local to the Partons' Clanfield home. The day had started with a live interview on BBC Radio Solent with Julian Clegg. The book, officially on sale only since Monday February 9, has managed to reach number five in the best sellers list for the second week. "We have been really amazed at how well the book has sold", said Allen. "The emails received by both Sandra and I have contained really humbling messages of support from readers ... poignantly quite a few from families that have a loved one overseas fighting in the current conflicts!"
Endal was absolutely on form during the book signing (he even has his very own paw print stamp) and really was the gentle giant with the young children who attended. Young and old came to meet Endal who has become arguably one of the most famous dogs in the world, being the most highly decorated peace time dog is just one of his more recent accolades. "One of the difficulties is my inability to write other than with a PC," said Allen, "and poor Sandra had to do all the forewords on the signing page but she was faultless and everyone went away in the evening with a personalised copy of the book. The queue went all evening and we were so delighted so many friends and family could attend and share in this special evening with us. Sitting proudly at Endal's side throughout the evening was EJ - Endal Junior - and golden retriever Ikea, both of whom adore Endal and I guess they, too, are rightly proud of what he has achieved over such an illustrious career.
Book review:
 ENDAL: How one extraordinary dog brought a family back from the brink
By Allen and Sandra Parton
Published by HarperTrue
Price: £6.99
ALLEN Parton was seriously injured while serving in the Gulf War. He lost the use of both of his legs, along with all memories of his wife and children. He was left unable to walk, talk or write - isolated in his own world. After five years of intensive therapy and rehabilitation he was still angry, bitter and unable to talk. Then a chance encounter with a Labrador puppy called Endal changed his life.
Their remarkable story is told in this book. It tells how a puppy who had almost failed training as an assistance dog on health grounds came to be voted Dog of the Millennium and how, through his remarkable skills, companionship and unstinting devotion, he gave Allen Parton a reason to live again.
Told through the eyes of both Allen and his loyal wife Sandra, the book covers the years after Allen’s accident and before Endal’s arrival when Allen’s brain injury left him bewildered and confused, unable to return to the Navy job he loved and refusing to come to terms with his disabilities. Allen twice tried to commit suicide during this period, such was his despair.
Sandra was a nurse so thought she could cope when he was sent home, but nothing prepared her for looking after a man who bore so little resemblance to the warm, funny, loving man she had married. He shared none of her memories and was unable to think of anyone but himself, leaving her virtually alone to bring up their two children, make ends meet and keep her husband alive.
When by chance Allen encountered Endal and the two ‘adopted’ each other, the determined Labrador gave Allen back his independence. The dog learned over 200 commands to help his master complete everyday tasks such as getting dressed and going out to the shops in his wheelchair, but more importantly Endal was the reason for Allen to communicate with the outside world and to once more become a caring husband and father.
Endal has been given many awards, including the PDSA Gold Award and Dog of the Millennium Award. Allen, Sandra and Endal currently work with a number of animal and disability charities. The story of Endal is the subject of a Sky Real Lives documentary entitled The Dog that Saved Our Marriage, to be shown in early March.
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