Learning from Albi

Scruffy, deaf, and homeless, life on the streets is tough for young Albi. What could the future possibly hold for an abandoned Spanish Podenco puppy that has been hit by a car and can’t hear? Yet despite a traumatic start, Albi’s life changes when he is rescued, brought to the UK, and fostered by Lois Sinclair, founder of the rescue charity, Gracehounds, and a passionate dog lover who has shared her life and home with numerous canine companions. Before long, Lois and Albi’s lives become interwoven.

With Lois’s nursing background and Albi’s intuitive nature, the pair soon find themselves volunteering in the animal healthcare sector. Albi also develops a reputation as a transition dog, offering support to other dogs and their owners during times of loss.

But Albi is a free spirit. He also has health issues. And while his sensitive nature earns him many friends and admirers, there will be challenges ahead, including surgery. As Albi continues to enrich Lois’s life, questions remain. Albi may have found a forever home but can the love and hope which bind him and Lois sustain him? And does this unique animal have the strength to live the life that every dog deserves?

Lois Sinclair completed her nursing training in Edinburgh before working in Australia for six months. She then returned to Scotland to marry Colin and start a family. A year in Montreal followed before their growing clan settled in Midlothian where dogs became a part of the household.

Around 2002, Lois left nursing and joined her local veterinary practice as an untrained member of staff.

Through their charity, Gracehounds, she rescued 70 dogs. Lois also has had 14 dogs and 13 cats of her own and enjoys passing on the joy of animals to her three children and six grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

B BROWN

A wonderful book, I read it all in one sitting. The depth of humanity that Lois emanates made this book compelling. If you want to read a genuine story about real human/animal resilience then this is one to go for. Lois’ straightforward, down-to-earth style of writing allows her compassion, empathy, humility and dignity to shine through. Every word is heartfelt and authentic. She writes with humour and honesty, never thinking that she has made a huge difference to the lives of animals, and yet she has. From having heard of Albi’s plight abroad, then through his physical and emotional journey with Lois, and her loving family, her quiet determination to always do the right thing by Albi is truly amazing. The household chaos, sorrows, and joys-it is a story that needed to be told, and to be heard by others. The bond she shares with all her beautiful animal family can only be achieved when a person opens their mind, and their heart, to all the possibilities that come their way. Through the ups and downs of both their lives, they have found each other, and have resolutely pursued their paths, together. It’s all about having hope, and trust, that things will get where they need to be. What an incredible place the world would be with more Lois’, and Albi’s, to learn from.
JUDITH C.

The love that Lois has for Albi, and every dog (and other animals too!) shines through the pages of this book. It's really interesting to read and very heartwarming. In each chapter you learn more about the personalities of the dogs, and how Lois enables each dog to live their best life. A fascinating and absorbing book.
Joyce Turnbull

This is a great story about a brave dogs ups and downs. Some parts are a bit harrowing but needed to be told. Other parts are truly inspirational. The bravest of dogs on a great journey. This book would be quite informative to other dog owners getting an insight into the different stages of development in dogs. Albi the main man tells everybody how fulfilling his life has become. Lots of beautiful photos. Albis ears are amazing bit like radars but they add to his cuteness. This book would all ages and non dog owners to.