Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart is a heartwarming story based on the real lives of a prisoner and a rescue dog who both feel extremely sad and trapped in their own personal cages. When they work together in Pups on Parole, a program for dog training in prisons, they each find their second chance. Ben and Gabbi go from cell mates to soul mates as they show us how honest work, an effort to learn, and a deep love can outshine any past "mistakes." "Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart AUG 28, 2023 Posted by Literary Titan 5 STARS In Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart, author Pam Pech gracefully narrates the poignant tale of Gabbi, a homeless dog whose life is marked by hardship and loneliness. From a raw existence on the streets, picking up scraps of food, to a life confined within a cage, Gabbi's journey resonates with heartbreaking reality. Often unfairly labeled as a "bad dog," Gabbi's yearning for understanding and a place to call home is a testament to her enduring spirit. Parallel to Gabbi's narrative is the story of Ben, a man incarcerated due to past missteps. Yet beneath the societal label of a prisoner beats a heart filled with kindness and goodness. When he learns about the imminent Pups on Parole project, Ben's aspiration to become a trainer adds an invigorating dimension to his tale. The narrative deftly poses the intriguing question: What will unfold when Gabbi and Ben cross paths? Pech's moving story is a metaphor for the universal human condition, underscoring our imperfections and the innate need for love and connection. The story is rooted in the real-life Pups on Parole program in Nevada, where the remarkable alliance between prisoners and dogs was forged-an alliance that significantly benefits both parties. The initiative deserves praise for its innovative approach toward fostering companionship and a sense of purpose among inmates. Embedded within this narrative are valuable life lessons that resonate on multiple levels. First and foremost is the acknowledgment that love and kindness are essential to all living beings, including our animal companions. Gabbi symbolizes countless neglected street dogs who are spurned rather than rehabilitated. Pech's storytelling instills awareness about the humane treatment of pets and emphasizes the deleterious effects of demeaning labels on individuals. Joan Zander Millard's splendid illustrations enhance this narrative, breathing life into the characters and effectively capturing their emotions. The development of the characters is meticulous and impressive, resulting in a narrative that is engaging, educational, and easily accessible. Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart , by Pam Pech, is an exceptional book with incredible depth. It captivates with its striking visuals and enlightening storyline. As a perfect fusion of entertainment and education, it is an excellent picture book for children and young adults." Pamela "Pam" Pech-considered a thought leader, workshop creator, and discussion facilitator-reads avidly and frequently incorporates books into her self-awareness projects for both adults and children. A retiree from corporate America as a business executive, and a former educator and entrepreneur, Pam now follows her full-time passion: creating programs and facilitating discussions which promote self-understanding and sense of purpose. Pam's teaching experience ranges from preschool through junior high and adult education. She is a Certified SoulCollage(R) Facilitator, and uses that and her love of books to launch many group discussions. Her "discovery of Self(R)" programs are created out of a desire to bring people together through conversation. Not only do these discussions illustrate the power of listening to one another, but also how the sharing of ideas brings about individual and collective discovery of purpose. She has conducted numerous women's leadership workshops under Essential Leadership, and is currently working on a "Warriorship" Training program, based on the concept of the Shambhala warrior. It encompasses individual wisdom as the gift of service to the world-strongly tied to discovery of Self(R).A mom of two grown children and a grandma of four, Pam resides between Reno and Lake Tahoe with Gary, her husband of thirty-six years and, of course, Gabbi. Joan Zander Millard grew up near the Ice Age Trail, located in south-central Wisconsin. The trail highlights the state's many lakes, river valleys, gently rolling hills and ridges, carved out by the massive glacier that covered most of North America during the Ice Age. At an early age, she was able to explore the trail and its many wonders during family outings, where she developed a love of her natural surroundings and the animals that roam there. This helped stoke an interest in art, which began her lifelong passion for drawing, especially natural scenery and animals.Joan's professional career has always drawn upon her artistic background, whether she was teaching drawing and design fundamentals, working