This book is filled with stories of compassion flowing not just from humans, but from some of our furred and feathered friends as well. Through these stories we discover that among all living creatures there is evidence of an emotional connection, and often a response, to others in time of need. Read Beth Smithem's story, Rae, the Stray to discover what lengths a human will go to when she falls in love with a needy, stray dog. Read Maria Jordan's story, When Compassion Replaces Fear to discover how a nurse with a compassionate heart and nurturing spirit is able to gain the trust of an actively psychotic woman, helping her reenter society as a productive being. Read Ray Tapia's story, From Dungeon to Dignity to learn about his personal transformation from a life of crime to total rehabilitation - all because of a warden at the Nebraska Penitentiary, who believed that not all prisoners are doomed and took positive steps to rehabilitate as many as possible. Although the stories in this collection all contain feelings of warmth, tenderness, sensitivity and concern for the plight of another, compassion needs to extend beyond simply feelings, to acting on those feelings in some positive way. And herein lies the powerful gift of each inspiring story in this book - stories of compassion fulfilled, actions taken and results achieved to satisfy the best that lies within us. Dr. Bernie Siegel, Author of A Book of Miracles and 365 Prescriptions For The Soul Animals are teachers and healers because they are complete while we have much to learn. . . . People often don't wake up until a disaster occurs which reminds them of their mortality. Lois' collection of stories about compassionate people and animals helps us all learn more about life and make our existence more meaningful. Tales2Inspire ~ The Ruby Collection Reviewed By Monique Franklin Official Apex Reviews Rating: ***** One need only observe the tenor of the current presidential election cycle, and it'sobvious such qualities as sympathy, compassion, and understanding have quickly beenreplaced with intolerance, exclusion, and bigotry for many in our nation. Rather than besympathetic with our fellow man or seek to find common ground with those from differentbackgrounds, the tendency now is to reach snap judgments and cast xenophobic aspersionson anyone who doesn't subscribe to our particular belief system. What is there to lookforward to in a world growing so increasingly hostile and emotionally detached? Enter Tales2Inspire ~ The Ruby Collection , a moving collection of stories compiled by editorLois W. Stern. Each of the stories featured in the collection is centered on the concept ofcompassion, which seems only fitting, considering the ruby is known to open the heart andpromote loving relationships. The more salient stories of The Ruby Collection highlight thetransformative power of self-sacrifice for the benefit of others, a trait we tend to see less andless in the modern reality TV era. Not just a human quality, The Ruby Collection also displaysthe ability of our furry and feathered friends to show compassion when needed, which leadsone to question just how difficult it is for their human counterparts to do the same. Powerful and enthralling, the stories of The Ruby Collection do an inspiring job ofconveying the best of what mankind has to offer. An uplifting addition to any reader'spersonal library. Reviewed by Midwest Book Reviews Ruby is the gemstone symbolizing friendship and love, according to Lois W. Stern. Winning writing contest submissions are included in this anthology. Some stories center on the ability of animals to feel emotions and express them in uncanny ways. Some are about the Idea that when we give, we often get more in return. Some of the protagonists sacrificed something significant to help others. A ten-year-old decided to run seven marathons on seven continents and the amazing tale of how she did so Is told in these pages. Jack's Holocaust experiences will touch your heart, as it did for the million and a half of people he has shared it with as a speaker. A tough prisoner turns his life around when the prison changes from punishment to rehabilitation. This book is filled with compassion, kindness, and love. In a word, inspirational. Each story includes photographic proof. It is difficult not to be impressed and moved. Lois W. Stern is a former teacher. She is motivated to help other aspiring authors on their individual paths to discovery. She has published ten anthologies to date and earned two National Indie Excellence Awards. Be inspired, or even inspire others! Did you know that the Ruby is the gemstone symbolizing friendship and love?It is also said that the ruby opens the heart and promotes love relationships. So when selecting the gem for this Tales2Inspire  - Gifts of Compassion collection of inspiring stories, I felt that the ruby was a great fit.I hope you enjoy the stories in this Ruby Collectio