Lost Pet – Now Found - Leads the Way to a Heartfelt Children’s Book

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Author Don Bussel writes “Fluffy’s Guardian Angel,” a happy ending story with good lessons learned along the journey. Do you believe in angels and is there someone looking out for you? Keeshonds are known as home-loving dogs with a gentle, intelligent devotion to their owners – and Fluffy found her way home to her owner.


(Scottsdale, AZ  - January 18, 2012) – When author Don Bussel left his Arizona home on a cross-country trip visiting friends with his dog Fluffy, a Keeshond, he never suspected it would lead to a popular children’s book.  While visiting friends in Missouri, Fluffy wandered away and stayed lost for 28 days. Odds were against her ever returning home, but Bussel never gave up. When the dog finally found her way back, Bussel felt it was a miracle and that surely Fluffy’s guardian angel brought her home to him. And, a wonderful story, Fluffy’s Guardian Angel, was created.

Bussel says the story almost wrote itself after his best friend returned.

“When Fluffy returned from her odyssey, I could only say, ‘If she could only talk, what kind of story would she tell?’” says the author. “I attempted to retrace her steps using the known terrain and what she must have gone through.”

Bussel adds that the point-of-view in the book is from Fluffy.

“I have found that children really identify with the way the book is written,” Bussel explains. “They talk to their pets and they get a kick from the story, as if Fluffy is talking to them.”

But the fact that the breed has been bred to be a companion, not a working dog, makes Fluffy’s story all the more amazing.

“The fact that they have not been bred to hunt, kill animals, attack or chase criminals undoubtedly accounts for their gentle, intelligent devotion to their owners as home-loving dogs with a special fondness for children, Bussel explains. “The Keeshond is a very old breed, and one of the very few which throughout history have always been raised for family companions and watchdogs”   

Now on a national book tour, Bussel shares that what he enjoys most about writing the book is the positive response he has received the kids, the dog lovers and others that have read the book. 

The Foreword of Fluffy’s Guardian Angel:

“It was a cold December winter morning in Missouri. There was snow on the ground from an overnight snowfall.  The air was crisp and the only tracks on the new fallen snow were of the wildlife encircling the house.  I opened the door and let Fluffy out to take her morning romp in the snow.  Naturally she was excited about the new fallen snow and she started to explore in a farther circle than she normally covered.  She did not return and I started to become concerned about her.  Following is the adventure of Fluffy and what surely was her Guardian Angel, which lasted four weeks in the bitter cold of the Missouri winter. This narration is in Fluffy’s mind and eye.”    

- Don Bussel, author and firefighter -

Fluffy’s Guardian Angel by Donald Bussel – ISBN# 978-1-4363-1524-1

Fluffy is a precocious, fun-loving little dog who loves to play — especially outdoors. The trouble begins when she goes out to play in the snow and gets lost. For weeks, Fluffy goes on an endless quest to get back home — without success. Compounding matters are her close encounters with big, menacing bears and snarling cougars — critters whom she thought would like to devour her.

All the while, Fluffy feels that someone is watching her from a distance — and strangely protecting her. Who could this mysterious being be?

Inspired by a real-life incident that befell on Donald Bussel and his four-legged best friend, Fluffy’s Guardian Angel is a colorful, fun-filled children’s picture book that will teach young readers some very important lessons about life.

Vividly brought to life by the illustrations of Michigan artist Frank Roosa, Fluffy’s Guardian Angel is one “heavenly” addition to any child’s book collection!

About Don Bussel … author & firefighter –

Author Don Bussel began his career as a professional fire fighter for the City of St Louis, Missouri. While in this role he was promoted to Fire Marshal and Captain in charge of a team of fire fighters on an engine company.

Upon leaving the position of Fire Marshal and Captain, Bussel became the Risk Manager for the State of Missouri. About this time he authored articles for the "Missouri Independent Insurance Agent" on meeting financial responsibility for the underground storage tanks as required by the EPA. Although this was his initial foray into writing, he wrote numerous articles for the, Scottsdale School District concerning staff and educator's role in what to do with students in hazardous situations.

Bussel believes these experiences gave him the confidence to write the story “Fluffy’s Guardian Angel.”

Two highlights in his career involved National implications. First, there was a rash of fires concerning the Ford F350 ambulances. Bussel discovered the cause of the fires and Ford implemented the findings and recommended corrections. The second involved terrible fires in institutions. Bussel tested the mattresses in use and determined the material they were composed of were very flammable. All of these were replaced because of his findings. These two findings have undoubtedly prevented many deaths and injuries by fire.

Bussel has read his book to numerous classes in the Washington School District with much success. With a deep seeded need to educate on important matters, Bussel continues to write entertaining children’s books with life lessons intertwined.

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REVIEWS - Fluffy's Guardian Angel

5.0 out of 5 stars Fluffy's Guardian Angel, October 24, 2011 - By Rob - This review is from: Fluffy's Guardian Angel (Kindle Edition)

We bought this beautiful little book for our granddaughter, and she absolutely loved it - she keeps going back and re-reading it! What a mix of emotions: fright, relief, survival and belief in that "watching angel". This will give all kids that hope that your friends are out there waiting to help when you need them most! Bussel really puts a big excitement in a short story.

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful tear-jerker!!!!!, October 10, 2011 - By TamiK - This review is from: Fluffy's Guardian Angel (Paperback)

I can't speak highly enough of this beautiful story! My cousin came across it and recommended it to me. I ordered it for my children and nearly broke into tears while reading the story of a lost dog who endures fear, pain and loneliness while searching for her home in a long, cold Missouri winter. It has a happy ending, but for any dog lover, or anyone who wants to teach their children compassion, you MUST read this true story!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming Children's book, October 6, 2011 - By de - This review is from: Fluffy's Guardian Angel (Paperback)

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good children's book. Not only will they enjoy reading it, you will too.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fluffy's Guardian Angel (paperback), October 4, 2011 - By Roger K. - This review is from: Fluffy's Guardian Angel (Paperback)

As a grandfather to 35 grandchildren, I found this book to be an inspirational story, that excites the imagination of young children. It is fun to read to them and triggers thoughtful discussion. I highly recommend it as a must book, in your library of children's books. The graphic illustrations were very well done, adding another dimension to the reading experience. Love it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fluffy's Guardian Angel, October 3, 2011 - By Jean - This review is from: Fluffy's Guardian Angel (Paperback)

Exceptional children’s book, and a great adventure story. Purchased for my grandchildren, it's their most requested book for me to read (reread) to them.

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless tale about courage and trust, October 2, 2011 - By Erin - This review is from: Fluffy's Guardian Angel (Paperback)

A classic tale for children of all ages. The story speaks to child's heart, that good prevails and that dogs have a special place in this world. Great story.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story, October 2, 2011 - By Bob - This review is from: Fluffy's Guardian Angel (Paperback)

My kids love for me to read this story to them, great story, great adventure. The story will even make the tough guy shed a tear.

5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable and Heartwarming, October 2, 2011 - By Diana Linehan - This review is from: Fluffy's Guardian Angel (Paperback)

The Author,Mr.Bussel writes the adventure story as Fluffy,his dog,may have experienced the 28 days lost in the woods.It is touching,heartwarming,with a sweet ending.It is an adorable story that children and adults will enjoy!


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Quick facts

Fluffy’s Guardian Angel by Donald Bussel – ISBN# 978-1-4363-1524-1 Fluffy is a precocious, fun-loving little dog who loves to play — especially outdoors. The trouble begins when she goes out to play in the snow and gets lost. For weeks, Fluffy goes on an endless quest to get back home — without success. Compounding matters are her close encounters with big, menacing bears and snarling cougars — critters whom she thought would like to devour her. All the while, Fluffy feels that someone is watching her from a distance — and strangely protecting her. Who could this mysterious being be? Inspired by a real-life incident that befell on Donald Bussel and his four-legged best friend, Fluffy’s Guardian Angel is a colorful, fun-filled children’s picture book that will teach young readers some very important lessons about life.
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Quotes

Bussel says the story almost wrote itself after his best friend returned. “When Fluffy returned from her odyssey, I could only say, ‘If she could only talk, what kind of story would she tell?’” says the author. “I attempted to retrace her steps using the known terrain and what she must have gone through.”
Don Bussel
As a grandfather to 35 grandchildren, I found this book to be an inspirational story, that excites the imagination of young children. It is fun to read to them and triggers thoughtful discussion. I highly recommend it as a must book, in your library of children's books. The graphic illustrations were very well done, adding another dimension to the reading experience. Love it!
Roger K. - Grandfather
The Author,Mr.Bussel writes the adventure story as Fluffy,his dog,may have experienced the 28 days lost in the woods.It is touching,heartwarming,with a sweet ending.It is an adorable story that children and adults will enjoy!
Diane Lineham, book reviewer