Nestled away amongst the olive groves of the Tuscan hillside stands a welcoming villa where a dedicated dog finds his way into the hearts of vacationing families. Sole has one purpose, to make visitors happy. He is kind and sensitive. Sole takes his job as THE VILLA DOG seriously. His bravery and loyalty are often rewarded. He keeps the children out of harm's way, and eventually the others become aware of his special ability to bring happiness. But it's not always easy being The Villa Dog. A young girl, Issy, makes it tough. She's so sad. Can Sole find out why? Or, will he fail his purpose for staying at the villa and disappoint his master? Being the Villa Dog can be hard work, but he's on a mission, and he'll stop at nothing to see Issy smile.
Author Biography:
Ruth G. Zavitsanos began writing at the age of 12. Growing up outside of New York City, she attended many Broadway plays and musicals that served to stimulate her imagination. She attained her Journalism degree at Marshall University and is a proud member of AXO sorority. After graduation, she maintained her desire to write by editing and writing for corporate bulletins, preschool/elementary school newsletters, and the local newspaper. She has been published in Writer's Digest magazine and had an in-depth article in a regional magazine. Ruth is a member of PennWriters, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Valley Forge Romance Writers Group and Romance Writers of America. All four of Ruth's children's chapter books, THE VILLA DOG (Italy setting), THE OLD FORTRESS DOG (Greece setting), THE KONA DOG (Hawaii setting) and THE VALLEY FORGE DOG (Winter Encampment 1778, historical fiction) have been embraced by students, parents, dog lovers, travel enthusiasts and the educational community. Ruth enjoys Pilates, Zumba, cooking, reading, music, photography, walks with her dogs, and travel. She and her family have vacationed in Germany, Switzerland, England, Greece, Italy and much of the United States including Hawaii. Ruth considers herself fortunate to have relatives living in Corfu, Greece, a place she and her family think of as their home away from home having visited frequently over the years. Ruth, her husband, their two daughters, and a couple of very indulged dogs, currently reside outside of Philadelphia, PA. Ruth can be contacted at RuthZavitsanos@yahoo.com. Feel free to visit her website at www.ruthzonline.com. Visit the Facebook THE VILLA DOG fan page.
