"Dreams are very delicate things....
even the best of them are not immune to disaster.." --Kimberly Carnevale
From author and Canine and Abled, Inc. founder, Kimberly Carnevale, this book is an intimate look at this former equestrian's bid for Olympic gold, to becoming disabled with a brain injury and having to having to relearn to read, write, walk and talk again, to being illegally denied access with her service dog which sparked a passion to educate and inspire; and finally to triumph in the creation of a new dream in the award-winning Canine and Abled program.
This tragedy to triumph story takes the reader on a journey of hope, heartache, and incredible self-discovery.
It is a beacon of hope for all who seek to create better lives and opportunities; clearly demonstrating how when one dream ends, with faith and hard work; another bigger and better dream is waiting just around the bend...
..."Just finished reading your wonderful book, "Taking The Dis Out of Disabled", and am totally astounded. I admire your courage, faith and tenacity to have conquered all you have. You truly inspire hope and a never-give-up spirit." --D. Wenzel
..."This book brings awareness of how important service dogs are in assisting their owners in the everyday management of life. We know they are used by the blind, but I'm guessing many of us don't know they also assist people without any visible handicaps. Kimberly's book is enlightening, not just about the role of the service dog, but also the misfortunes in her life and how she survived them. Motivation and inspiration are what she gives us when life gets tough. Her poems are an extension of the story she tells in each chapter, and suggest the ability for poetry that should warrant a separate book. She is a winner because of a refusal to accept anything less than success. She succeeded with me by opening my eyes to the disabled." --Raymond Quintanilla
..."Canine and Abled--Taking The Dis Out Of Disabled", is a very inspirational and educational book. As amazing as Ms. Carnevale's recovery from her accident was, what she has done since is truly a wonderful thing. Educating people about service dogs and the laws pertaining to them has become her passion. I had the good fortune of meeting Ms. Carnevale, and if you have the chance, after you read her book, I recommend attending one of her demonstrations so you can see first hand what an amazing and caring person she truly is..." --Karl Baumbach
..."I knew yours was a fascinating saga, but until I read your inspiring book, I had no idea what an interesting person you are... As a longtime dog trainer and exhibitor, and someone who has trained dogs for service work, your book was very informative. My intent is to purchase several books for some clients." --Caryln Fasnacht
Forward by Mark Leone of Ri-Arm Farm- USET Show Jumping Rider:
"It is with great pride that I write this forward for my dear friend Kim, whom I have known for many years and have grown to admire for her strength and dedication to realizing her dream.
My name is Mark Leone, and I have been in the equestrian world for 30 years pursuing my dream of being a world-class show jumping rider. I have been fortunate enough to represent the United States all over the world and teach young equestrians the art of show jumping.
I met Kim many years ago at a horse show and she wanted to come and work with me to pursue her riding career and learn horse management. Kim had a good talent and a real zest for the sport. Several months into her job Kim developed Lyme disease and it was the beginning of a new battle that we both felt she could overcome. Kim returned home to treat this illness with the understanding that she would return to work when she was better. It seemed we had a good plan.
It was then that Kim faced another big hurdle to clear. While Kim was treating her Lyme disease, she was in a devastating car accident that would again change her life. Kim sustained severe damage to her neck and back as well as her brain. She was wheelchair bound for about two years and has been rehabilitating herself. She has been relentless in her quest to resume a normal life.
Through this tragic event, Kim has sort out innovative ways to better herself and that's where she learned the great value and need of canine assistance. The canine's ability to assist disabled persons in rehabilitation is quite remarkable. Through this relationship, Kim has been steadily improving and is out of her wheelchair and is walking and resuming her life to the best of her ability. She has great confidence in herself and her future.
In closing, it is quite inspiring to me to see how a person faced with life threatening events can conquer these problems. Kim is a big canine advocate who believes that a person with disabilities can overcome these obstacles and realize their dream."
--Mark Leone
USET Show Jumping Rider
Coach/Friend