Cynthia A. Branigan's Books

The Last Diving Horse in America

Rescuing Gamal and Other Animals--Lessons in Living and Loving

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

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The Last Diving Horse in America

Rescuing Gamal and Other Animals--Lessons in Living and Loving

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

Named Best Equine Non-Fiction Book at the 2022 Equus Film & Arts Fest The rescue of the last diving horse in America and the inspiring story of how horse and animal rescuer were each profoundly transformed by the other—from the award-winning animal rescuer of retired racing greyhounds and author of the best-selling Adopting the Racing Greyhound It was the signature of Atlantic City’s Steel Pier in the golden age of “America’s Favorite Playground”: Doc Carver’s High Diving Horses. Beginning in 1929, four times a day, seven days a week, a trained horse wearing only a harness ran up a ramp, a diving girl in a bathing suit and helmet jumped onto its mighty bare back, and together they sailed forty feet through the air, plunging, to thunderous applause, into a ten-foot-deep tank of water. Decades later, after cries of animal abuse and changing times, the act was shuttered, and in May 1980, the last Atlantic City Steel Pier diving horse was placed on the auction block in Indian Mills, New Jersey. The author, who had seen the act as a child and had been haunted by it, was now working with Cleveland Amory, the founding father of the modern animal protection movement, and she was, at the last minute, sent on a rescue mission: bidding for the horse everyone had come to buy, some for the slaughterhouse (they dropped out when the bidding exceeded his weight). The author’s winning bid: $2,600—and Gamal, gleaming-coated, majestic, commanding, was hers; she who knew almost nothing about horses was now the owner of the last diving horse in America. Cynthia Branigan tells the magical, transformative story of how horse and new owner (who is trying to sort out her own life, feeling somewhat lost herself and in need of rescuing) come to know each other, educate each other, and teach each other important lessons of living and loving. She writes of providing a new home for Gamal, a farm with plentiful fields of rich, grazing pasture; of how Gamal, at age twenty-six, blossoms in his new circumstances; and of the special bond that slowly grows and deepens between them, as Gamal tests the author and grows to trust her, and as she grows to rely upon him as friend, confidant, teacher. She writes of her search for Gamal’s past: moved from barn to barn, from barrel racer to rodeo horse, and ending up on the Steel Pier; how his resilience and dignity throughout those years give deep meaning to his life; and how in understanding this, the author is freed from her own past, which had been filled with doubts and fears and darkness. Branigan writes of the history of diving horses and of how rescuing and caring for Gamal led to her saving other animals—burros, llamas, and goats—first as company for Gamal and then finding homes for them all; and, finally, saving a ten-year-old retired greyhound called King—despondent, nearly broken in spirit—who, running free in the fields with Gamal, comes back to his happy self and opens up for the author a whole new surprising but purposeful world. A captivating tale of the power of animals and the love that can heal the heart and restore the soul.

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Page Count

289

Publisher

Pantheon

Published Date

ISBN 10

1101871954

ISBN 13

9781101871959

Adopting the Racing Greyhound

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

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Adopting the Racing Greyhound

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

A HOWELL DOG BOOK OF DISTINCTION Since the first edition of this groundbreaking book was published, tens of thousands of people have been inspired to adopt ex-racing Greyhounds. These gentle, lovable dogs have special physical and emotional needs, and no other guide is more authoritative or complete in preparing potential Greyhound owners for the responsibilities involved than Adopting the Racing Greyhound. This fully updated edition features veterinary information not available elsewhere, backed up by painstaking research by some of the country’s leading authorities. Respected Greyhound authority Cynthia Branigan—who has helped place more than 4,000 ex-racers through her organization—provides updated statistics on the costs of adoption as well as new health information, such as safe new flea, tick and heartworm preventives, anesthesia protocols for Greyhounds and suggestions on purchasing veterinary insurance. Branigan carefully explains how potential adopters can decide whether a Greyhound is the right dog for them—a critical issue in successful adoptions—and covers everything from feeding and grooming to training to extending the dog’s life span. She helps readers prepare a Greyhound for the arrival of a new baby; decide whether or not to add a Greyhound to an existing pack of dogs; determine when to return an adopted dog; and locate adoption agencies throughout the world. Branigan also offers a wealth of updated information on medical conditions in Greyhounds and the latest in tests and treatments.

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Page Count

232

Publisher

Turner Publishing Company

Published Date

ISBN 10

0470329270

ISBN 13

9780470329276

The Reign of the Greyhound

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

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The Reign of the Greyhound

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

The regal history of a revered, elegant breed They were one of the first wild animals to come under the protection of humans. They have sat at the feet of the Pharaohs. Their likenesses have graced coins, stamps, seals, and coats of arms. And they have won the hearts of dog lovers worldwide with their sweet nature, intelligence, and grace. Beautifully illustrated with more than 100 black-and-white reproductions and photos, The Reign of the Greyhound is a rich, historical testimony to the breed, celebrating its extraordinary place in canine history and human civilization. Passionately written by Greyhound expert Cynthia Branigan, this updated edition features new information on the history and current state of ex-racer adoptions, which save the lives of thousands of Greyhounds each year. From ancient Egypt to modern times, from the temple to the show ring to the track, you'll see how this noble breed has evolved from a royal pet to a racing dog to a loving companion-and you'll no doubt deepen your understanding and appreciation of this fine animal, whose regal history has been too long ignored.

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Page Count

223

Publisher

Turner Publishing Company

Published Date

ISBN 10

0470250488

ISBN 13

9780470250488

The Reign of the Greyhound

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

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The Reign of the Greyhound

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

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223

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Turner Publishing Company

Published Date

ISBN 10

0470250488

ISBN 13

9780470250488

Adopting the Racing Greyhound

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

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Adopting the Racing Greyhound

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

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N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

232

Publisher

Turner Publishing Company

Published Date

ISBN 10

0470329270

ISBN 13

9780470329276

The Last Diving Horse in America

Rescuing Gamal and Other Animals--Lessons in Living and Loving

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

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The Last Diving Horse in America

Rescuing Gamal and Other Animals--Lessons in Living and Loving

By: Cynthia A. Branigan

The rescue of the last diving horse in America and the inspiring story of how horse and animal rescuer were each profoundly transformed by the other—from the award-winning animal rescuer of retired racing greyhounds and author of the best-selling Adopting the Racing Greyhound It was the signature of Atlantic City’s Steel Pier in the golden age of “America’s Favorite Playground”: Doc Carver’s High Diving Horses. Beginning in 1929, four times a day, seven days a week, a trained horse wearing only a harness ran up a ramp, a diving girl in a bathing suit and helmet jumped onto its mighty bare back, and together they sailed forty feet through the air, plunging, to thunderous applause, into a ten-foot-deep tank of water. Decades later, after cries of animal abuse and changing times, the act was shuttered, and in May 1980, the last Atlantic City Steel Pier diving horse was placed on the auction block in Indian Mills, New Jersey. The author, who had seen the act as a child and had been haunted by it, was now working with Cleveland Amory, the founding father of the modern animal protection movement, and she was, at the last minute, sent on a rescue mission: bidding for the horse everyone had come to buy, some for the slaughterhouse (they dropped out when the bidding exceeded his weight). The author’s winning bid: $2,600—and Gamal, gleaming-coated, majestic, commanding, was hers; she who knew almost nothing about horses was now the owner of the last diving horse in America. Cynthia Branigan tells the magical, transformative story of how horse and new owner (who is trying to sort out her own life, feeling somewhat lost herself and in need of rescuing) come to know each other, educate each other, and teach each other important lessons of living and loving. She writes of providing a new home for Gamal, a farm with plentiful fields of rich, grazing pasture; of how Gamal, at age twenty-six, blossoms in his new circumstances; and of the special bond that slowly grows and deepens between them, as Gamal tests the author and grows to trust her, and as she grows to rely upon him as friend, confidant, teacher. She writes of her search for Gamal’s past: moved from barn to barn, from barrel racer to rodeo horse, and ending up on the Steel Pier; how his resilience and dignity throughout those years give deep meaning to his life; and how in understanding this, the author is freed from her own past, which had been filled with doubts and fears and darkness. Branigan writes of the history of diving horses and of how rescuing and caring for Gamal led to her saving other animals—burros, llamas, and goats—first as company for Gamal and then finding homes for them all; and, finally, saving a ten-year-old retired greyhound called King—despondent, nearly broken in spirit—who, running free in the fields with Gamal, comes back to his happy self and opens up for the author a whole new surprising but purposeful world. A captivating tale of the power of animals and the love that can heal the heart and restore the soul.

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Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

288

Publisher

Pantheon

Published Date

ISBN 10

1101871962

ISBN 13

9781101871966

Book's by Cynthia A. Branigan

The Last Diving Horse in America

The Last Diving Horse in America

Adopting the Racing Greyhound

Adopting the Racing Greyhound

The Reign of the Greyhound

The Reign of the Greyhound

The Reign of the Greyhound

The Reign of the Greyhound

Adopting the Racing Greyhound

Adopting the Racing Greyhound

The Last Diving Horse in America

The Last Diving Horse in America

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