The Little Giant

Thursday, September 1, 2011

In "Following Atticus," author Tom Ryan tells the tale of the duo's quest to climb all of the state's 4,000 footers twice in just one winter.

Atticus and human companion Tom Ryan pose high atop a snowy peak.

Even big-spirited dogs get cold sometimes.

In "Following Atticus," author Tom Ryan tells the tale of the duo's quest to climb all of the state's 4,000 footers twice in just one winter.

An inspiring tale of a man, his dog and their quest.

He might be small, but Atticus has a mighty spirit - one that helped him climb nearly 200 of New Hampshire's tallest mountains in the winter (!), survive a brutal attack by another dog and endure a period of total blindness.

Oh, and his owner and companion on his ventures, Tom Ryan, is pretty amazing, too. Ryan wouldn't mind that Atticus gets the high praise - he's used to it. Ever since he adopted the dog he calls "The Little Giant" - and sometimes, when they're contemplating life together on the summit of a mountain, "The Little Buddha" - Atticus was the center of attention. And deservedly so.

In his book, "Following Atticus" [William Morrow, $24.99], Ryan skillfully tells the tale of the duo's quest to climb all of the state's 4,000 footers twice in just one winter, for charity and for themselves. It's a wonderful story of courage, endurance, discovery, deepening, anguish and joy.

I highly recommend it, and hope that some movie producer will see its potential for the big screen. The story would appeal to kids as a great adventure and to adults as a demonstration of how to live life to the fullest.

Note: Inspired by Atticus? Have a canine (or feline...or avian...or even reptilian) friend you think has a great story to tell? We're currently conducting our Celebrity Pet Photo Contest where you can vote on great pets or submit a photo of your own. Just click here to vote or submit an entry!