In Abandoned, Rescued, Loved - A dog's story, Rina, a miniature poodle, tells her story of serial abandonment, and her quest to find a forever family. Adopted by a gay couple, Rina discovers respect, devotion, and unconditional love.
Ended
Synopsis – Abandoned, Rescued, Loved - A dog's story.
My name is Rina. I’m a miniature poodle living in Bali and this is my story.
In December 2008, deserted by the third set of owners who claimed to love me, I find myself handed over to Steve, a fifty-year-old Australian, and Bayu, his much younger Indonesian partner. Apart from me,they are the main characters in my book. Steve is the tubby, bossy one who likes everything to be done his way. Yes, he's the old dog. Bayu's still a pup, wants to be adored and forgiven every mistake and indiscretion.
That first night, as I lie between these over-fragranced gay men, I don’t suspect a future of habitual bottom washing, teeth cleaning, and grooming sessions. I’m too busy enjoying Bayu’s caresses and Steve’s gift of chicken meat. Talk of buying a dog cage and whether they could keep me, scares me barkless.
I wake to kisses, cuddles, Indonesian television and happy chatter. Hope surfaces. Day after day we explore Bali on Bayu’s motorbike with my ears flying in the wind. We’re inseparable and dine at restaurants, shop at markets, celebrate birthdays, have weekends away and run along beaches. My guys sneak me into cinemas, take me to drag shows and we even stay at a nudist resort. Steve looks better fully clothed. Every evening we go on long walks and at night snuggle together. We learn about Balinese culture, their Hindu religion and Bayu’s Islamic faith. I become their confidant, listening to their worries, dreams, fears and confessions.
Disasters interrupt the calm. I survive two vicious dog assaults, imprisonment at Bali Kennel, unexpected medical disasters, a panic attack, radical cleanliness regimes and dental surgery. I witness Steve and Bayu’s arguments, discover secret lovers and dread the inevitable break-up. Months of tears, silence and depression follows until my men find a path to forgiveness and reconciliation.
We share eight amazing years. Together we discover respect, devotion, friendship, aging, death and rebirth.
Abandoned, Rescued, Loved - A dog's story, celebrates diversity, belonging, family and unconditional love.
Dog lovers, Bali tourists and dog rescuers worldwide will be interested in this book about the rescue of a dog and her quest to find a forever family.
After a 25 year career in education in Australia, I moved to Bali in 1999 to explore and develop my artistic side. Painting and writing became a passion.
I met my Indonesian partner twelve years ago and soon after this we rescued a miniature poodle named Rina. She became the love of our lives and we were inseparable from her until her death three years ago. Together were had adventures and I recorded these. They became the foundation of this book.
250 copies • Completed manuscript.
SOOP is a small virtual publishing company headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, with a core team based in the US and additional contractors around the world. SOOP currently focuses on curating a small number of volumes for publication each year to enable its team to dedicate a great deal of time to working with its authors directly - not just on the manuscript, but also on platform-building and promotion.
Dear Author,
You worked hard to write your manuscript; finally, it's ready to release. You know that expert assistance is needed, but perhaps you didn’t realize that working with a publisher is no longer necessary—especially publishers who charge fees to produce your book upfront and "share" more of your revenue whenever a book is sold.
1106 Design is an author services company. We offer all the editorial and design services you’d expect from a publisher, transforming your manuscript into a market-ready book. But here's the difference: we help you secure print-on-demand printing and worldwide distribution in your name. This means you earn several dollars more for every book sold instead of a meager “royalty.”
We understand that your book is not just a passion project but also a potential source of income. That's why we offer a range of services tailored to your needs at affordable prices. Depending on your manuscript's word count and complexity, our packages range from $4,000 to $10,000. And here's the best part: after this one-time investment, every penny of net revenue from book sales goes directly to you, never to us.
If this sounds like a better way to publish your book, I invite you to browse our services, design samples, no-surprises pricing, outstanding customer reviews, and educational articles at https://1106design.com. You can download a free PDF of my book, "Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing and an Insider's Look at a Misunderstood Industry," and request a free, no-obligation consultation.
1106 Design has been in business since 2001 and is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. We are a “Highly Recommended Expert” at IngramSpark.com and rated "Excellent" at Alli, The Alliance for Independent Authors, at SelfPublishingAdvice.org, where you can find a "watchdog list" of the best and worst publishing services companies.
How can we serve you today?
Sincerely,
Michele DeFilippo, owner
Looking for all types of books, including fiction, children's books, health, memoir, business books, and cookbooks
Bright Communications LLC is a woman- and veteran-owned custom publisher in Hellertown, PA. Founding CEO Jennifer Bright is a Book Doula, whose passion is helping authors bring their books to life. Our team of expert editorial, design, and marketing pros help authors go from idea to completed books and retain 100% of the rights to their work. We also offer four custom publishing packages and a $1900 self-publishing assist program.
100 copies • Completed manuscript.
eBooks2go, Inc. was founded in 2011 to provide the missing link for all your publishing needs. Our end-to-end solutions provide the guidance and support that enable publishers and independent authors to pursue their passions. To date, we have helped more than 750 authors and 100 publishers worldwide. We offer an array of simple and affordable solutions to assist self-publishing authors at every stage of the book publishing process. Our comprehensive service offering includes editing, print and eBook production, book marketing, cover designs, ISBN registration, and even website designs. We are a single source for all of your publishing needs.
Hi supporters,
My book, Rescued - The poodle's story has been published on Kindle Amazon for 5 weeks now, and sales are dribbling along.
You …
Hi Friends,
I am working through the maze of getting the books to you that you pre-ordered through my Publishizer campaign.
I ordered paperbooks from …
Hi Friends,
I am in the process of ordering the books and dispatching them to your addresses. While Publishizer collected your address, they did not …
Hi Friends,
Thank you all for pre-ordering my book. I promoted it titled, "Abandoned, Rescued, Loved - A dog's story," but feedback made me realise …
Hi Friends,
Thank you for pre-ordering my book.
Publishizer has advised me that 3 publishers have shown interest in my book and wish to make …
Hi Friends,
100 copies of "Abandoned, Rescued, Loved - A dog's story" have been pre-ordered over the past four days. I'm thrilled by the response …
Thirty-six hours ago I launched my Publishizer campaign, https://publishizer.com/abandoned-rescued-loved-a-dogs-story/
Of course I was excited and hopeful that my supporters would pre-order, but I also didn't …
i look forward to reading it.
❤️
Looking forward to reading Rina’s story. Best wishes for your publishing project. Like the 2 poops and a poodle title.Eileen
Fantastic idea. Maybe you should include a packet of tissues.
Helen
Hi Steve, can’t wait to read your book. I always remember Rina being with you tucked under your arm wherever you went and sitting beside you in Bayu’s Kitchen, how blessed she was to have been loved and cared for by you both.
Take good care, so looking forward to more lazy beautiful days in Penestanan .
HELEN MURRAY 🙏🌺
We have just ordered our copy. Can’t wait to read it. Good luck, Steve!
Steve, I feel I know so much of this story already but I am excited to read the finished story and to share it with my family and friends. I am also happy to be able to support and encourage your writing. Big love FI
Hi Steve, It's so good you are publishing your book with Rina as the main character.
Can I please explain to you my story of Rina before I gave her to you?
I saw an ad in the Bali Advertiser for 2 poodles to buy. They arrived at Lili house in Penestanan Kaja with their previous owner on a motorbike, one on each handlebar, with their back feet on their previous owners lap, and front feet on the handlebars. They rode like this all the way from Sanur. He told me this is how they would travel everywhere together. That day they came from Sanur. The reason this western man was selling them, he said, was because he was afraid they would be stolen from his property, as lots of dogs at that time were being stolen. I believed he really loved them! He was sad they were leaving him. Their names were Rina and Ricky. I had planned to live in Bali back then and have always loved and rescued dogs. So I purchased Rina and Ricky and knew I would love them forever. After several months it was necessary to leave for Australia for a short time, so my Balinese friends assured me they would take care of them while I was away. I returned to Bali to find both of them locked in "a jail" as they called it, to keep them safe, they said. This was a small cage. I and my friend, Sue, were horrified they had been spending time in this cage! Although I believed they were loved and cared for, it was unacceptable to me that they were kept in any cage at all! They seemed to love their Balinese carers and were healthy and adored by the Balinese family. Anyway time went on and one day little Ricky ran away and we never saw him again. We were devastated by his loss and cried for days. Rina was so sad too as they had grown up together. I needed to go back to Australia again and was so worried about leaving Rina. I was looking for a westerner to take care of Rina while I was away. A lady (Christine)and her twins wanted to rent Lili house while I was in Australia for several months and she agreed to look after Rina until I returned to Bali. Her time in Bali was cut short, and being in Australia, I was frantic to find somewhere for Rina to stay,until I returned to Bali. Christine said she would help me find a western person to take Rina if she could. I couldn't leave her with the Balinese again! When Christine told me that you would take Rina, Steve, I can't tell you how happy I was. I knew you would care for her, how her Royal Highness deserved to be cared for!! And in the style she was accustomed to! I was so grateful that not only would you look after her but when I knew you loved her I could finally breathe again and not worry about her any more.
I am so happy that Rina found such a loving home with you and Bayu, Steve. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart for loving her. She wasn't abandoned by me. It was just unfortunate circumstances that led me to find her a home where she would be happy and loved!
I loved her very much and she will always be in my heart! X
Congratulations, Steve - I can't wait to read this one!
Your birthday is coming up, Steve. I wondered how we could adequately celebrate another year of friendship. Then this opportunity presented itself. I just bought 5 copies of your amazing memoir - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And congratulations on a huge effort that deserves international acclaim. Much love, Sherry
All the best, Steve. I look forward to seeing this published. xox
Good luck Steve x
I am sure you will have no difficulty in meeting you target. Good luck. Maggie
Looking forward to reading your first book Stephen, and the others that are sure to follow.
Congratulations for all your hard work.
We look forward to reading, all the best Steve.
Done
can wait to read it
I’ve ordered mine and another that I will
Gift to someone ( not sure who yet) .
I loved the video intro — bless you — you are an an inspiration Steve ❤️
Always happy to support you Steve xx
Hi Steve
How’s things over there? doesn’t look good from this end.
Had to put our trip on hold for now.
Good luck with your book.
Cheers Sue & Mike Ody
Hi Steve .... The best of luck with your book and I look forward so much to reading it and reliving your times and experiences with your beloved poodle !!!! Well done !!!!
I’m so proud of you Uncle Stephen. You are inspiring. Looking forward to our next coffee one day. X
Good luck!
So happy you are publishing Rena's story and living your dream of this book!
Susan
Hi Steve, how are you keeping in these strange times? Well, I hope 🙏
Looks like we have to postpone that lunch I promised you, until things calm down.
Meanwhile, yes, I've just pre-ordered your new book. Good luck with it 😁
Cheers
Julie
Hello Mr. Castley,
How are you going, hope you are feeling better & have finished treatments for now.
I purchased your book for mum as she loves dog stories as do I. Can’t wait to read it myself.
Take good care of you,
Hope to see you one day,
Love,
Sal xx
Congratulations Steve.
You are a true inspiration.
Blessings always
Sharon Karyasa x
Hi Stephen,
Looking fwd to the read.
I liked the original title much more. 🤣🤣
Hope is going well for you. I arrived back to Australia and did two weeks in isolation and now back at work running a childcare centre and kindergarten. Hard times ahead. Wishing you and you family in Bali a the best especially though these times. I have kept in contact with some of our villa “ boys” and their families. They sound like they are managing ok through tough times. See you as soon as thus is all over and hope your health is improving. Janine.
So excited to read this book! So proud of you and all your amazing hard work and talent x
I have bought 2 copies. Love B.J. x
Looking forward to comparing the final story to the early draft I read. Hope it all goes well for you Steve 😊💕
Dear Stephen, Looking forward to reading what stories Rina has to reveal, She was a beautiful princess and you loved her very much, Maybe one day she will reincarnate and come back to you. Hope you are recovering well after your operation and we wish for Bali to rise from the ashes into a thriving metropolis once more Janet keeps us updated with you and your progress, Her scarves are amazing, Keep well and much love Marilyn and Mike Hannon. XXXX
This book promises to be an "upper" in a time where that is sorely needed. I had the privilege of knowing this gorgeous little dog who was more like a princess than a dog and her story of the redeeming value of loving kindness is one that can benefit us all.
I remember your love of Rina.
I wasn't sure she could walk because I always saw you carrying her!
Think i’ve finally paid it. Got 2 copies.
Chookas for taking publishing into your own hands! Looking forward to reading the book.
SJ & Russ
Good luck on sales mate. Stay safe and well.
I was just thinking about you, Stephen. Take good care. Looking forward to reading your Penestanan stories with Rina. xox Viviane
glad to see you looking so well Steve and looking forward to reading the book .
So happy that your community is continuing to manage in this strange new world .
We are all stuck in spaceship Gaia lost in Space and have to be kind to each other and considerate in order to survive this journey .
You are leading the way by example .
Love to everyone
Warmest Regards
Alice Owen
Glad I'm finally going to have a copy, I loved the manuscript.
Good Luck with your launch Steve x
HBDay from Maggie and Patrick
Happy Birthday Steve! Good luck with the book sales. I cannot wait to read the final version. Hope you’re keeping well xx
Linda Miley
Excited to read it! x
Hello Steve,
Happy birthday mate! It's not often that you have the opportunity to get Easter choccies and birthday cake on the same day so I hope you had one or the other today.
Take care!
Derek
Have missed Bali for two years now, can't wait until I am there again. Looking forward to a good read Steve. Stay safe to you, your family and friends.
Hi Steve, I quite liked the original title too, but I can see it might be wise to embrace the change. If all goes well, you could save on the postage and just keep my copy until I finally make it up there. Best wishes and good luck. Ronnie
Hi Steve,
Congratulations and good luck with the presales! I am sure it will fly off the (virtual) shelves
Love,
Geoffrey
Looking forward to reading Rina's story Steve, good luck with everything. Regards, Lisa Coughlan (Private Ubud Villas past customer)
Hi Stephen. I ordered to be delivered to my California address. However, if you are signing the books here, would like to just pick up a copy from you when you have them.
Thank you.
:) Sara Estey
Hi Steve
Looking forward to reading your book.
Love and best wishes,
Paul, Miah & Mukti
Stay safe and well!
See you when this Corona has passed on.
Hey Steve glad to see you are safe. Have the other books you wrote and thoroughly enjoyed them. Stay well. Looking for forward to your next book. Sandra ans Steve Salmon
Wishing you only the best dear Steve.
You are definitely one-of-a-kind, keep up the great work!
I very much look forward to reading Rina s story
Dear Steve, I think my paypal has gone through ok and I am really looking forward to reading your book. If your previous books are anything to go by, I’ll both laugh and cry and be inspired by your writing. Kiss and Hugs from Kath J
Beat of luck Steve
And see you as soon as we can come
Jenny Hegarty
Keep smiling and keep writing!
Good luck with this Steve. I look forward to reading it.xx
Thank you and stay strong!
--irakli/Connie
Hi Steve
I look forward to reading Ms Rina's story.
I feel your heart break, but I understand your new joy.
Let me give some perspective:
Datsun rescued me in 2015, he was my world for 3 years. Immediately after my girl Winnie, Ms Pooh came to my rescue and together we have created a different world.
This is why you have not seen me in Bali for over 5 years.
Much love to you and your new boy
Looking forward to the read. I got 2 copies I am hoping you will be able to send 1 to me in NY and 1 to Mum in Qld.
Glad you are winning your health battle!
Love to the guys
Dani
Can't wait to get the ebook and check it out!! Well done, and keep it up!
Hi Steve,
I use a kindle to read most of my books.
Good luck and I hope you get lots of sales for your book.
I have thoroughly enjoyed your previous stories.
Sue Davies (Lili House)
Hi Steve, It's Apple Books for me...cheers, Jane
$21
74 readers
1 Autographed copy of the book "Abandoned, Rescued, Loved - A dog's story." + Free invitation to the on-line or Bali book launch. You ALSO get exclusive access to updates and an invite to join my community.
Includes:
$40
16 readers
2 Copies (One for you and one for a friend) of the autographed book "Abandoned, Rescued, Loved - A dog's story." + Invitation to the on-line or Bali book launch. 10% 0f your purchase price donated to a Bali dog rescue project.
Includes:
$105
8 readers
5 copies of the book "Abandoned, Rescued, Loved - A dog's story." + Invitation to the on-line or Bali book launch + 10% 0f your purchase donated to a Bali dog rescue project.
Includes:
$210
2 readers
10 copies of the book "Abandoned, Rescued, Loved - A dog's story." + invitation to the on-line or Bali book launch + Your name mentioned in the book + 10% 0f your purchase price donated to a Bali dog rescue project.
Includes:
$525
0 readers
25 copies of the autographed book "Abandoned, Rescued, Loved - A dog's story." for you and your team + Free invitation to the on-line or Bali book launch for you and 2 members of your team + Your company's name mentioned in the book as a Sponsor + 10% 0f your purchase price donated to a Bali dog rescue project.
Includes:
on April 5, 2020, 2:02 p.m.
Fingers crossed Stephen ... I hope you reach your target! Suzette x