Experience the remarkable journey of a lonely puppy in the touching story, "Christmas Coal." A dozen motherless puppies, filled with fear and an uncertain fate, arrive at a rescue. The tiniest and sole black puppy is also the shyest among his littermates, but he yearns for love and attention. As families adopt his siblings and other rescue dogs, he remains overlooked, his pleading eyes searching for attention. This heartwarming tale follows a lonely puppy longing for affection, yearning for someone to acknowledge the unwavering loyalty within. The "Christmas Coal," ages 3-7, is a story of hope and the belief that every dog deserves a furever home.

In "Christmas Coal," follow the heartfelt and poignant journey of a timid black puppy named Coal, who is the last of his siblings remaining at the dog rescue. As the enchanting Christmas season approaches, a dozen motherless puppies arrive, each filled with uncertainty, apprehension, and fear. Among these new arrivals, Coal stands out not only for his small size and delicate frame but also for his gentle demeanor, which radiates a deep yearning for love and connection from a caring individual. While energetic families enthusiastically scoop up his lively littermates and other eager rescue dogs, Coal quietly watches with pleading eyes, silently hoping for just one compassionate person to notice his unwavering loyalty and quiet spirit. This touching and emotive story captures the essence of hope, illustrating that even the shyest among us can find a place to truly belong. Join Coal on his heartwarming quest as he discovers the magic of Christmas and the true meaning of family, ultimately proving that every dog, no matter how timid, deserves a furever home filled with love and warmth.

Ed managed retail stores for over four decades, and his dry sense of humor always added a special touch. With the philosophy that all people should be treated with kindness and respect, he coached his colleagues on the importance of the golden rule. For the majority of his working life, he was focused on bringing joy to two generations of customers at the world's biggest toy store, and he inspired his team to have fun in everything they did. That philosophy still resonates in the hearts and minds of the thousands of lives it has touched. At a new stage in his life, he is sharing his hard-earned knowledge through the Benchmark Legacy Series. These intriguing stories capture the significance of life's choices and their consequences. The tales encourage the reader to reflect on their own life and strive to make a positive change in the lives of those around them.