Author to sign copies of his book about his life with canine companion

HUNTINGTON — Ashland, Kentucky auctioneer, appraiser and author Mark Breeding will be signing copies of his book, “Abby Girl-Shepherd with a Big Heart” at Empire Books/Inner Geek in the Pullman Square in Huntington, West Virginia from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday.

The book details Breeding’s 11-year journey with Abby, a female German Shepherd, and other true stories from his life.

The book is endorsed by country music artist Tanya Tucker, who is pictured on the back of the book with her own German Shepherd.

“There is nothing more beautiful than the heartwarming story of the love between a dog owner and their loyal four-legged companion,” she wrote. “We need to encourage breeders and their veterinarians to work together to begin screening for Abby’s genetic disorder.”

When Abby was just nine months old, she was diagnosed with Tricuspid Valve Displasia, a malformation of the heart, which leads to a decrease in blood flow and often heart failure.

Despite the diagnosis, the dog lived another decade with the help of medicine.
Besides Breeding, there will be a special appearance by Gino’s Pizza founder Kenny Grant and his former Gino’s Pizza piano player, Dick Lucas. One of the short stories in Breeding’s book is about the founding of Gino’s Pizza.

Breeding was raised on his grandparent’s farm in southern Ohio and graduated from South Point High School in 1972.