Katrina and Winter Launched During Children's Book Week!

Once again, prior to the post, please sign up below to win gifts.  Also, take a look at the six blogs of the other Guardian Angel authors participating in the Children's Book Week Celebration listed at the end of this post.

Please allow me to start this post with an apology.  I realize I began the celebration of Children's Book Week with a post about my new book but did not realize the launch would take place in the middle of CBW.  (We're a few days early, which is wonderful!)  Because of the timing, I'll give you just a bit more about the book and the people behind it.

Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage was a collaboration of people who love Katrina and want only the best for her. Her story was first brought to light by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in general and David Yates, the CEO, in particular. 

When the Simpkins family serendipitously turned up at the aquarium headed to Disney World, Mr. Yates himself welcomed the family to the aquarium.  Katrina was so overwhelmed by seeing Winter, she forgot her shyness and asked him if she could meet the young dolphin.  He, without hesitation, arranged it on the spot. 

Katrina never looked back, and Mr. Yates has never stopped looking forward in relation to Katrina's well-being and best interest.  He arranged for the family to visit Winter and the aquarium on several occasions and has championed and supported Katrina in so many ways.  He gave her the opportunity to star in a video that now runs each hour the aquarium is open, telling the story of Katrina and Winter.

Without the kindness and caring of so many people,  Katrina's story would not be shared with the world.  I hope you will read the book and will also support the Clearwater Marine Aquarium as well.  Each has a story worth the telling.

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Guardian Angel Publishing Author Blogs:

Mayra Calvani - www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com

Margo Dill - www.margodill.com/blog

Margot Finke – www.hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com

Donna McDine - www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

Nancy Stewart - www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

Kai Strand - www.kaistrand.blogspot.com

Nicole Weaver - www.mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com

Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage

Katrina Simpkins is an All American Hero.  She is a role model to thousands of kids and adults, those with special needs and those without. 

(Please see the video of Katrina and Winter at the bottom of this post.)

Katrina at age 8

When Katrina's journey to become a "normal girl" began, she was eight years old, a birth defect survivor of a condition called Proximal femoral focal deficiency and a victim of constant vicious bullying by schoolmates.  Even with her parents' love and support, her life was a misery, and Katrina was depressed and despondent.

Then she met Winter. Winter, the dolphin.  Winter lost her tail to a crab trap and almost died.  Instead, she was rescued by a fisherman named James Savage and taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where she lives safely and happily today, helping others like her to adjust and ultimately live fulfilling lives.

To that end, I've written the authorized biography of Katrina.  The book, which will be launched within the next month, is called Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage, published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

Katrina's first look at Winter

Here is an excerpt:

Hi, I’m Katrina Simpkins and am here to see Winter,” she said to the lady behind the ticket counter.

The woman came around the desk and gave Katrina a hug. “It’s nice to see you again, dear. You’re expected upstairs.”

Katrina grinned and pushed a curl off her face. “Thanks. I’m so excited to be here. See you later.” She walked toward the stairs, the thought of her prosthetic leg struggling up the steps bothering her not a bit.

 Katrina put her hands to her mouth when she saw the dolphin. “Winter,” she half whispered. “I’m back.”

Katrina and "Winter"
in
Shriners Van (New Prosthesis)

“Hey, Katrina,” the trainer called. “Get into a wet suit, and come on in. Our girl’s waiting.”

“Okay,” she said, watching Winter watch her.

After Katrina changed into a wet suit, she lowered herself into the tank and waited. The trainer said, “Here comes Winter. Wow. Does she know you, or what?”

“She’s swimming right into my arms,” a tearful Katrina said. And the young dolphin stayed there while her friend whispered to her and stroked her head. “I’ve missed you so much,” Katrina said softly.

The trainer smiled. “You guys are a lot alike. No wonder you’re such good friends.”

“Video crew’s here!” the grey haired volunteered shouted, breaking the spell.

“I have to go now, but I’ll be back soon,” Katrina told the dolphin. “We’re doing a film together.” I can’t believe any of this is happening, she thought, slowly lifting herself out of the water.

It is my hope you will read Katrina and Winter.  It is a tribute to Katrina, Winter and all others who must live with a special needs problem and rises above the handicap until it is not a handicap any longer.  It's a badge of honor and a badge of courage.  Katrina and Winter.  Winter and Katrina.  Heros both.

H is for Hope (Thriving at Clearwater Marine Aquarium)

Hope.  The word speaks for itself.  In this case, though, Hope is a baby dolphin. 

She was rescued by caring people in the Indian River Lagoon near Titusville, Florida last year and was brought to the Clearwater Marine
Aquarium, the very place where her "big sister," Winter, the dolphin, now lives and thrives.

Her story is similar to Winter's, yet different.  She had not been injured but her mother had died, and she was attempting to nurse in vain.  She, as with Winter, was just a few months old, and she weighed only fifty eight pounds. Today, she is given a formula that consists of fish, powdered milk substitute and water blended together to create a tasty fish milkshake. 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Hope could not have survived in the wild even with rehabilitation, as she had not learned survival skills from her mother, skills such as hunting for food and fleeing from predators.  Because of this, the National Marine Fisheries Service made the determination that she would maintain permanent resident status at CMA.

Hope, as with Winter, is living proof that these intelligent and sensitive mammals can live productive lives with humans. 

Visit Hope and Winter at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  You won't regret you did!

Dolphin Tale Opens in the UK to Great Reviews

Winter the dolphin danced in delight while her trainer looked on approvingly in the marine aquarium at Clearwater, Florida. Made from plastic and silicone, the artificial tail was specially designed for the little bottlenose dolphin after she lost her own in a crab trap.

(Please see video of Winter at bottom of post.)

Winter with her Prosthetic Tail

The inspiring story of how Winter defied death and turned tragedy into triumph by learning to swim normally again is told in the 3D film Dolphin Tale, released in the UK this past weekend.

The Warner Bros blockbuster was shot over three months at Clearwater with a cast led by Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr and Kris Kristofferson.


Not surprisingly, tourists are flocking to the aquarium to see the dolphin diva with her magical "inbuilt" smile, white flashing teeth and, of course, that 30-inch prosthetic tale.

Winter's courage has inspired Americans everywhere. One war veteran who lost an arm and leg turned his life around after meeting Winter, declaring: "If that damned dolphin can do it, I can do it."

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium can be found on Island Way, Clearwater.  It is undergoing a huge expansion at the moment.  The facility will be able to care for many more sick and/or wounded marine animals than previously.

The facility will also provide stadium seating for demonstrations by the resident dolphins, including Winter and the recently rescued, eight month old orphaned bottlenose dolphin, Hope.

A Story of Hope

Last week, I met a miracle at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida.  She is appropriately named Hope, and she is seven months old.  Hope is happy, healthy and brimming with life.  (See the You Tube video of Hope playing below.)

Hope at six months
Clearwater Marine Aquarium

On December 11, 2010, Hope was found in the Indian River Lagoon on the east coast of Florida. Staff from Hubbs-Seaworld Research mobilized quickly and located the infant dolphin.  She was attempting to nurse her dead mother.

The dolphin was evaluated and in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service, it was determined that she would be transported to CMA for rehabilitation.

Hope at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Photo:  Nancy Stewart
July 28, 2011

Hope is non-releasable, as she cannot gain the proper survival skills necessary for a life in the wild.  In February, National Marine Fisheries made the determination that the dolphin would maintain a permanent resident status at CMA.

She will soon be introduced to and placed with her "big sister," Winter, who was rescued five years ago from approximately the same area on the east coast of Florida.  She will also live with Panama, who has become Winter's, and hopefully, Hope's adoptive mom. 

Orphaned Bottlenose Dolphin New "Sister" for Winter!

Wonderful Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic tail has a new "sister."  The baby, as yet unnamed, will eventually share the large tank with Winter at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida. 

 This little one was found next to her dead mother on December 11, 2010 near Titusville, Florida.  She was about two months old.  She was very hungry but certainly in better shape than Winter, who had lost her tail to a crabtrap line. 

The baby dolphin was immediately taken to the Aquarium, which is her new home.  Eventually, she will be in the same tank as Winter. It is thought the two dolphins will bond well, as their history is extremely similar.  Both were orphaned at a very early age, and both have bonded strongly with humans.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is having real success with saving abandoned baby dolphins, a daunting, and usually futile, task.  Their trainers are schooled in the care of these youngsters, and it is working!

So now, instead of the baby dolphin's being hungry, she is fed twenty times a day!  She's a growing girl and is ready to show the world that she, like Winter before her, can be not only a survivor, but a champion for all wildlife.

Video of the New Baby Dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Green Sea Turtle Rehab at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

While we and our friends, Ed and Michele, were watching the inspirational Winter the dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium last Sunday, a Green sea turtle was brought in and readied for surgery.  He is a young turtle who had been hit by a boat propeller and suffered a cracked shell. 

We all watched as his beautiful shell was cleaned and glued together.  Lucky for guests, there is a large glass window where surgeries can be viewed. 

This fortunate turtle will recover and be released back into the gulf, but it will take a year before he's ready to return to his home.  In the meantime, he will live at the Aquarium, where he can be monitored in safety. Without the support and loving care of the Marine Aquarium, his would have been a far different story.

Green sea turtles evolved on land and took to the ocean about 150 million years ago.  They are one of the few species so ancient that they watched dinosaurs evolve and become extinct.

What a terrible tragedy, then, that these marvelous and dignified creatures are now on a worldwide endangered list.  We humans must be aware of and sensitive to the animals with whom we share this planet.  If we do not, we will all be diminished.

Winter, the Dolphin's, Heroic Story

My husband and I are spending a week in Clearwater Beach, Florida.  Pelicans soar just outside our window, and on many days, dolphins swim literally under the balcony. 

At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, lives an inspirational young Atlantic bottlenose dolphin named Winter. Nearly five years ago, on a wintry day, a three month old dolphin became entangled in a crab trap line, and she was drowning.  A fisherman, Jim Savage, came to her rescue, cut her free and, with the help of several other people, managed to steer her to shallow water where they rescued her.  The bottom of her tail had been severely damaged.  None of her rescuers on that desperate day could begin to imagine the impact this tiny orphan would have on so many people the world over.

Winter was immediately taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is an animal rescue and rehab center.  There she underwent a many hour surgery on her tail after the bottom actually fell off. 

Although the team of surgeons saved her life, Winter was now an almost tailless dolphin.  What to do?  She could swim awkwardly, but the veterinarians knew she would have spine issues if she could not swim properly.

A company of expert prosthesis makers offered to assist Winter, and a prosthetic tail was devised--all free of charge. The little dolphin adjusted to it quickly.  She could swim normally while wearing it, and she actually began to jump out of the water as dolphins do!  As she grew, new tails were fashioned to accommodate her size.  Although she does not wear the tail all the time, she exercises with it, and normalcy is hers, if only for a time.

Winter has become an inspiration for people worldwide.  Along with other visitors, children and adults with prosthetic limbs visit the aquarium to see the brave little dolphin who greets as many as she can with a wet dolphin kiss!

This was such an amazing and heroic event that a Hollywood film about Winter's life has just been completed.  It is called A Dolphin's Tale and is set for release by Warner Brothers on September 23, 2011.

Every time I see a dolphin swimming freely around the docks, I think of Winter.  Her new normal is not freedom but hope.  She does so much for humanity every day.  I can't help but believe she has a life that is well lived and is content in that knowledge.

Take a look at Winter, her rehabilitation and her heroic life below:

Photo of Winter taken by Nancy Stewart

Sunday, January 23, 2011

And for more information, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's web site at:  http://www.seewinter.com/