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Sharing A Story of Survival, Spirit And Change “Hobbes Goes Home”

photo by Photo Provided

photo by Photo Provided Bruce Zeman and Hobbes carry a message of hope, caring and empathy to every school they visit. They show, by example, how one person can, and does, make a difference. Hobbes finally has his forever home, and conveys to his audiences that animals, like people, are able to overcome great obstacles and even abuse. Hobbes Goes Home is a story for all ages!

Tuesday September 23, 2014

By Cookie Steponaitis

It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul and it is indeed true when looking into the eyes of Hobbes, who offers a window into the spirit and perseverance of all beings whether human or animal. Hobbes is a lucky dog, but that was not always the case. Hobbes was rescued by the Addison County Humane Society in 2009 and his condition was so severe and the abuse so horrific, that his adoptive parents, Bruce and Tami Zeman, could only cringe in imagining what he had endured or the emotions he had experienced. During his journey to health and home, Hobbes struck a chord with the Zeman family who opened a dialogue about how to help others through the telling of Hobbes’ story.
    “We initially wrote Hobbes Goes Home to make sure Hobbes' story was told,” shared Bruce Zeman. “We also wrote it to let kids know one person can make a difference. Hobbes Goes Home is the story of his journey from being left at the shelter to finally finding his forever home. In a ‘kid-friendly’ manner, Hobbes Goes Home tells his story while at the same time, empowering kids that they can change the world by showing compassion, empathy and kindness.”
    While the Zeman’s authored the book and lived every page of it, the voice is Hobbes' and the illustrations help present the issue of domestic violence, empathy and kindness in ways that are direct and encompassing. Hobbes Goes Home is not just aimed at children and is used by the Zeman’s as an instrument for social change with a firm belief that children are not only an investment, but our future. Bruce, Tami and Hobbes take the story to schools and have set a lofty goal. “We're attempting to do something that has never even been attempted before,” Zeman said, “which is to read our book in EVERY Vermont school. If it sounds crazy, it probably is, but it shows what one person can make happen.”
    While bullying and violence has become center stage in the media - as a result of how technology has changed the way people communicate - bullying is not new, nor is it easy to stop. The many layers of social media, and the problems of monitoring it, occur not only in America, but worldwide. Bullying is becoming a growing epidemic. “So many factors are influenced by social media. It's everything from peer pressure to a person's self-image,” Zeman said. “This is an area where parents must take a leadership role and know what their kids are up to on the internet.”
    The Zeman family, along with Hobbes, has been on the road a lot since the book was printed. So far, they've visited fifty-five schools, with more on the schedule and now, other states requesting them. Through their book, the Zeman's are helping empower children by showing them that each person has power to stand up, speak out, and become a catalyst for change. Supported by civic groups from across the Green Mountain State, the Zeman's were delighted when Governor Peter Shumlin and Congressman Peter Welch offered to send a copy of Hobbes Goes Home to President Obama to demonstrate Vermont’s commitment to stop bullying. Earlier this month, a letter arrived from the White House (and President Obama) who shared the following sentiments. “As President and as a parent, I am committed to combating bullying, harassment and discrimination in our schools and communities and I appreciate your perspective. Bullying is never acceptable and cannot be tolerated. Too often our children are harassed because of their actual or perceived differences, which we should value rather than target. I am shocked and heartbroken by the losses of young people who took their lives after being bullied.”
    Fresh off their presidential endorsement, Hobbes (and his family) are looking for help in getting to all of Vermont's schools. To schedule a visit with Bruce and Hobbes - where they will read their book, and hold a FREE discussion and anti-bullying presentation, e-mail them at [email protected], or call, 802-377-1602. To purchase this ground-breaking children's book, visit www.bruceandhobbes.com.
To help other animals like Hobbes, the Zeman's are donating $1.00 from every book sold to the Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Center in Middlebury, the organization that rescued him.
    While it was Bruce Zeman who actually was given the advice, “Whether you're five or ninety-five, you have a voice, and that voice matters. Don't ever be afraid to speak up for someone, or tell an adult. The impact one person can have is enormous, and each and every one of us is capable of great things,” it almost seems as if Hobbes’s eyes and face is seconding it with every wag of his tale and in every school child who is enchanted with his presence. Hobbes is a survivor and although his story is canine in nature it mirrors what can and does happen in society. People can overcome obstacles and through their struggles inspire others to change the world one action at a time.

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