Come meet Rob today at the Frederick Book Festival 9a-6p!

Come on out to the Frederick Book Festival, Friday, June 27th and Saturday, June 28th, 2014 at the Hampton Inn, 5311 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD 21704.

Rob is one of three authors talking on a Paranormal Panel at 11 am this morning!






Want to know what inspired a book? Looking for opportunities to meet other authors? This is the meet and greet place to do it!
See you there!

Mike Ricksecker Interviews Rob Gutro about books, mediumship, plans

Rob Gutro and Mike Ricksecker

My friend, fellow author, ghost investigator and "Ghostorian" Mike Ricksecker asked me questions for his blog, (Mike Ricksecker's Blog) so I thought I'd share my answers  here, so you can get a feel for my experience.


1. In your own words, who is Rob Gutro? I'm an average middle-aged guy who happens to be a scientist, dog dad, dog rescue volunteer, an investigator with Inspired Ghost Tracking and a developing medium.  Since I was a child I could receive messages from ghosts or spirits (who have crossed over). I wrote "Pets and the Afterlife," "Ghosts and Spirits" and "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead" to teach others how Ghosts and Spirits communicate and to give hope about the afterlife. I also provide some scientific explanations about how they do it. I'm not a medium who makes appointments - I'm not as well-developed in my abilities as learned mediums. I' consider myself more of a "medium rare."  :)

Inspired Ghost Tracking Core Group

2. When in your life did you start recognizing the abilities that you possess?
When I saw my grandfather materialize in full color before me, 6 months after he died. I was 13 years old. Now that I think about it- he appeared in July, which was the month of his birthday. That makes perfect sense because spirits come back with messages especially around birthdays and anniversaries.

3. What inspired you to start writing about your experiences as a medium?
I've had encounters with Earth bound ghosts and spirits on-and-off until 2005. That's when my puppy Buzz was killed by a car when his leash opened. Buzz immediately crossed and provided signs that he was with me - ranging from moving things to musical and audible signs to actually seeing him. He inspired me to write my first book and give others hope that pets and people communicate from the other side. My dad passed while I was writing the book and he also provided many amazing signs that even helped me convince my own family dad's spirit was present during his wake and funeral.

4. You have a passion for caring for and rescuing dogs which has led to your latest book, Pets and the Afterlife. Tell us about that.
My first dog, Buzz taught me what unconditional love means. Sure, we learn it from our parents, but it's different with a dog or cat. They love you 100% all the time and are never disappointed in you. My partner and I came together with one dog each and since we couldn't have children we wanted to help return the love to needy dogs who didn't have homes, so we began fostering dogs (adopted 2 of them), transporting dogs for several rescues and donating time and money to help dogs. Our dogs are our children as they are with many pet owners.
  When Buzz passed I was devastated. He provided proof he was still around from the other side. When we lost our dog Sprite in the summer of 2013, he also provided signs that were verified by us, three mediums we we know who don't even know each other, and friends in Maryland and New Mexico. It's an awesome story in the Pets and the Afterlife book and serves to give proof and hope to people who lost pets.
 

Buzz provided many signs from the other side

5. How did your personal experiences come to mold and shape your other books, Ghosts and Spirits – Insights from a Medium and Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead?
 As with the Pets book, I wrote all of my books for a couple of reasons: 1) to prove that people and animals who pass are still with us 2) to show people how to look for signs and understand them. 3) To give people hope and comfort knowing that spirits are still with them from time to time, helping and guiding them 4) To understand that physical death is just one part of our lives 5) to understand that our relatives and pets are waiting for us on the other side 6) I use science and science of behavior to provide proof of how ghosts and spirits are able to convey messages.

6. What’s next on the horizon for Rob Gutro?
It's a busy year since releasing "Pets and the Afterlife" on March 27. I've connected with many fellow pet parents looking for signs and comfort (and some pets have already given me messages for their parents!).  During the rest of the year I've got appearances and interviews every other weekend through October. I'll be speaking at The Frederick Book Festival on June 28th, On August 1 at Inspired Ghost Tracking,  Paracon in Pensacola, FL Aug 9-10, a rescue in NY in August followed by appearances at the New England Pet Expo in Boston in Sept., the Capital Pet Expo in Washington, DC in October and several others in between.
   I've already written my fourth book for next year, but just have to edit it. It's called "Energy, Entities and England: Ghosts in the U.K." In addition, the response from the Pets book has been so great, I'm writing a second volume with stories from others. So, there's a lot happening and the best part is helping comfort and educate people to know how to recognize signs from their loved ones, while sometimes passing messages on from the other side. 

PODCAST! - Dog Works Radio- Hear my 30 min. interview!

Here's the link to the podcast of my interview tonight on Dog Works Radio about my book Pets and the Afterlife!
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:  http://dogworksradio.com/2014/06/25/dog-works-radio-presents-rob-gutro/

   Dog Works Radio is broadcast from Alaska and the mission of the radio station is to educate the public about responsible dog ownership and the value of the relationship with our canine companions.

http://www.dogworksradio.com/
    Dog Works Radio is brought to you by Dog Works Training Centers and is presented by Twine Group Media.

Robert Forto is the executive producer of Dog Works Radio and is behind the mic on all of the shows. Robert has been a musician since he was in high school and brings a unique (albeit sometimes too tech-y) aspect to the shows.
    Dog Works Radio family of shows; Dog Works Radio, Mush! You Huskies, and The Gypsy Musher, Mushing Radio and our brand new show, The Sibe Vibe, bring our listeners into the wonderful world of working dogs. We share our stories, training advice and antedotes from years of working and living with our canine
companions. 

Interview Tonight on Dog Works Radio! 8pmEDT (listen live)

Tonight at 8 p.m. EDT I'm being interviewed on Dog Works Radio
about my book Pets and the Afterlife!
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:  http://dogworksradio.com/2014/06/25/dog-works-radio-presents-rob-gutro/


 Dog Works Radio is broadcast from Alaska and the mission of the radio station is to educate the public about responsible dog ownership and the value of the relationship with our canine companions.
http://www.dogworksradio.com/

Dog Works Radio is brought to you by Dog Works Training Centers and is presented by Twine Group Media.

Robert Forto is the executive producer of Dog Works Radio and is behind the mic on all of the shows. Robert has been a musician since he was in high school and brings a unique (albeit sometimes too tech-y) aspect to the shows.

Dog Works Radio family of shows; Dog Works Radio, Mush! You Huskies, and The Gypsy Musher, Mushing Radio and our brand new show, The Sibe Vibe, bring our listeners into the wonderful world of working dogs. We share our stories, training advice and antedotes from years of working and living with our canine
companions.
LISTEN:   The show is also airing on KVRF Radio in Sutton, Alaska  (near Anchorage) LISTEN  HERE: http://tunein.com/radio/Radio-Free-Palmer-895-s144880/  and here: http://dogworksradio.com/dog-talk-radio/ 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:  http://dogworksradio.com/2014/06/25/dog-works-radio-presents-rob-gutro/

Reader Question: Euthanasia for Pets... What about People?

Euthanasia Decision Guidelines for Pets

Here's a very interesting question about a very controversial topic: Euthanasia. Because I just published my book "Pets and the Afterlife" and talk about making the decision to euthanize our pets when they are suffering, I received a question asking why I think that people have an issue with ending human suffering.

QUESTION:  My question is regarding euthanasia.  We euthanize our beloved animals as an act of compassion  yet we won’t extend the same compassion to people.  What about all the people that have died by their own hands as a desperate act of self-euthanasia when life has become unbearable or impossible. We think it’s cruel to let an animal suffer like this, and yet we expect people to suffer like this, often bankrupting families and we tend to condemn those who choose not to suffer and choose to end their life instead.  And what about someone like Dr. Kevorkian that (I believe) compassionately helped people die. I’m really curious to know if you’ve ever gotten anything about this type of situation?

MY RESPONSE: 

   You bring up a very important point about euthanasia that I've talked about before many times with my partner. It certainly does seem cruel that humans don't give the same care to each other as we try to give to pets at the end of their lives during times of severe suffering. This is something I've recently struggled to understand.
    I believe that line of thought against euthanizing people originated with some religions that said that "pets don't have souls and humans do" - which we know to be false. In addition some religions have looked at euthanasia as "murder" instead of humane treatment of people. As a result, we are sadly not able to treat people in a humane way at the end of their lives to end their suffering.

What about people?

   My mother died this past December. She had a stroke and was suffering horrendously, and I had to make the choice with my brothers to remove her from life support - so she would not live paralyzed and in a vegetative state- so your question strongly resonates with me. I do know that my mother suffered in that week it took for her to pass after her debilitating stroke.
  Perhaps as people realize we need to focus more on the humane treatment of others over doctrine, we will be able to assist our loved ones cross over at the end of their lives and shorten their suffering.
  In July, 2013, when we had to make the decision for our 16 1/2 year old dog Sprite, who could barely use his back legs, had kidney failure, strong heart murmur, was going blind and deaf before something ruptured in his nose causing bleeding for hours (I took him to the emergency vet and they said it was likely a tumor in the sinuses, not a broken blood vessel)- and we made the choice the next day, because he was suffering so much.  We didn't want to see him suffer any further - and yes, it was heartwrenching.

SOME PLACES IT IS LEGAL - After responding to this question, I learned that the Netherlands and Belgium, and states like Oregon, have legalized euthanasia. 

   WHERE DID THE WORD COME FROM? - The word "euthanasia" was first used in a medical context by Francis Bacon in the 17th century, to refer to an easy, painless, happy death, during which it was a "physician's responsibility to alleviate the 'physical sufferings' of the body." 

  WHERE WAS THE CONCEPT FIRST MENTIONED IN HISTORY? - The first apparent usage of the term "euthanasia" belongs to the historian Suetonius who described how the Emperor Augustus, "dying quickly and without suffering in the arms of his wife, Livia, experienced the 'euthanasia' he had wished for." (Ref.   Philippe Letellier, chapter: History and definition of a Word, in Euthanasia: Ethical and human aspects By Council of Europe)

A Resource: Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (website)

Since I've published my third book "Pets and the Afterlife" so many people have reached out for comfort. I recently found a website about an organization that also provides comfort: the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.
  They have chat rooms,  events, aftercare, information about euthanasia, newsletters, quality of life, products, support, training and much more. 
  If you've lost a pet and are suffering, please contact them. 
Also, please consider a read of my book "Pets and the Afterlife" so you can learn how to see the signs that our pet's spirits are giving us. There's nothing more comforting knowing that our pets remain with us from the other side - Rob

 
FROM THEIR WEBSITE: 
    We are all professionally trained volunteers in pet bereavement counseling, and are here for you. Our beloved animal friends have brought us together, and in honor of them we are now all here for each other, as well. Welcome.
    The APLB is unique, and the only organization in the world doing all this. Our services are free and available to anyone bereaving for a beloved pet. We pride ourselves in incorporating the collective wisdom and experience of all our friends and members. And we make that freely available to anyone who can use it, during deep bereavement for a beloved pet.
Membership is not required for this, but we hope you will Join us.
We need your support to help us expand the many services we are providing
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Summary: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20

Reader Review: "Wonderfully Insightful": Pets and the Afterlife

Another fantastic book by Rob Gutro!, April 17, 2014

Amazon.com   

By 

Anne Clarke "AClarke"

This review is from: Pets and the Afterlife (Paperback)

Once again, Rob Gutro has published another wonderfully insightful book. Unexplained phenomena that can occur as a result of our pets passing, or through our pets still here with us, is such a beautiful way for our "animal kids" to let us know that this is not the end. Heaven is out there and the love goes with our departed family and friends and reminds us that we are never alone.

Rob Gutro refers to himself as a "medium rare" (in that he's still working on developing his psychic abilities), but I think he may be nearing "medium well." His heart is clearly in a loving and compassionate place for animals, and this is so evident throughout the book. I hope he continues to work at honing this gift.

I look forward to seeing more from Mr. Gutro!

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Summary: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20

Today 4pm EDT: Listen to Rob's interview on Pet Pourri/Talk Radio Show

Today, Saturday, June 21 from  4 to 5pm EDT tune into the Pet Pourri Talk Radio Show,  live on WCBM-AM 680 Baltimore as the host, Don, interviews Rob about his book "Pets and the Afterlife." (Rob will be coming on around 4:30 p.m.) 


CLICK HERE to Listen Live: http://player.streamtheworld.com/liveplayer.php?callsign=WCBMAM

 Rob met Don at this past weekend's Carroll County Pet Expo. Don is a long-time dog breeder, exhibitor and representative of numerous animal groups so he knows his
dogs!  You can hear it live if you live on your AM radio in the Baltimore area, or listen on-line.

Amazing Spirit Dog Story: Book Winner in the "Petmyweiner.com" Dachshund website

Check out www.petmywiener.com for great gifts!

In May, I worked with the Dachshund website "Petmyweiner.com" and arranged a contest for people to submit their "pets and the afterlife" story for an opportunity to win my book of that title. The story will also appear in my second edition of "Pets and the Afterlife" coming in 2016 (if you have a story, please email it to me at rgutro@gmail.com- to memorialize your beloved pet).
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WINNING STORY - The prize was awarded to Christine Kozubal who shared a great story of how her late Dachshund managed to answer her request from beyond by influencing someone to give her the sign she asked. That's how spirit works! Below is her amazing story and the picture that confirmed Oscar's message. After that message she received a SECOND message from Oscar. Read on!
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CHECK OUT THE DACHSHUND WEBSITE: Petmyweiner.com! 

If you're a Dachshund owner, love them, or know someone with a doxie, please check out PetMyWiener.com! It is THE place for fun and unique Dachshund gifts. They have the ultimate Dachshund selection of Gifts for Dachshund Lovers. There you will find collectible Dachshund merchandise and accessories to satisfy any Dachshund enthusiast. Show your love and devotion to the Doxie in a fun, expressive way with our Dachshund gifts. Shop with confidence on the most-loved Dachshund website. 5% of all sales are Donated to Dachshund Rescues.

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OSCAR THE DACHSHUND SENDS TWO MESSAGES TO HIS MOM

Submitted by: Christine A. Kozubal

Oscar is on the bottom left of this image!

    Oscar Mayer was a special gift from Heaven for he was born on what would have been my parents 50 wedding anniversary. The first dog I would raise on my own from a puppy.

     Oscar won the hearts of everyone including a local photographer. I was asked if he could photograph Oscar for a local T-shirt store to use for a sales promotion. I agreed.

   Fast forward one year. Oscar developed a neurological disorder. He spent a week at the vets to no avail, it was evident when no medicine could pull him out of hours of seizures, he would have to be put down.

   As the vet prepared the lethal injection, I held Oscar tightly, from my mind to his, I asked him to give me a sign that he made it home to Jesus.

    Three days later, I was closing the restaurant where I was employed, when a photographer named . John Howard came knocking at the door. As I opened the door he asked me if I would like one more picture of Oscar. Tears filled my eyes as I said, "yes."

   As I looked at the picture it was clear Oscar fulfilled my request.  It's the picture of Jesus sitting on a rock with a child on his lap and others surrounding him. And at the feet of Jesus, laying on his favorite blanket was Oscar! My friend photo-shopped Oscar into the picture!

   Absolutely no one knew of the request I made to Oscar, no one!

 

I wrote to Christine and informed her that she won the contest for my book. On June 7, she wrote me back with yet another sign from Oscar! 

OSCAR SENDS A SECOND SIGN!

Christine wrote:  I thought you would find this interesting......after replying to you email, I went over to Oscars picture, (the one I sent you) and said, "We did it Oscar! We won! What do you think of that?"     Then I logged onto Facebook, yet again, I think he answered my question.....the first post I seen.......someone posted "The Rainbow Bridge!"  Irony or coincidence? I was unprepared for his answer! I think he approved!

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ROB'S RESPONSE - As I often say, there's no such thing as coincidence- it's all influence by Spirit.   Seeing the "rainbow bridge" posting at the time you asked a question is a direct response from Oscar! You're good at seeing the signs and that should be a great comfort.  Pets in spirit can hear us, because they are energy - and sound is energy. Every night I say goodnight to my dogs Buzz and Sprite, both of whom have passed and both have given me many signs they visit from time to time.  BTW- Oscar spends most of his time with your loved ones who crossed over and just visits you from time to time.

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Summary: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20

Amazing Sign from My Mom and Dad's Spirits on their Anniversary!

Mom and Dad gave an Amazing Sign today!

It's Amazing how spirits can send signs. Today would've been my mom's birthday and my parent's 59th anniversary.
Both have passed, but they just gave me and my brothers and AMAZING SIGN.  This morning I asked mom and dad to give me a sign that they're fine and still around. They delivered!

A LOUD AND CLEAR SIGN FROM MY PARENTS' SPIRITS:
This morning, June 19th, my younger brother  called me (he lives in the same town as my parents lived) and said he received a call from the alarm company that monitors my parents' house. The company told him that that the burglar alarm on mom and dad's house (which has been vacant since mom passed 12/29/13) went off this morning! -

Of course there is no one there and no one had entered the house.

Because spirits can manipulate electricity, my Mom and Dad made the alarm go off as a way to communicate to me and my brothers- that they're still around, still looking out for us. A final note- birthdays and anniversaries are the time that spirits will usually come through with messages for the living. This is yet another example of that!  So, if you've lost someone, be diligent on birthdays and anniversaries - that's when signs come most!