Fleming Editorial Services is proud to have helped Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton develop and produce her book, Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation to Resolve Conflicts over Animals. Doug and Paula handled editorial, and Nat Case of InCase LLC designed and produced the cover, interior, and print and e-book. The book includes a couple of self-assessment worksheets to help readers reflect on what they are learning about conflict and mediation.

In the book, Debra, a former litigator and devoted animal lover, shares her passion for helping people address conflict in highly emotionally charged situations. For many of us, our animals are family members whom we treasure immensely. Thus, when a dispute involves one of our beloved companions, or someone else’s beloved companion, feelings can run high. However, people can turn what seems to be a win-lose or no-win situation into a win-win, for both the humans and the animal. Debra shares techniques that help this happen as well as many compelling stories that show it can work. We meet neighbors of barking dogs, unhappy veterinary clients and veterinarians with unhappy clients, horse barn members and dog park users, ex-spouses but co–pet owners . . . All these people and many more will find this a useful guide to move away from avoiding conflict or having shouting matches or, worst of all, litigating toward a more sane solution.