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Unconditional Love - Melanie Higgins Zysk
Unconditional Love
Melanie Higgins Zysk
ISBN: 9780595439201
iUniverse
Reviewed By Cary Merriman
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
The path of Melanie Higgins Zysk’s journey through life is the very definition of “circuitous”…
After her parents divorce when she’s just a little girl, Zysk, her mother, and her brothers are thrust directly into the veritable teeth of adversity. After suffering a horrendous accident that takes her friend’s life and nearly claims hers, she decides to live life to the fullest and strikes out on her own into the dangerous, yet exciting world that surrounds her. Along the way, she becomes a teenage bride, spends time as “Miss Keystone” (a NASCAR trophy girl), and even does a 10-month bid in the Pennsylvania state pen – for a crime she didn’t even realize she committed.
A quick study in learning the discipline of self-reliance, though, Zysk eventually becomes quite adept at following the desires of her heart, which ultimately lead her to start a rescue ranch for animals that have been abused, abandoned, or otherwise left to fend for themselves. It is in launching the ranch that Zysk finds her true calling, one that has lingered quietly, yet fervently within her her entire life: sharing the unconditional love of her selfless heart with those who truly need it.
Unconditional Love is an intriguing study of a life lived on quite a far-reaching arc, but what’s most endearing about Zysk’s life story is the salient way that her warm-hearted nature shines throughout. From the time that she is very young, she always wishes for the best for others and sacrifices constantly for the benefit of those around her. Of course, this selflessness is most apparent in her undying affection for and dedication to her ever-growing family of furry friends, whose lives would be devoid of considerable comfort and enrichment were it not for Zysk’s faithful devotion.
Life is destined to throw obstacles in our paths, but what matters most is how we choose to negotiate them along the way. In Unconditional Love, Melanie Higgins Zysk provides the reader with the perfect example of how to turn any adverse situation on its ear by focusing on the blessings hidden deep within each lesson yet to be learned.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Melanie Higgins Zysk (Unconditional Love)
Apex Reviews: Melanie, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your book. In the book, you mention that you have 37 animals on your ranch. What different kinds of animals are they?
Melanie Higgins Zysk: Almost all of my animals were rescued from a bad situation. There are cattle, pigs, sheep, a duck, deer, three dogs, three cats, and whatever animals cross my path.
AR: Have you ever had any problems with animals that didn't take to the ranch or your other animals - despite your best efforts to help them adjust?
MHZ: No, they all adjust to the ranch and each other within a few hours.
AR: Please share more with our readers about Foster, the unique little pig that holds a special place in your heart.
MHZ: I adopted Foster within minutes before he was going to be euthanized, from the Humane Society. Foster was a naughty boy and loves to show off and be the boss. He was the first animal that had a hard time adjusting because he doesn't like rules. He made a great turn around after all the other animals talked him into changing his ways.
AR: As our reviewer mentioned, you got married at quite a young age. What compelled you to do so?
MHZ: I was 21 when I got married; compared to now, I was old.
AR: Please share with our readers the significance of your getting a glass & glazing license.
MHZ: I am a rebel. I found out that if I studied and passed the five hour test, I would be the only girl in town with my glass and glazing license. Besides, I love having my own business.
AR: Did you really wear a cowboy hat at your wedding?
MHZ: I sure did, and it was a hit. I bought a cowboy hat and added lace and flowers to make a nice veil.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your ultimate dream, Hog Haven.
MHZ: I get phone calls all time from people that need to find a home for their pig because of different situations. I believe if you adopt a pig or a dog or whatever it may be that it's your pet for life. People need to adjust to that animal and not throw it aside. They have feelings and little hearts that are beating inside of them, crying out for love. There is where I come in. I take your pig off your hands for a monthly fee, and you have visiting rights or can watch them on your computer. They live their entire lives on the ranch in peace and harmony. They have their own condo with a fenced-in yard. There will be a common area equipped with a shallow pond, so every pig can swim, root, and rut. Yes, pigs do swim.
AR: How can people learn more about your ongoing animal rescue efforts?
MHZ: Read my books or email me at melaniehzysk@aol.com
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
MHZ: I answer pet questions every Saturday on WCNO radio. Ask me pet questions by fax: (772) 223-3446, email: melaniehzysk@aol.com, or call (772) 260-8641 on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Go on your computer to www.wcno.com and listen to your questions.
AR: Thanks again, Melanie, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
MHZ: Thank you!
Melanie Higgins Zysk
ISBN: 9780595439201
iUniverse
Reviewed By Cary Merriman
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
The path of Melanie Higgins Zysk’s journey through life is the very definition of “circuitous”…
After her parents divorce when she’s just a little girl, Zysk, her mother, and her brothers are thrust directly into the veritable teeth of adversity. After suffering a horrendous accident that takes her friend’s life and nearly claims hers, she decides to live life to the fullest and strikes out on her own into the dangerous, yet exciting world that surrounds her. Along the way, she becomes a teenage bride, spends time as “Miss Keystone” (a NASCAR trophy girl), and even does a 10-month bid in the Pennsylvania state pen – for a crime she didn’t even realize she committed.
A quick study in learning the discipline of self-reliance, though, Zysk eventually becomes quite adept at following the desires of her heart, which ultimately lead her to start a rescue ranch for animals that have been abused, abandoned, or otherwise left to fend for themselves. It is in launching the ranch that Zysk finds her true calling, one that has lingered quietly, yet fervently within her her entire life: sharing the unconditional love of her selfless heart with those who truly need it.
Unconditional Love is an intriguing study of a life lived on quite a far-reaching arc, but what’s most endearing about Zysk’s life story is the salient way that her warm-hearted nature shines throughout. From the time that she is very young, she always wishes for the best for others and sacrifices constantly for the benefit of those around her. Of course, this selflessness is most apparent in her undying affection for and dedication to her ever-growing family of furry friends, whose lives would be devoid of considerable comfort and enrichment were it not for Zysk’s faithful devotion.
Life is destined to throw obstacles in our paths, but what matters most is how we choose to negotiate them along the way. In Unconditional Love, Melanie Higgins Zysk provides the reader with the perfect example of how to turn any adverse situation on its ear by focusing on the blessings hidden deep within each lesson yet to be learned.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Melanie Higgins Zysk (Unconditional Love)
Apex Reviews: Melanie, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your book. In the book, you mention that you have 37 animals on your ranch. What different kinds of animals are they?
Melanie Higgins Zysk: Almost all of my animals were rescued from a bad situation. There are cattle, pigs, sheep, a duck, deer, three dogs, three cats, and whatever animals cross my path.
AR: Have you ever had any problems with animals that didn't take to the ranch or your other animals - despite your best efforts to help them adjust?
MHZ: No, they all adjust to the ranch and each other within a few hours.
AR: Please share more with our readers about Foster, the unique little pig that holds a special place in your heart.
MHZ: I adopted Foster within minutes before he was going to be euthanized, from the Humane Society. Foster was a naughty boy and loves to show off and be the boss. He was the first animal that had a hard time adjusting because he doesn't like rules. He made a great turn around after all the other animals talked him into changing his ways.
AR: As our reviewer mentioned, you got married at quite a young age. What compelled you to do so?
MHZ: I was 21 when I got married; compared to now, I was old.
AR: Please share with our readers the significance of your getting a glass & glazing license.
MHZ: I am a rebel. I found out that if I studied and passed the five hour test, I would be the only girl in town with my glass and glazing license. Besides, I love having my own business.
AR: Did you really wear a cowboy hat at your wedding?
MHZ: I sure did, and it was a hit. I bought a cowboy hat and added lace and flowers to make a nice veil.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your ultimate dream, Hog Haven.
MHZ: I get phone calls all time from people that need to find a home for their pig because of different situations. I believe if you adopt a pig or a dog or whatever it may be that it's your pet for life. People need to adjust to that animal and not throw it aside. They have feelings and little hearts that are beating inside of them, crying out for love. There is where I come in. I take your pig off your hands for a monthly fee, and you have visiting rights or can watch them on your computer. They live their entire lives on the ranch in peace and harmony. They have their own condo with a fenced-in yard. There will be a common area equipped with a shallow pond, so every pig can swim, root, and rut. Yes, pigs do swim.
AR: How can people learn more about your ongoing animal rescue efforts?
MHZ: Read my books or email me at melaniehzysk@aol.com
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
MHZ: I answer pet questions every Saturday on WCNO radio. Ask me pet questions by fax: (772) 223-3446, email: melaniehzysk@aol.com, or call (772) 260-8641 on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Go on your computer to www.wcno.com and listen to your questions.
AR: Thanks again, Melanie, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
MHZ: Thank you!