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The Benny Store

Created by John Pointer

Yesterday Was Weird started as a simple post that went viral and helped millions of people cope with the grief of a loss, and remember the love that lives on. It is now an illustrated hardcover book for anyone who has to face “weird days” of their own. If you would like me to write anything special in your book just send me a message and I’ll be happy to customize it for you, a friend, or a loved one. If you'd just like a plain book without a dedication or note, select "plain" from the dropdown menu and get $10 off. As you scroll through the other items in the store, there are still about 50 shirts available, but not in all designs, sizes, styles, or colors. Most of them are charcoal gray, but there are some in black and a couple left in baby blue. If you can’t seem to find what you want, email me and I’ll let you know if I have one. If you have any other questions just ask. Sincerely, John (AKA Benny's Person) [email protected]

Latest Updates from Our Project:

2/3 of the way through!
over 8 years ago – Tue, May 24, 2016 at 09:33:47 AM

Thank you all for your support!  We're officially 2/3 of the way through the campaign, and things are moving faster and faster.  

Two main updates:

  • First:  I went to the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference in Austin last weekend.  I got to speak to authors, artists, agents, editors, and publishers from all over the country and learned a ton of incredibly useful information.  It... was... awesome!!!

    I also learned that this will probably be the only time I'll ever print the book myself.  Subsequent editions will likely be edited, polished, and printed by a publisher, so I've begun to refer to this first edition as "The Director's Cut.That's what you'll get!  

    It'll include the full text from the original post, with an artist that I choose, hand-stamped with a mold of Benny's actual pawprint, with posters, tee shirts, screen printed art, etc.  I can't wait to send them to you!  Let your friends know they have 9 more days to order their limited edition, Director's Cut copies here!:
    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/johnpointer/yesterday-was-weird-the-death-and-life-of-a-dog-na
  • Second:  I am officially launching a worldwide search for the perfect illustrator!  If you know anyone, tell me, and tell them to contact me here on Kickstarter, or via Benny's Facebook page:
    http://facebook.com/benny.pointer

And once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Losing Benny was devastating, but connecting with all of you has made the whole experience profoundly meaningful to me.  Your participation in this Kickstarter has literally given both of us a whole new job to do together, and even though I can't reach over and pet him anymore, we have a whole new life together, too.  And you made it happen.

I will never forget that.

Next steps!
over 8 years ago – Wed, May 18, 2016 at 03:56:17 AM

Thank You So Much!
Thank You So Much!

Hi everyone!  I'm still amazed at how fast you funded this project, and I'm working through the list of backers now, sending each of you a thank-you note.

Now that it's guaranteed to happen, here are the next steps:

  • Let people know they can order their copies of this limited, first-edition version of the book through this kickstarter.  They only have until May 28th to join us.  Please invite them by sharing this link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/johnpointer/yesterday-was-weird-the-death-and-life-of-a-dog-na
  • I'm open to any and all suggestions on how to spread the word as far and wide as possible.  First, because I think this story can help people who are grieving, and I would really love for them to know they're not alone.  Second, because I want to immortalize Benny (and all of our beloved, lost pets), by making this project as big as possible.  We have 26 more days to do it.  Spread the word, make connections, and please message me if you think you can help.

But most importantly, once again from the bottom of my heart...

Thank you!

It's my birthday!
over 8 years ago – Tue, May 17, 2016 at 03:16:11 PM

We're kickstarting the illustrated version of Benny Pointer's story till May 28th. This birthday, I'd love for you all to help make it as big a campaign as we can.

Please share this far and wide today!: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/johnpointer/yesterday-was-weird-the-death-and-life-of-a-dog-na

Many thanks to Todd V Wolfson​ for the photo, and Cheryl Manon​ for the illustration!

$15,750 in 13:39! We're making a storybook!!!
over 8 years ago – Thu, Apr 28, 2016 at 10:26:24 PM

Halfway to the goal in only 4 hours?!!?
over 8 years ago – Thu, Apr 28, 2016 at 11:49:59 AM

I'm hesitant to come out of the gates posting updates all willy-nilly, but guys... you hit the halfway point in only four hours!  And as I type this, you've gone hundreds of dollars further.  I am stunned and so grateful.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Check it out!
Check it out!