Tribute To a Dog Named Brandy

Brandy (2001? - 4/25/2013)

Our hearts are broken. We said good-bye to our sweet girl today.

Brandy came to us through Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue (CCLRR). We fell in love with her when we went to meet her at the home where she hung out with several other foster labs and the foster parents' dogs.

CCLRR rescued her from the Sacramento County pound who picked her up on the streets, wearing a choke chain with no tags and signs she had puppies recently. We adopted her July 25, 2004 and she was a love from the start. She returned a charming smile every time we showered her with pets and tummy rubs. Yes... she actually smiled.

The first book I wrote (not yet published) contains a section on Brandy. From my perspective, it gives a glimpse of how dogs, one of God's finest creations after man, can bring an awareness and understanding of God's love and care for us.

She was my running partner and ever-present furry companion. Brandy will be sorely missed.

The Dog Next Door Has Arrived

A case of books arrived on my doorstep this morning. It's The Dog Next Door. The excitement overwhelmed me as a grabbed a few books and searched the contents to find my story. There it was—A Saving Transformation. Wow!

I am arranging to have book signings in the coming weeks with two other authors from the Sacramento area. Look for us at dog events this summer.

Contact me if you'd like your own copy of The Dog Next Door signed by yours truly.

The Dog Next Door Gets Closer

A door bell ring and Brandy barking announced the arrival of marketing materials for The Dog Next Door left on my door mat by FedEx. Time is getting near to the June 1st release of this delightful collection of true stories that celebrate dogs in our lives. The heartwarming tales about the beautiful relationships between people and their dogs will touch your heart and renew your spirit.

I'm excited about this book because it includes a story I wrote titled A Saving Transformation (although the title could be different). My story chronicles the events of a tragic accident that happened to our beloved dog Chessie and the transforming changes that occurred for me as a result of saving her.

Read the book to learn what happens. You'll come away agreeing that dogs are truly one of God's finest creatures, a marvelous gift for us humans. You can order your book from Amazon now.

A Picture Book: The Story of Nubs

While doing research for my first picture book, I became engrossed by stories of dogs in the military. Yeah... I know. What do stories of military dogs, called war dogs, have to do with a little boy and his dog? Plenty! You have a dog, a human whom the dog loves, loyalty, bravery and never a complaint. Okay?

In my reading about war dogs, I stumbled across the wonderful story about Nubs—A mutt in Iraq that had been cruelly treated even to having his ears cut off (hence the name). Major Brian Dennis first encountered Nubs running with a pack of desert dogs during a patrol of the border between Iraq and Syria. Dennis, a dog lover, worked his charm on the aloof dog and soon Nubs would show up each time Dennis and his unit returned to the border area. You can read the endearing story I first read at ABC News. And now children can read about Nubs in a picture book out this month—Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle.

Manuscript Accepted...Time To Do The Snoopy Dance!

I heard from Lonnie Hull Dupont (pen name Callie Smith Grant) this morning. She wants my story A Saving Transformation for her book--an anthology of true dog stories. The book (no title yet) is listed for release 9/1/2010. 

Lonnie's previous book A Prince Among Dogs was published in 2007 by Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group.

With that great news, I'm off to Paris...Yes, the one in France. While conducting business in Paris in 1999, my husband Bob promised he would take me there.

I think I'll do the Snoopy Dance on the top of the Eiffel Tower.