I'm an accomplished author, award-winning writer, seasoned blogger, and savvy Public Relations Consultant, but my true passion lies in being a die-hard dog lover. Due to the demands of my current pack of Australian Shepherds, Seven and Paige Turner, I’ve built a rewarding career working from home, writing dog-centric books, blogging for diverse clients, consulting in public relations, and creating dog-friendly travel stories. I also launched the online shop, “Dog Travel Gear,” where I share tips and adventures with fellow dog lovers on the blog, “Paws on the Go.”
I wrote...
The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace
As a single woman who considers her dogs as family members, I felt an intense connection with the author of this book the moment I opened it. Similar to Knapp, I've gone through a lot in my life and have found myself turning to my dogs to help me make it through. The deep connection she forged with her rescue dog, Lucille, remined me of my own canine companions who consistently provide me with the unconditional love and sense of belonging that only a dog can provide. Her story reaffirmed for me the strong connection between humans and animals, showing how dogs, in particular, can fill our lives with purpose, comfort, and unwavering support.
What moved me about Caroline Knapp's book, "Pack of Two," was the way she shared her own personal journey of self-discovery and transformation. At 36 years old, Knapp faced immense challenges, including the loss of her parents and the overwhelming task of overcoming her addiction to alcohol and food. As she grappled with questions of identity and purpose, her unexpected bond with a rescued puppy named Lucille became a lifeline.
She really nails it when she talks about the unexpected joys that come with having deep relationships with dogs. I totally get what she means—there's this unspoken bond between dogs and us humans that can be incredibly powerful, sometimes even stronger than our connections with other people. Knapp's raw and introspective narrative is a testament to the enduring bond between man (or woman) and dog.
At the age of 36, Caroline Knapp, author of the acclaimed bestseller Drinking:A Love Story, found herself confronted with a monumental task: redefining her world. She had faced the loss of both her parents, given up a twenty-year relationship with alcohol, and, as she writes, "I was wandering around in a haze of uncertainty, blinking up at the biggest questions: Who am I without parents and without alcohol? How to form attachments, and where to find comfort, in the face of such daunting vulnerability?" An answer materialized in the most unlikely form: that of a dog. Eighteen months to the…
As a lover of books and dogs, life doesn’t get much better than reading a John Steinbeck book with your canine companion by your side. Plus, Steinbeck’s standard poodle, Charley, is central to the story, with the profound bond between a man and his dog as a central narrative. I found it fascinating to read about the roundtrip he took with Charley across the United States in the 60s. Steinbeck shares his actual experiences traveling across interstates and country roads, meeting all sorts of fascinating characters along the way. It’s like reading a slice of our country’s history with a dash of dogness included. Every dog lover should read this classic.
One of the things that struck me about the book was Steinbeck's keen observations on the American character of the 60s—from racial tensions to the pervasive sense of loneliness, issues we still face today. Yet, the book does not include all trials and tribulations. He also writes about unexpected moments of kindness and generosity from strangers. To me, the book is a masterpiece, highlighting the compassion inherent in the human spirit and, of course, in dogs.
This book holds a special place in my heart. I’ve reread it many times over the years, finding inspiration in Steinbeck's deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life on the road. Moreover, as a dog lover myself, growing up with Siesta, a little Chihuahua mutt, the central theme of unconditional love shared between a human and his dog told a story beyond words. Before this book, I thought I was the only weirdo when it came to my intense love of dogs. But after the first reading, I knew I was not alone.
An intimate journey across America, as told by one of its most beloved writers
To hear the speech of the real America, to smell the grass and the trees, to see the colors and the light-these were John Steinbeck's goals as he set out, at the age of fifty-eight, to rediscover the country he had been writing about for so many years.
With Charley, his French poodle, Steinbeck drives the interstates and the country roads, dines with truckers, encounters bears at Yellowstone and old friends in San Francisco. Along the way he reflects on the American character, racial hostility, the…
Through a collection of heartwarming and inspiring true stories, this book beautifully illustrates how dogs have the innate ability to teach us lessons about life, compassion, and resilience. I fell in love with the idea of this book before it was even published. Why? Because one of my own stories from my first memoir is included!
I'm a big fan of short stories, especially when they involve dogs. Well-crafted short stories focus on a single, life-changing moment, giving us a glimpse into a character's inner world, how they're impacted in that moment, and how they move forward. Each tale in this book revolves around the profound influence dogs can have on the lives of their humans. From acts of bravery to moments of deep connection and healing, from detecting illnesses to offering solace in times of sorrow, the dogs in these stories are truly extraordinary.
Take, for instance, Mazie, the Lab who rescued her new family after being rescued herself, or Luna, the Retriever who saved her owner's life. My personal story of Baldwin, my first therapy dog, is also featured. What really struck me was how the book celebrates the everyday miracles and blessings that dogs bring into our lives. Make sure to have some tissues handy when you crack open this book.
From the bestselling author of God Stories, this “uplifting book...filled with pure joy” (Chicago Tribune) shares the inspiring stories of people who have encountered the divine through their dogs.
The Divinity of Dogs is about the moments we learn something profound about life from an experience with a dog. In this inspiring collection of true dog stories, you’ll hear dramatic firsthand accounts from people whose lives have been transformed by a dog’s love. From everyday blessings to lifealtering miracles, these stories confirm what many of us have always known: dogs are the ultimate gift, sent here to help us on…
Discovering this book was a transformative experience for me, coinciding with my immersion into the world of dog sports alongside my rescue Puli, Baldwin, and my first Australian Shepherd, Bliss. I resonated deeply with Jon Katz's journey as he welcomed a border collie named Orson into his life. I couldn't help but envy the author as he settled into an old farmhouse, complete with a herd of sheep for his dog to work every day. Katz's candid reflections on training Orson struck a chord with me, particularly when a dog trainer advised him that to have a better dog, he must strive to be a better human. That’s so true!
I found myself unable to put the book down as Katz's shared his insights into the amazing bond between humans and dogs. His honest portrayal of the challenges he faced navigating through life alongside his hyper-active border collie was completely relatable. I first read the book during the period I dedicated to caring for my father. Despite the stark contrasts in the specifics of our daily lives, I couldn't shake the feeling that the emotions we experienced were eerily similar. It became apparent how dog love can profoundly influence and shape our lives, regardless of the circumstances.
This book really got me thinking. It inspired me to start writing my own books, capturing the incredible bond I share with my own dogs. And let me tell you, I haven't looked back since!
“Dogs are blameless, devoid of calculation, neither blessed nor cursed with human motives. They can’t really be held responsible for what they do. But we can.” –from The Dogs of Bedlam Farm
When Jon Katz adopted a border collie named Orson, his whole world changed. Gone were the two yellow Labs he wrote about in A Dog Year, as was the mountaintop cabin they loved. Katz moved into an old farmhouse on forty-two acres of pasture and woods with a menagerie: a ram named Nesbitt, fifteen ewes, a lonely donkey named Carol, a baby donkey named Fanny, and three border…
Every dog lover should have a copy of this book by their bedside. It’s filled with inspirational stories of how dogs have served as our muses, mentors, and loyal companions throughout history, influencing us as healers, guides, and co-workers. Much like dogs, humans are inherently pack animals, and through the touching stories of others, I gained invaluable lessons and found I am, in fact, part of a greater pack of dog lovers.
I found the anthology in this book humorous, poignant, and uplifting, filled with insights into the bond that defines one of the world's oldest friendships—humans and dogs. For anyone who appreciates great writing and loves dogs, this book is a treasure.
This book is a testament to the vision and expertise of the editors at The Bark magazine, who brought it to life. From its humble beginnings as a newsletter advocating for off-leash areas, it has evolved into an award-winning glossy magazine sharing "dog culture” with a wide audience. As editor Claudia Kawczynska states, integrating another species into society's daily fabric requires a reevaluation of our standard etiquette and a deeper appreciation for our interconnectedness. The book and the magazine do just that.
Dogs have been our muses, our mentors, and our playful and noble co-pilots. They’ve had a profound influence on us as healers and spiritual guides, and also as co-workers, helping to guide, hunt, herd, search, and rescue. Our bond with dogs is deep and unbreakable, and there’s no better source a reader can turn to for a richer understanding of that complex and wonderful relationship than The Bark.
The Bark began as a newsletter in Berkeley, California, that advocated for an off-leash area where dogs could cavort and play. Within a few years it had become a full-fledged, award-winning glossy…
I dedicated three years of my life to caring for my Dad, and in that time, I gained profound insights into Parkinson's disease, the overwhelming toll that caretaking can have on an individual, and the value of unconditional dog love. Taking on the responsibility of overseeing Dad's care at the age of forty-two presented me with immense challenges. I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of my rescue dog, Baldwin. His presence not only lessened my anxiety but also provided some much-needed emotional stability.
By sharing my real-life experience, I hope that this book will serve as a personal roadmap for anyone grappling with caregiving a loved one.
I’ve always been fascinated by group dynamics, large and small. Why things functioned well, why they didn’t. It’s possible my ability to empathize and use humor as a consensus-builder is the reason I was elected president of a homeowners association, a music production association, and even an agricultural group. Books were not particularly involved in this fascination! But in recent years, experiencing the breakdown of civility and trust in our political and cultural discourse, I’ve taken a more analytical view of the dynamics. These books, in their very different ways, have taught me lessons about life, understanding those with different beliefs, and finding ways to connect and move forward.
We’ve all experienced the overwhelming level of political and social divisiveness in our country. This invisible “virus” of negativity is, in part, the result of the name-calling and heated rhetoric that has become commonplace among commentators and elected leaders alike.
My book provides a clear perspective on the historical and modern-day causes of our nation's divisive state. It then proposes easy-to-understand solutions—an action plan for our elected leaders and citizens as well. Rather than a scholarly treatment of a complex topic, the book challenges us to take the obvious steps required of those living in a free democracy. And it…
Uniting the States of America: A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation
Lyle Greenfield's "Uniting the States of America―A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation" is a work of nonfiction and opinion. Incorporating the lessons of history and the ideas and wisdom of many, it is intended as both an educational resource and a call-to-action for citizens concerned about the politically and culturally divided state of our Union. A situation that has raised alarm for the very future of our democracy.
First, the book clearly identifies the causes of what has become a national crisis of belief in and love for our country. How the divisiveness and hostility rampant in our political…
