My Dogs: And How They Shaped My Life - Paperback

by Jude Heimel (Author)

My Dogs is a book for dog lovers. Eight great dogs are introduced, each one unique in breed, personality and the role they played in the author's life. From Rottweiler to twenty-pound spaniel, each dog is full of love, compassion and courage. Ms. Heimel's keen eye and insight into dogs reveal the hidden side of family pets as heroes, guides and, of course, loyal friends. From her heroic first dog Paddy to her current dog Lacey and the six amazing canines in between, the stories are genuine and heartwarming. My Dogs And How They Shaped My Life is a book about recovery from adversity. This is a story of one woman's journey through life-facing disillusionment, divorce and disabilities. Ms. Heimel lays bare the struggles she has confronted-jealousy from her mother; infidelity and betrayal by her husband; disabilities from genes, falls and aging. The difficulties she encounters are familiar to many. If they do not mirror your own life history, then they have been experienced by your friend, parent, sibling or neighbor. The author chronicles the choices she has made-aided by a companion dog at her side. She chooses to go forward again and again, even when her mind is clouded by anger and resentment. "Dogged resilience" is the trait she has adopted from canine companions who carried her through many of her life challenges. After reflecting on and learning from her experiences, she musters a healthy resilience to move forward. My Dogs provides an uncanny view into the human-canine bond. This is a WellDone read.

Author Biography

Jude Heimel is an organizational development consultant and certified personal and professional life coach. As principal at Jude Heimel & Associates, she consults with scientific and technical organizations. Prior to owning her own business, she worked as an internal consultant with AT&T Bell Laboratories and other telecommunications firms. Jude started her work with organizations with nonprofits and worker owned businesses. With forty years experience with educational and operational business writing, Jude's first foray into creative nonfiction won a $5,000 Petco Foundation "Holiday Wishes" award for the adoption shelter of her hearing alert service dog, Lacey. Lacey has been a service dog for three years. Prior to being a service dog, Lacey lived in shelters in Santa Fe and Los Angeles