Our very own Julia has just been named the spokesdog for 2milliondogs.org, a national organization that funds cancer research. Go here to see her blog post and story. www.2milliondogs.org/julia-zen-dog ______________________________ Rich Kaye is a retired psychotherapist who once lived and worked in upstate New York. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Iowa and a master of social work degree from the State University of New York as well as completed postgraduate psychotherapy training. After moving on from private practice ten years ago, he relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where he worked with children in a school-based nonprofit agency for four years. Rich currently lives in Middleton, WI with his wife, Diane, who is a dog trainer, and their four-legged family. This is Rich's first non-academic publication. Rich has an adult daughter who lives in Boston. ____________________________ You humans often joke about how limited our thoughts are as dogs, but don’t mistake simple for trivial. We actually have a Zen way of viewing life, from the ground up. While I was recently diagnosed with a fatal illness, my story isn’t a sad one. Trust me—when death is near, the present moment becomes the most beautiful thing in the world. In Final Thoughts from a Dying Zen Dog, a sheltie named Julia shares her unique perspectives on humans, four-legged creatures, the world, and what it is that really matters in life. An imaginative memoir told with candid canine insight, humor, and compassion, this lighthearted yet poignant read will touch the hearts and minds of dog people and non-dog people alike. ______________________________________ Editorial Review: "Julia is absolutely lovable. She holds incredible wisdom and represents the idea that humans have a lot to learn from dogs. Her more philosophical words are what take her story out of the realm of an ordinary dog story and to the next level. The light humor is great! Using a dog narrator is an interesting way of contemplating philosophical thoughts about the human condition. It throws a whole new perspective into the mix. It's also creative to imagine what a dog might make of her own illness. Julia's one very intelligent dog. She grows ever braver as the chapters continue. A great read." Valerie Grant, Editor, CS _______________________________________ Available in both trade paperback and Kindle editions. Please visit our Amazon book site for additional book information and reader reviews. http://www.amazon.com/Final-Thoughts-... _____________________________________ “Rich says, “Writing this book was a complete act of love and we're hoping that you'll join us on Julia's journey. Despite the title, this is far from a sad, depressing story about a sick and dying dog. Rather, it’s a funny, upbeat novel that speaks to the very heart of the strength and magic of the human-dog bond. It's also a reminder to us all that dogs are very smart, loyal, and loveable.” _____________________________________ *We are proud supporters of the WI. Sheltie Rescue and a portion of book proceeds are donated to them. We also financially support "Puppy Up," a national organization that funds human-canine cancer research.*