Today is a special day in my life with dogs and my life as a writer. It is the publication date for “Lenore Finds A Friend,” my second children’s book and the second book inspired by the most loving and generous dog that I have ever known. Lenore’s life is characterized by her powerfully loving spirit. She befriended Frieda, Izzy, Red and Rose. She taught them all how to play and share.
When we thought Frieda couldn’t get along with the other dogs, Lenore move in and sat with her while we trained. She showed Izzy, who had been abandoned on a farm, how to live in a house, take walks, sit in the sun. This week, after Red was injured, she simply moved in and kept him company while he healed. She has a great intuition for need, and I know this. When I was along and struggling on the farm, she kept love alive for me, and to this day, reminds me of its importance. I can’t think of a better story for children.
I saw the power of Lenore’s love when she befriended a grumpy ram named Brutus nearly five years ago. Rose was horrified to see the two of them hanging out together and tried for months to break it up. Lenore’s love was in the end more powerful even than Rose’s great work ethic. When I posted photos of this strange but sweet relationship, it crashed my website. It was one of the first times I took my photography seriously and pursued Lenore and her buddy as they grazed and nuzzled together.
Lenore is a working dog, through and through and her work is love and she works at it every day. “Lenore Finds A Friend” is the story of her friendship with Brutus, and of Rose’s determination to stop it. Lenore is the Hound Of Love, the Love Dog. l very am proud of this book and last week I took my video camera to Battenkill Books, my local bookstore and watched Connie Brooks read it to her children’s reading group. Lenore was on hand to thump her tail and kiss everybody.
Battenkill Books is offering free signed Bedlam Farm notecards – as long as supplies last – with the purchase of “Lenore Finds A Friend,” and with any purchase of my other books, including the revised paperback version of “Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die,” and “Dancing Dogs,” my first short-story collection, out September 25. I will sign and personalize any book purchased through Battenkill, which now has Paypal. You can support my work, Lenore’s great heart and a terrific independent bookstore in this way. You can call the store at 518 677-2515 or visit their website, www. battenkillbooks.com.
Lenore’s work might not be as stylish as Red’s but she is, in many ways, the greatest working dog I have known, suffusing our farm and life with affection and connection. I think this is a wonderful and inspirational story for children about love and real friendship. Come and see Connie read it to some mesmerized kids while Lenore listens in.