Ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a dog? In my latest book ‘Argonaut’, I explore this through the eyes of Argo, a perceptive and loyal therapy dog. Inspired by real-life therapy dogs and their incredible impact on children, Argo’s story is one of love, trust, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their furry companions. Join me on this heartwarming journey and see how Argo changes lives, one wag at a time.

Available on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback formats starting August 16th. Kindle pre-orders are open now at this link. Paperback pre-orders will be available soon—stay tuned for updates here.

This is the first book in the Argonaut series.

Tell me in the comments below where you might like him to go on his next adventure.

Every story has a heart, and “Argonaut”, is a very special piece of my own doggie shaped heart —my Gordon Setter, Rufus. He is a constant source of inspiration. Although he isn’t an official assistance dog, his presence in our lives has been nothing short of therapeutic, especially for my 24-year-old twins who have autism. They love him to bits.

From the moment we brought him home, Rufus showed a unique blend of loyalty, intelligence, and a little bit of grumpiness—particularly towards other dogs. This grumpiness might have kept him from becoming a professional therapy dog, but to us, he is nothing less than a hero. His gentle nature and intuitive understanding of our family’s needs have made him an indispensable part of our family. He’s right poorly at the moment so this has made writing and dedicating this book to him even more special.

Living with a dog like ours, it’s impossible not to see the world a bit differently. His eyes tell stories of adventure and loyalty, his ears perk up at every rustle of a packet, and his tail wags even when he’s grumpy. Observing his behaviours, I often found myself wondering what goes on in his mind and what he might say if he could speak.

This curiosity inspired me to create Argo, the protagonist of “Argonaut.” Argo’s adventures and his heartwarming bond with his owner, Anne, are a reflection of the deep connections we share with our pets. While Argo goes on to become a therapy dog for a special boy named Jake, the essence of his character is rooted in my own experiences with our Gordon Setter.

Art Imitates Life

The artwork in “Argonaut” is a tribute to my Gordon Setter’s unique look and spirit. From his soulful eyes to his elegant gait and massive pink tongue, the illustrations capture the essence of what makes him so special. It’s a joy to see his likeness bring Argo to life on the pages, making the story even more personal and meaningful.

Our Personal Therapy Dog

Although my Gordon Setter isn’t out in the world visiting hospitals or schools, he serves an incredibly important role at home. My twins, both autistic, have found in him a friend and a source of comfort. His presence has a calming effect, and his unconditional love provides them with a sense of security and companionship that words often fail to express.

Seeing the positive impact he has had on my children, I often think about what an amazing therapy dog he could have been for others. However, I must admit, I’ve been a bit selfish. I cherish the way he intuitively knows when to nuzzle his head into our laps after a tough day or when to simply sit quietly by our side. He’s our very own therapy dog, bringing a sense of peace and normalcy to our home.

A Story for All Ages

Writing “Argonaut” has been a journey of love, inspired by the profound bond between my family and our dog. It’s a story for anyone who has experienced the unspoken connections with their pets, and especially for those who understand the special role animals can play in our lives.

I hope that readers, young and old, will find in Argo the same qualities that make our Gordon Setter so remarkable: loyalty, love, and a little bit of mischief. Whether you’re a dog lover, a parent, or simply someone who enjoys a heartwarming story, “Argonaut” is a celebration of the extraordinary ways in which animals touch our lives.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope you enjoy reading “Argonaut” as much as I enjoyed writing it.