“We learned that trying is not nearly as good as doing. So I don’t settle for “I’m trying.” But the most important lesson was this: When you make a promise, keep it.”

Beej in “Lost, Found, and Forever.”
Leslie Yerkes & Randy Martin

Are these the dog days of summer? What does that really mean? I do know that August 27th was National Dog Day. And that we are celebrating all the dogs of our past, as well as our current furry friends. Including Nala the cat who thinks that she is a dog, and the young French Bull dog that will join our pack in October.

It might be the dog days of summer, but it is a day to celebrate everything dog in our household today. If I am honest with you, I celebrate the blessing of my animals every day.

This summer was filled with a special joy — I have been focusing some of my time and attention to the marketing of my first children’s book, ‘Lost, Found and Forever: When you make a promise, keep it.’ It’s the story of rescuing of Big Boy, the South African Mastiff. This significant experience in my life has birthed four children’s book which we are slowly rolling out. Plus, an adult version of this real-life adventure — Big Boy, you see, wasn’t the only entity to be rescued. My life was changed for the better in making the commitment to earn his trust and then have him join our family.

It wasn’t without sacrifice and hardship. But what good things are?

The children’s books are a passion project for me. It has been fun to explore a new genre and to give voice to my strongly held beliefs: that animals teach us important lessons, and that our kindness towards animals is a mirror of who we are as people. I am an advocate for fostering, rescuing, and supporting activities that defeat animal cruelty and demonstrate compassion. Along the way I keep meeting many people who hold these same values. I have heard and witnessed heartwarming and inspiring stories of rescued animals and their gifts to families.

I do feel the same about people, too — and that has been my career. However, in this last chapter of my professional life, I am adding a new path to my purpose and will devote my energies to uplifting furry friends.

Is there a farm sanctuary in my future? Who knows?

What is burning brightly in your passion-world of life and career?

What might be in your future?