Acknowledgments

THIS BOOK WAS BORN OUT OF MY OWN EXPERIENCE, yet it would have remained a mere seedling struggling to bloom without the talent and support of many people. The extent of their generosity seemed truly miraculous.

I am profoundly grateful to my wonderful agent, Jane Lahr, and her partner, Lynn DelliQuadri, of Lahr & Partners. Their efforts on behalf of Soul Dog have been above and beyond what any author could expect of an agent, providing faith, enthusiasm, and Jane's invaluable and profound knowledge of spiritual teachings relevant to my subject.

To Maria Cooper Janis, who introduced me to Jane, I owe a great debt of gratitude. She too helped sustain the creation of this book with her understanding of my story and my intent in working to bring it forth.

The journey that I've recounted in this book is one that I took in the company of animal communicators and psychics who became my guides and my friends; their voices are inextricably woven into the fabric of the story. They opened doors to new understanding—of our fellow beings and of myself. I am deeply grateful to Alecia Evans, Dawn Hayman, Donna Lozito, and Silvia Rossi. You know what you did.

There were many others who contributed their time and expertise by allowing me to interview them for this endeavor. I am very much in their debt. (For more information about the many contributors to this endeavor, please see the interview credits at the end of this book.)

I also thank Dr. Jennifer Chaitman, Brio's wonderful veterinarian, who gave her support and time. I'm grateful to Brio's other longtime caregivers—Stacey Baum, Sally Hastings, Jim Moran, and Micky Niego.

For their friendship, advice, and support over the years of my life with Brio and then through the writing of this book, I am so very thankful to Michael and Susan Batcheller, Susan Buckley, David Buksbaum, Bob and Arline Prince, Giuliana Robertson, and Arnulfo Vargas.

I want to thank Jamaica Burns Griffin, my editor at Inner Traditions • Bear & Company, for her hard work and valued input. I'm grateful as well for the support of the superb team at Inner Traditions. I thank Jon Graham, who championed the book; John Hays for his marketing wizardry; Manzanita Carpenter Sanz for her skill and dedication in promoting the book; and publisher Ehud Sperling for bringing this book to readers.

I am also fortunate to have received invaluable advice from Carmen and Alexandra Harra and Beverly West.

To Robert Thurman, who wrote such a beautiful and profound foreword, I give great thanks for his understanding of the book and of what our relationship with dogs and other fellow creatures truly means.

Finally and forever, thank you to Brio—my inspiration.