First and foremost, I give thanks to my Lord God, from whom all blessings (and story efforts) flow. A deep hug and appreciation go to my loved ones who inspired this project. Special thanks to Katie Keeney, Darla Knight, Nancy Edwards Clay, Pat Stone, Shawna Childers, Robin Stroud, Dana and Lesa Davis, LuAnne Nooe, JoAnne Crown Rogers, Tim Flowers, Kevin Breazile, Matt DeGarcia, Beth Schneider, and many other friends and family who helped me complete this.
The Tulsa Animal Welfare Shelter deserves a warm note for helping me with several photos. The Tulsa River Parks along the gorgeous Arkansas River provided a wonderful backdrop for many shots. LuAnne and Tim helped stage some desired interior scenes. Matt owns the beautiful dogs pictured in this book. Sasha, the golden retriever, so captured the spirit of Butch that I changed his identity from an Irish settler, my longtime dream pet. Shadow is Matt’s oh-so-playful and loving German Shepherd.
My final thanks go to you, the reader! I hope you enjoy this for many years to come. Have a great day!