Thank You

Writing a book isn’t for the fainthearted. Writing a book while going through pregnancy is slightly mad. When my lovely publisher approved the pitch for Dog Mama, I found out I was pregnant just a week later. So for the next nine months I’d been nurturing two “projects.” this book, and my gorgeous daughter.

Of course things never go to plan, and my pregnancy was complicated by severe hyperemesis and my daughter was born seven weeks early. For those reasons I need, first and foremost, to thank the kind and dedicated staff of The Mater Hospital in Sydney, Australia—especially the lovely midwives and doctors of the Special Care Nursery. Your exceptional care for my family and me during this time allowed me to recover and to be able to finish this book.

They say it “takes a village” and Dog Mama simply would not exist if it wasn’t for the time and generosity of the talented individuals who contributed to this book.

To the entire team at Skyhorse Publishing, thank you for giving me the opportunity to write a second book. To my editors, Leah Zarra and Abigail Gehring, thank you for your continued guidance and believing in this project.

To the readers and followers of Pretty Fluffy. This book exists solely because of your continued support. And to all the dog mamas who shared their favorite photos to make our end papers so amazing—thank you!

Alex of Alexander Mayes Photography (@alexandermayesphotography), thank you again for bringing unbridled enthusiasm to our shoots and always capturing the exact shots I’m after. You’re a joy to work with, and I’m proud to call you a friend.

To Bonnie Hindmarsh and the team at Three Birds Renovations (@threebirdsrenovations), thank you for welcoming us into your stunning home to shoot the cover and accompanying images.

To our dog mama models, Georgia & Jerry (@littlejerryboy) and Lauren & Indiana (@indiana_miniaussie), thank you for being so gracious with your time—I couldn’t have asked for more beautiful dog mama shots than we got with you.

To Lauren Dobish (@laurendobish), thank you for your gorgeous photography used throughout this book. You’re a true talent and an absolute joy to work with.

To all the pups featured in this book, thank you to you and your families for allowing us to capture your cuteness and share it with the world.

Thank you to the insanely talented Riley Sheehey (@cestriley) for allowing me to use your beautiful illustrations—as soon as I saw them I knew they’d be perfect! And thank you to Leigh Eisenman at MacKenzie Wolf for your assistance through the licensing process—it was a pleasure.

To our featured dog mamas, Stephanie (@stephsterjovski), Sarah (@chicsprinkles), Maitri (@honeyidressedthepug), Jen H. (@hellohoku), Nikki (@wtfrenchie), Abby (@abbycapalbo) and Jen G. (@jenkoala)—thank you for being part of the book and sharing your extensive expertise with our dog-loving audience.

To the generous brands that supplied product for our photo shoots—the teams at Zippy Paws (@zippypaws), Mister Woof (@mister.woof), Two Tails Pet Company (@twotailspetcompany), For the Furry (@forthefurry), The Foggy Dog (@thefoggydog), and Dyson (@dyson)—I can’t thank you enough!

To Dr. Katrina Warren (@drkatrina) and editor of Modern Dog Magazine, Jennifer Nosek (@moderndogmag), thank you both for your assistance and valued feedback.

Last but certainly not least, thank you to my family and friends.

To our thoughtful friends and family who brought us food, sent messages of support and love over the last few months—we’re lucky to have you.

To my longtime friends Brett Bowman (@imbrettbowman) and Alana Augustine, thank you for your wonderful advice that made the final drafts of Dog Mama better than before.

To my in-laws, Denis and Susan, who kindly offered babysitting (and dog sitting!) during shoot days. Thank you.

To Butterscotch, our beautiful boy. Thanks for posing like a superstar and being the beautiful furry sweetheart you are.

To Sarah Dickerson (@chicsprinkles), what would I be without your support, input, and guidance? You, my friend, are the ultimate dog mama. Your contributions throughout this book—DIY projects you created, photos you styled, and your masterful input into the design and layout of this entire project—have all been above and beyond. I truly admire your talent, kindness, and faith. I’m beyond lucky to work with you, but even luckier to call you a friend. Thank you for everything and I look forward to a lifetime of friendship.

To my husband, Andy, thank you for proofreading each and every word, visiting the flower markets for props at 5:00 a.m., and believing in me every step of the way. Love you.

And to my baby girls, Emmy and Isobel. I’m certainly a proud dog mama, but I’m also proud to be your mama. I love you and look forward to seeing all you will do in the world. Thank you for inspiring me to be the best I can be.