The picture of a writer alone and struggling in an attic room might be a popular vision of how a book gets created, but it’s inaccurate. Books are a team sport, and I owe many thanks to the following:
To Katie Bignell, who fell in love with Miss Daisy and thought others might, too.
To Ben Rosenthal, who adopted Miss Daisy and helped make her the lovable, thoughtful pooch she is now. Thank you to all at Katherine Tegen Books who helped groom Miss Daisy, including Janet Robbins Rosenberg, Amy Ryan, Kathryn Silsand, Joel Tippie, Mabel Hsu, and Katherine Tegen. Thank you for loving A Dog Like Daisy!
To Josh Adams, friend first and literary agent second, who believes in me every step of the journey. Thank you to Josh, Tracey, Abby, and Jessie Adams.
To Ava Smith, the young neighbor who years ago said, “The guy who bred our Great Danes also breeds dogs who help veterans.” That one conversation while our dogs were playing was the spark of this story. Thank you to Wade, Mary, Ava, Aubrianna, and Gavin Smith.
To Sylvester Criscone, my neighbor who said, “You know, I know someone who trains dogs to help veterans with PTSD.” Thank you to Syl, Debbie, Mike, and Giana Criscone. Another thanks to Debbie for lots of laughter and baked goods!
(Yes, I have wonderful neighbors! Thanks, Kings’ Chapel!)
To Katie Young, Syl’s friend and the trainer with Southeastern Guide Dogs, who answered my many, many questions about dogs and training them to assist those with PTSD.
To Debbie Emory, writer friend and dog lover, who invited me to tag along and take notes while she and other trainers brought dogs to visit Monroe Harding Children’s Home. Seeing how dogs light up the eyes of those who are struggling was invaluable.
To David Barberis, for his assistance in double-checking my Spanish grammar, and Jenny Rymer, my hometown friend who is immersed in and very knowledgeable about Mexican culture. Thank you for your help in making the Abeyta family and their celebrations come to life. My hope is that I’ve authentically captured the beauty and meaning of each one. Your help toward that end is much appreciated. Thank you to Jenny and her children: Ivan, Chloe, and Isaac.
To Robbie Bryan (Franklin, Tennessee), Kelly Flemings (Chattanooga, Tennessee), Jennifer Bailey (Bowling Green, Kentucky), and Barnes & Noble event planners nationwide: thank you for connecting books and readers!
To Stephanie Appell and all the awesome booksellers at Parnassus Books, and to independent bookstores and booksellers everywhere: thank you for building communities around the written word. And for shop dogs!
To school and public librarians like Lisa Rice, Ashley Fowlkes, Renee Hale, Lindsey Anderson, Julie Caudle, Sharla Bratton, Sheila Rollins, and many, many others: thank you for being mighty word warriors.
To the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, especially the Midsouth chapter. SCBWI paves the road ahead for writers and illustrators; this journey would be next to impossible (and FAR less fun) without you. Thank you!
To my critique group, who makes me laugh, cry, think, and write: you are like thick-cut, maple-spiced bacon. Thank you, Erica Rodgers, Courtney C. Stevens, and Rae Ann Parker. And Erica: thank you for both Micah and Miss Daisy; you are a name-picking genius.
To my family, the O’Donnells, the Grishams, the Goodmans, the Kites, and the Tubbs: thank you. You always offer prime rib–level support. With horseradish. And au jus. I love you.
To Byron, Chloe, and Jack: You are my everything.