I am a first-time author with an immense passion for pet rescue and humane education. I grew up in a family of teachers in Germany. Books and education were firm cornerstones of my upbringing, as was a love for animals. From an early age, I was drawn to caring for pets; any pets, including dogs, cats, fish, turtles and tadpoles. My dog sister, a Dalmatian named Astra, ignited my love and passion for dogs.

In 2016, when my husband Henry and I felt we could finally offer a dog sufficient time and attention, we adopted Sofie. Sofie transformed our lives.

The three of us live near Boston.

I have volunteered with different dog rescue organizations and shelters for more than 15 years. I have seen firsthand what overfilled shelters and euthanasia look like.

Since 2014 I have been a volunteer and coordinator with Last Hope K9 Rescue, a Boston organization that has saved over 10,000 dog lives since its inception in 2012.

Sofie is one of these dogs.

More information on Last Hope K9 Rescue here.

I am proud to be the narrator of my Mom's first book!

Like many rescue dogs in the US, I was born in the South and thanks to rescue organizations, like Last Hope K9 Rescue, have been saved and adopted in the Northeast.

I was the runt of my litter that had fifteen puppies. Eleven of us came to the Boston area to find our furever home.

• According to my DNA, my genetic make-up contains at least seven different breeds; none of them is a Pointer or a Dalmatian.

• I think I am quite beautiful but I HATE to have my picture taken. I will look at any direction but not at the camera.

• You will know if I enjoyed my food, when I rub my face on the carpet after eating.

• I love seeing my (human and doggy) friends at doggy daycare. I am known as a member of the “grumpy women’s club”.

• My absolute favorite game is to search for treats hidden around our home. I will wait patiently, but in full alert, until Mom finally tells me to go and find the treats.

I never expected to publish a book. It certainly sounded pretty cool to be an author, but Science is usually more my thing.

The idea for our first book came from a workshop on responsible dog ownership with 5th graders of the Marblehead Community Charter Public School in March 2020 as part of a leadership course.

Writing and self-publishing my first book has pushed me out of my comfort zone and I have not only grown a lot but had a ton of fun in the process. I will be eternally grateful to these amazing kids and their teacher, Claire Hunt, who reminded me of the importance of (humane) education and opened up this fulfilling path for me.