I can't believe this day has finally arrived! I am so excited to share my debut book with you, with the goal of encouraging senior pet adoption. It took me two and a half years to write and publish Annie's story, with many stops and starts along the way. I wish my little bear could celebrate the launch with me. March 26, 2019 marked the one-year anniversary of her passing. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her and miss her presence and all of the fun, love, and meaning she brought to my life. So, it seems fitting to dedicate this launch to the little one who started it all - my Annie Pooh.
Within the book, I formally acknowledge all of the individuals who supported my journey with Annie. With this posting, I would like to spotlight a few others who helped me produce this work - my editor, Christina Roth; the book's cover and interior designer, Stephanie Hannus; and my mother, Brenda Nardoni.
Some may think that the writing is the hard part. Based on my experience, editing, designing, and publishing are equally if not more challenging. Christina and Stephanie were both extremely patient. I obsessed over the smallest of details and made continual changes right up until the last minute, yet they never complained because they understood what this work means to me. They both contributed substantively to the final product, and I couldn't be more grateful for their kindness and professionalism (and most importantly, heart). Thank you, ladies, for sharing your gifts with me and never giving up until we got it right together. You are both so talented. I am grateful to have found you and for your many contributions to the book. I also appreciate Josh Jaeger and his team at Hudson Printing for bringing the paperback to life.
As for Mom, well, she probably should be listed as a co-author at this point. She reviewed and red-lined so many of my drafts from the very beginning. Mom was always willing to do "one last read." Thank you for always believing in me, your willingness to do whatever it takes to support my dreams, and your enduring love. I am so grateful that God gifted me with you as my mother, friend, and business partner.
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