Margo Bowblis

Walking with the Shadow of Love: the Remarkable Story of Lakota and the Zeakie Dog Margo Bowblis

Publisher Marketing: In her memoir, WALKING WITH THE SHADOW OF LOVE: The Remarkable Story of Lakota and the Zeakie Dog, the author/illustrator delves into some areas of pet ownership of great interest to a wide range of animal lovers. This beautiful memoir, illustrated and photographed by the author, is the story of her two working therapy dogs. The first dog is a purebred black Labrador from a fine breeder-the second, a mixed breed, puppy mill puppy who is losing his original home, and literally (and loudly) decides to "adopt" the author. The puppy grows into a statuesque, ninety-six pound dog who is surprisingly intelligent and becomes an intuitive, self-directed therapy dog. This dog with the humble origins, forms a bond so strong with the author and her other dog that even death cannot break it. Their story, above all, is a love story. The story begins with the training and raising of the first puppy, the adoption of the second puppy, and a description of the life of dogs and owner in a lake community in New Jersey. The dogs are both trained and certified as therapy dogs, and the reader gets to come along on some actual visits to people in facilities, and see the profound effect the two dogs have on the people they serve during these sessions. It is a joyful, rewarding, fulfilling lifestyle, until the unthinkable happens: at only four years of age, without the slightest hint of a warning, the adopted dog is stricken with an incurable cancer, so deadly that it threatens to take his life in a week or two-or even days. Enter a brilliant, dedicated, veterinary oncologist. She and the young dog's owner form an alliance to do battle with the disease, with the goal of extending the dog's life as much as possible, while providing a high quality of life-a life where he feels well, enjoys life, and can do all the things he loves. When they embark on this journey, neither one of them can even imagine the obstacles that will be put in front of them, or that, for the vet, the battle will become very, very personal, and require heroic measures on her part. Anyone who has ever battled this disease or watched someone they love fight it will relate to the struggle, the triumphs, the setbacks, and the need to live every day in presence and gratitude. What many people don't know, is that dogs are serving on the front lines of this battle. One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is its spiritual component. Do animals have souls? Will we ever see our beloved pets again, once they have left this life? Do they live on? This book delves into these questions and mysteries. In the introduction, the author explains that the book contains two separate story lines that run concurrently through the book. The first is the story as it unfolds. The second story line-in chapters printed in italics-consists of events that occur after the dog dies that provide convincing evidence that the dog is making its presence known. All along this journey, narrative photographs and illustrations of the dogs in the story keep us connected to these beautiful animals and their canine friends. The two story lines increase in intensity and barrel toward a life-altering, deeply emotional and spiritual conclusion that takes the reader to a place where few have gone. It is a place where they may learn a whole new concept of who our animals are, and a place that could be a great comfort to anyone who has ever lost an animal they love and been heartbroken. Contributor Bio:  Cartaino, Carol Carol Cartaino is editorial director for Don Aslett, Inc., and owner of White Oaks Editions, an editorial and design company. She is a freelance editor and writer/collaborator who contributes to all of Don Aslett's books, brochures, and corporate printed material.