Thanks!

I’d like to thank the following people, in no particular order, for their help in making The Patron Saint of Dogs possible:

Jules – thank you for being my first puppy love. This book is dedicated to you. I would never have been a mother if I hadn’t found you wandering loose in the streets, eating garbage and dodging cars. I hope to see you again Over The Rainbow Bridge (I better, or there will be a hell of a scene at the pearly gates!)

Boxer – the most phobic dog I’ve ever known, thank you for needing a home just as I started writing this book. You have been an inspiration and helped me find peace by completing my pack.

Kitty – thank you for inspiring Psycho’s character. You are a hellion to live with but I wouldn’t turn my back on you for anything in the world. Please be nice to Boxer!

Ariy A – thank you for being my first reader and feeding this starving writer when she’s so absorbed in writing and editing she forgets to eat. There’s nothing like a sandwich appearing on your desk to fuel the fire!

Linda H – to my best friend and soul sister, I would not be the person I am today without your unwavering love and support. Your encouragement in writing this book has made it possible.

David K – thank you for your honest feedback, which is essential to making this the best book it can be.

Antal B – thank you for your advice, your unending kindness and for being a lawyer who goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Jackie E – thank you for letting me share Bruiser’s story with the world. How you rescued him when you were so young inspired Grace’s character more than you will ever know.

Archangel – thank you for giving me permission to include your tweet in chapter 8. Keep up the fight!

My fellow authors on Authonomy & Wattpad – thank you for being an unending and invaluable source of constructive feedback on the novel, enabling me to become the best writer I can be.

Dr A – I wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for you. Thank you for helping me find my way.

Readers & Followers – without your interest and support, my mission to help raise awareness and save abused and abandoned animals would not be possible. Thanks!

My family & friends – thank you — without your support and encouragement, I don’t know if I would have had the courage to write this novel.

To all the pets I’ve known & loved (and their people) – thank you for inspiring the characters in this novel. Walking and pet sitting you was a privilege and a pleasure.

But most of all,

To the millions of animals who are abandoned, abused, neglected and on death row every year: I can’t save all of you, but I can try and help you in my own way with this novel. I am trying to speak up for you who can’t.

To the millions of animal rescue workers, shelter staff and foster parents, this novel honours you in the best way I know how. You are all such brave and selfless people, I don’t know how you do it. Thank you for being the unsung heroes of our world.