About the Book
1. Tails of Kindness shares the true adventures of Willie the therapy dog. Can you tell us
about Willie and why you wanted to write his story?
Willie has been in my life for over 12 years. I wandered in to the local SPCA just to look
and there he was. He has been the most amazing dog and has been my companion
through good and bad. I woke up one night with the thought to tell his story and share
all of his remarkable adventures and began writing in the middle of the night! I wanted to
share his stories before he is gone, and I also wanted a book to give to my
grandchildren.
2. Therapy animals often bring comfort in unexpected ways. What’s one memory of Willie
helping someone that still stays with you?
The most profound was the gentleman we met at a drug addiction rehab centre who was
terrified of dogs after he was chased by a police dog. Willie gently wormed his way in
and soon this guy was feeding him crackers. Without any urging, he crawled into his lap
and the man broke down in tears. I think it was very healing for him and showed how
profound Willie’s empathy is. (Story is in chapter 6)
3. What do you hope young readers learn from Willie’s “tails” of kindness?
I hope they learn that kindness is always the way, regardless of how people look, smell
or talk. Willie had no prejudice even when he was in strange situations.
4. How did you choose which stories to include in the book?
I wish I could say it was a careful choosing, but the stories honestly came organically as
I wrote. Many who have read the book have said ‘oh remember when he did this or that’
and I could have written 10 more chapters but I felt these stories also highlighted social
issues of today such as domestic violence, addiction, literacy and housing insecurity.
Inspiration & Process
5. What first inspired you to become a therapy dog handler and then to write about the
experience? Willie was going to doggie day care and the owner said she noticed how
empathetic he was so I decided to get him trained. It was healing for me as well to help people
as I was leaving a violent situation at the time.
6. Was it difficult to capture Willie’s personality on the page, or did it come naturally because of
your bond?
Again this came organically and the decision to write the stories in Willies voice was how it
became a kids book because dogs speak in simple language. I feel his personality and doggie
ego shines through on the pages.
7. Many children love animals—how do you think books like this can encourage empathy and
kindness in everyday life?
I believe that true stories can inspire kids to look differently at the world and the people who are
in it.

Willie the Therapy Dog
8. What made Willie special as a therapy dog?
He was the most gentle soul! He seemed to know what each individual needed at the time and
could either be soft and sweet, or happy and excited depending on what people needed.
9. How did he usually interact with kids, adults, or seniors who met him?
He tailored himself to each person. Cute and flirty with the pretty girls and somber and sincere
with people who might give him snacks. He was always gentle and soft with seniors.
10. If Willie could “speak,” what do you think he’d say about being a therapy dog?
I think he would say his time as a therapy dog made him feel very important and special. He
liked the attention he got when he was wearing his blue vest and enjoyed people taking his
picture and noticing him. He does have a little doggie ego, as I’ve mentioned.
Writing & Publishing Journey
11. What was the most rewarding part of writing Tails of Kindness?
Getting my first author copy pinyin the mail was SO exciting
12. How did it feel to see your real-life experiences transformed into a book for young readers?
Some experiences were a little raw, to be honest and it feels very vulnerable to see the words in
black and white but I’m very glad I went through the writing process.
13. What do you hope parents, teachers, or caregivers take away from sharing these stories
with children?
I hope the people who read the book look at the world differently and with more kindness after
reading my book.
Fun & Quickfire
14. What was Willie’s favorite treat? Popcorn with cheese
15. Did he have a favorite toy or activity outside of therapy work? He loved going to the dog
park and racing all the other dogs.
16. If Willie were a superhero, what would his superpower be? Super speed
17. One word to describe Willie? Remarkable
18. One word to describe this book? Heartwarming
19. Do you have a favorite animal book from your own childhood that inspired you? Homeward
Bound
20. If young readers could do one small act of kindness after finishing your book, what would
you want it to be? I would want them to stop and say hello to someone who maybe looks sad, I
would want people to get more comfortable with looking right at people and accepting them for
who they are, we look past so many people everyday and sometimes a smile or simple word of
encouragement is all someone needs to make their day better.