This is Lizzie, a sweet West Highland Terrier, that I had the pleasure of taking care of a couple of years ago while my dear friend, Suzanne, battled cancer. I never had any intention of writing a second children’s book but after spending quality time with Lizzie, it became obvious that I need to share Lizzie with the world!
To be absolutely honest with you, I had known Lizzie for quite a few years. She was one of four Westies that Suzanne had….Katie, Max, Maggie and Lizzie. Katie was the “leader of the pack” but when she passed away, Lizzie took over the “alpha dog” role. Max and Maggie were such sweet dogs but if Lizzie saw them getting too much attention, she would intervene quite aggressively to the point that the other dog would slink away. For that reason, I never really warmed up to Lizzie whenever I was visiting with Suzanne.
Suzanne and Lizzie
My coolness towards Lizzie, quickly thawed when I brought her to my home and started spending time with her. By the time this all happened, Lizzie was an “only dog.” After spending time with her, I really believe that she should have been an “only dog” all along. With no “competition” nearby, she was really the sweetest dog and I quickly fell in love with her.
Poor Lizzie!!! When I first picked Lizzie up to stay with me, she had been at a wonderful kennel for two weeks. Then, another friend of Suzanne, had taken Lizzie for a week. That friend had a yellow lab, which Lizzie, I think felt she had to “control.” It wasn’t the best match.
I picked Lizzie up on a Saturday in Augusta, Maine and took her back to my home in Cape Elizabeth. We arrived in the early evening, in time for her dinner. 
I love this photo of Lizzie….we had just arrived and she was looking up at me as if to say “Oh my goodness, where am I now????”
This photo was later in the evening and I think that she realized that she could relax and that she would be safe for awhile.
Lizzie and I quickly bonded and got into a routine. We spent time walking on nearby beaches.
Snuggling….
She made herself very comfortable while staying with me and honestly, she got away with so much that I would never allow a small child to get away with!!! Look at that sweet face!!! How could I say “no?” 
In Lizzie’s Lesson, the message to children is, “When things change and I feel sad, I will always remember good comes from bad!” In the book, I shared scenarios that I though children could face while growing up….friends moving away, getting hurt and having to go to the Dr, changing teachers each new year and finally, having a sick family member. Some of the situations, Lizzie actually experienced….her mommy got sick and Lizzie actually got hurt on my watch. I was devastated….she cut her paw in the park and I had to rush her to the vets. She was fine but as you can see, she had quite the bandage! 
Since writing Lizzie’s Lesson, I have decided to add two more books for a series of 4 books…Brave Nellie, Lizzie’s Lesson….soon to come a book about my brother’s French Bulldog, Jack.
The fourth book will be about Nellie, Lizzie and Jack going on an adventure together! So stay tuned for more announcements.
Lizzie’s Lesson is now available on Amazon:
and Barnes and Noble…
Release parties for Lizzie’s Lesson are happening:
Sunday, December 4, 2016, 2:00 – 4:00 PM in the afternoon.
Scrummy Afters Candy Shoppe, 136 Water Street, Hallowell, ME
and
Sunday, December 11, 2016, 2:00 – 4:00 PM in afternoon.
Cape Elizabeth Methodist Church, 280 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME
Book signings are being held:
Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Maine General Medical Center’s Gift Shop, 35 Medical Center Pkwy, Augusta, ME
and
Friday, December 16, 2016 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Inland Hospital’s Gift Shop, 200 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, ME
I hope to see all of my friends from Maine….and nearby NH, MA at one of these events!
It is my hope that Lizzie’s Lesson will touch at least one child’s heart and help them get through a challenging time by realizing that good does come from bad. Thanks to the stories that people have shared with me, Brave Nellie has done just that. It is those stories of how my book has helped children face challenges that make it all worthwhile!
I wish you blessing!
What a doll, Sharalyn! And the book is wonderful…so excited for you! Can’t wait to read the next story…
Thank you, Lori! I had my first of four signings yesterday and already, I have received wonderful feedback. It was a fun day yesterday. I am looking forward to the next 3 signings. I so appreciate your well wishes!