We are two animal loving friends who’ve never met in person, but share a kinship for the powerful and profound lessons the animals in our lives have taught us.
It’s an honor to share with you this interview today with author, Peggy Frezon and her new book, Faithfully Yours – The Amazing Bond Between Us and the Animals We Love.
Honored and Grateful Disclaimer: I do have to share with you, my dear readers that my late, dachshund, Frankie’s story is included in Peggy’s book in the chapter about acceptance. It’s so lovely to know Frankie’s story continues to weave its way organically out into the world. I am honored.
Welcome to Joyful Paws, Peggy!
Barbara: I want to start right away by saying I was most interested in the fact that you included in your book, not only stories about dogs and cats, but of other animals too such as a calf, snake, birds, and many more.
The timing for me is perfect because in the last year or so I’ve made it a point to be more conscious about being open to all animal wisdom…even when they aren’t cuddly or cute.
Can you share with us why you chose to include so many species of animals in this book, and not just cats and dogs?
Peggy: Like you, I usually write about dogs. And sometimes a cat or two. For the book, I spoke to people about their bonds with horses, cows, birds, rabbits and other animals. I included these different animals in the book because it helps us see that so many creatures are capable of emotions some people might not give them credit for.
When I learned about the calf who pushed his owner away from a poisonous snake, I don’t think it was just a meaningless reaction. I think that calf really cared about his human enough to want to protect her.
Barbara: What was your inspiration for writing this book?
Peggy: I was doing some research for Guideposts magazine, and I was interested in why we love animals so much, and why animals love us. I wanted to share true stories of the remarkable ways animals comfort, accept, heal, and love us, as well as stories of so many remarkable people who comfort, accept, heal and love animals.
Barbara: One story that I was especially drawn to is “Nature Walk Discovery” and how a naturalist at Trails Carolina provides therapeutic help for troubled boys and girls. The fact that a snake taught a young many an important lesson was fascinating. I had something similar happen to me over the summer. Can you share more about why you felt it important to share this story?
Peggy: I love the story about Trails Carolina program, because I love that the teacher, Steve, helps kids look at animals in a new way. He shows them that snakes, rats, and bugs aren’t disgusting. He told me that it’s always a rewarding moment when that light bulb goes off, and a child is willing to touch, or even hold, the snake that it once feared. I have to tell you that I also fear snakes, and I think of this story whenever I encounter one in my yard or on a walk with the dogs. I’m not quite to the point where I want to hold them, but I don’t run away screaming anymore!
Barbara: You also share a story about how a woman helped a tarantula cross the road. I had a big shiver run through my body reading this story. As much as I want to stay open to what all animals can teach me, I admit I would have a hard time going anywhere near a tarantula. What do you want readers to take away from sharing stories about animals we may fear?
Peggy: I hope readers take away that the animals they may fear are just there doing what they were put here on earth to do. If we leave them alone and let them go about their business, it’s usually best for all of us. We might even come to appreciate them as beautiful and amazing creatures
Barbara: Do you think there is one, overriding lesson that all animals can teach us? If so, what do you feel that is?
Peggy: Wow good question. Every animal has a varying capacity to love or to rescue or to comfort humans. I think the overriding lesson animals can teach us is to treat animals–and each other–with compassion. Treat others the way your most beloved pet treats you.
Animals have feelings. I’m not saying they experience the entire range of emotions as humans, but many animals experience joy, fear and pain. And love. They deserve to be treated with understanding and dignity. And one cool thing about the book is that there are dozens of stories about people who are doing amazing things to care for animals.
Barbara: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us today?
Peggy: Some stories are of everyday pets in common situations that many of us relate to…while others are stories of heroic rescues and amazing feats. Some of the stories are funny, while others are spiritual, because I feel that animals often display traits that reflect God’s love for us.
Thank you, Peggy for being here today as part of your blog book tour and sharing your new book and love of all God’s creatures with us.
Enter to Win a Copy of FaithFully Yours!
For a chance to win a copy of Peggy’s new book just leave a comment below. If you’d like more chances to win, feel free to visit the other blog tour stops from last week and yet tomorrow, and leave a comment for more chances to win! But do so by the end of the day of October 9th!
Tues 9/29- Earl’s World
Wed 9/30- Cindy Lu’s Muse
Thur 10/1- Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries and Meows
Fri 10/2- Pet Product Review
Sat 10/3- Talent Hounds
Sun 10/4- The Writer’s Dog
Mon 10/5- Pooch Smooches
Tues 10/6- Heart Like a Dog
Wed 10/7- Champion of my Heart
Thurs 10/8- Joyful Paws and Talking Dogs
Fri 10/9- Fire Safety Rocks and Five Sibes
Thank you for subscribing to my journal posts.