The Peace Puppy

As one of 67 million Americans who serve as caretakers to their elderly parents, Susan Hartzler cared for her dad for three years, gaining profound insight into Parkinson’s disease and the multifaceted challenges of caregiving. Throughout this period, Hartzler’s rescue dog, Baldwin, a precious gift from her late mom, provided unwavering support.
This memoir offers a personal roadmap for those facing similar caregiving decisions. Thoughtful, tragic, and funny, it shows that, while demanding, caregiving can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially with a dog by one’s side. The author’s story will better prepare others in similar situations and encourage them to consider the value of a canine companion on their caregiving journey.

Susan Hartzler is an award-winning writer, blogger, and a public relations professional. She trains her own dogs, two talented Australian Shepherds who are both working actors and models. She volunteers her time as an evaluator for Therapy Dogs International and escorts her dogs to hospitals and schools to visit children in need.

Susan Hartzler. Series Editor Brian Patrick Duggan
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 233
Bibliographic Info: 18 photos, appendix, index
Copyright Date: 2024
pISBN: 978-1-4766-9482-5
eISBN: 978-1-4766-5332-7
Imprint: McFarland
Series: Dogs in Our World

Acknowledgments vi

Preface 1

Introduction 3

1. Dog Gone It 5

2. Embarking on a New Journey 14

3. Never ­­Fur-get 23

4. Life Is Ruff 36

5. Go, Dog, Go 44

6. For the Love of Dog 50

7. Love Me, Love My Dog 61

8. Bark Side of the Moon 66

9. Nectar of the Dogs 75

10. What Would Baldwin Do? 92

11. The ­­Dog-ter 100

12. Bone Voyage 106

13. Pee Mail 117

14. Yappy Hour 122

15. Dirty Paws 130

16. Doggie Paddling 136

17. Dog Eat Dog 144

18. Pack Loyalty 151

19. Bow Wow 157

20. ­­Paw-ty Animal 162

21. The Peace Puppy 167

22. You Can Teach an Old Dog a New Trick 171

23. Tall Tails 180

24. Downward Dog 187

25. Ruff Skies Ahead 192

26. Paws for Concern 197

27. Peace, Love and Belly Rubs 203

28. Keep Calm and Love Your Dog 209

29. Unleash the Hounds 213

Afterword 216

Appendix 221

Index 225