Hi friends! This week I’m thrilled to welcome back my fellow author and friend, Jill Kemerer. If you aren’t familiar with Jill or her books, you’re in for a treat! I had the pleasure of hanging out with Jill last month.
We spent the day in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It’s lovely there if you haven’t been. We talked about writing, books we love to read, and life. It’s always a special treat catching up with someone who understands writing and all that goes into it. Today, Jill’s sharing an inside peek at the research she did for her K-9 COMPANIONS series. Hope you’ll enjoy and be sure to leave a comment to enter her giveaway!
Picture a roly-poly puppy—a fluffy golden retriever, a spaniel, or a Saint Bernard. I don’t know about you, but I can’t help oohing and aahing over them. They’re so cute! Dogs are one of the most popular pets for a reason. Their loyalty and affection brighten our days.
I have a mini-dachshund, Sophie, who is almost thirteen years old. I love my little nine-pound writing buddy. She’s either by my side or on my lap all the time! In fact, right now she’s curled around my shoulders on the back of the couch.
I’m amazed at all the wonderful things dogs can do, especially when it comes to being of service. Rescue dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, police dogs—they make such an impact not only on their owners but on the community, too.
For instance, I recently read an article in the Oklahoman about dogs helping grieving families in Uvalde, Texas. The organization, Lutheran Church Charities, sent K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Teams to support the families. You can read the full article “Meet Miriam: The Kingfisher Therapy Dog Sent to Comfort Families After Ulvade Shootings” for more information. What a wonderful way to help—even in a small way—people who are devastated by tragedy.
Veterans suffering from PTSD are able to function better with their specially-trained dogs. People with various health problems rely on service dogs for many things, including helping with routine tasks or alerting them to changes in blood pressure. Then there are seeing eye dogs that act on behalf of their blind owners to help them navigate daily life.
Even when dogs aren’t trained to perform life-saving tasks, they are blessings. Therapy dogs bring joy to people of all ages. When my children were young, they wanted a dog but we weren’t ready for the commitment at that time. Our library hosted special children’s programs where kids could read to a canine. Both of my children loved it, and it made them look forward to reading.
Love Inspired publishes a K-9 COMPANIONS series each year. There are ten books in 2022, and my book Guarding His Secret is the June 2022 release. I loved researching and writing this one. I learned so much about what medical-alert dogs can do and about the general training process for all K-9 companion dogs. These dogs truly are blessings!
Do you have a dog or pet? What kind do you have?
To celebrate the release of Guarding His Secret, I’m hosting a giveaway. One commenter will receive a copy of Guarding His Secret. (US residents will receive an autographed paperback; international winners will receive an ebook.) Thank you!
He’s hiding something…
Can a special K-9 encourage him to reveal all?
When a family crisis leaves rancher Randy Watkins caring for a surprise baby nephew, he turns to longtime friend Hannah Carr for help. But Randy has a heart condition—a secret he’s determined to hide…until Hannah’s clever retired service dog threatens to expose it. As friendship turns to something more, can Randy trust Hannah with the truth?
Click HERE for Purchase Links and More
Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town romance novels often featuring cowboys. Over half a million of her books have sold worldwide. Jill’s essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books, her mini-doxie, and long walks outdoors. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. For more information, visit her website, jillkemerer.com.
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Dogs are amazing creatures. We’ve had several over the years. At the moment our grand-dog lives with us. She’s a 2year old, 16# golden doodle and brings lots of joy and cuddles.
Aww, golden doodles are such happy dogs! We have several in our neighborhood. Enjoy!!
I have a polydactyl cat. The best friend ever!
Those are so cute! They look like they have thumbs! Give your sweetie a cuddle for me!
I don’t have a pet of my own but have had the immense pleasure of volunteering on a few occasions with Canine Partners for Life. They raise and train dogs as service animals. The things these dogs are able to do are just remarkable.
Wow, I’m impressed. What a blessing you are to volunteer for such a great cause! I agree–these dogs are remarkable!
I’m a dog girl all the way. It amazes me how God created them to be helpful companions to us.
Yes! They are so comforting and wonderful!
Due to allergies to all things that swim, fly, crawl, bark, meow, etc .
is the reason why I do not and won’t have an animal.
The main reason is that it will put me in the hospital or
talking with Jesus.
I also have chronic asthma.
I’m so sorry you have severe allergies. Please, stay away from the pets! We need you around!
Dogs are God’s special gift to people to comfort them, to protect them, to help them, etc. We had a dog when we were first married, and she was a tremendous companion when my husband was out of town on business trips. She alerted us by barking that someone was approaching our apartment and later our house, she alerted me that I had something on the stove that needed attention, she caught a Peeping Tom one time in our apartment complex, and she kept me warm and calm during a power outage during an ice storm (when my husband was traveling on business). She comforted my mother after my father died. She was fun, cuddly, and protective.
Your dog sounds like the ultimate helper. I’m with you–they are so good at alerting us to all kinds of potential problems–strangers, stove troubles, and fear. I’m glad you had her.
Welcome back to the blog, Jill! I loved learning about Miriam, the therapy dog who provides comfort. And I love that your book is part of Love Inspired’s K-9 Companions series this year. That’s awesome! Congrats and all my best wishes with Guarding His Secret. 🙂
Hi Becky! I loved Miriam, too! I’m always astounded at how many generous people there are in this world who are willing to take time to help others. Thank you so much!!
Ah, pets. They keep us going. My husband struggles with anxiety. Over the years, we’ve had cats and dogs both, but the cat we have now is definitely Daddy’s girl. He doesn’t feel relaxed until Monet has spent her Daddy-time on his lap. It really does help to stroke and cuddle a pet! Your book sounds wonderful! I am amazed at what service dogs can do!
Aww, Monet! I love that name, and I love that she soothes her daddy! I agree–petting a cat or dog is so calming!
We’ve had many dogs over the years, a few cats and one bird. Our current dog is a rescue (most have been) and is just the sweetest little mix. He’s part Australian cattle dog and part beagle, we think. He’s been great with the grand kids and lets them do just about anything to them – except lick in the face 🙂
Your dog sounds so cute! I’m guessing he’s got some energy if he’s part cattle dog and part beagle! Love that he’s so into the grandbabies!
We have a cat named Luna. She is a rescue who was abused and abandoned. It took us a long time to win her trust. We have had numerous pets through the years that have passed on. Luna is our only one for now.
Poor, sweet Luna! I’m so glad you were patient with her. Kitties are so darling!
Thank you for this post.
I have enjoyed the K-9 books over the years and it is fun to see this piece by Jill.
We have had a series of dogs over the years who are part of the family as well as protecting the cattle herd from coyotes and other dangers. Strangely breed does not always matter but personality does.
We are now in town with a Golden Doodle who thinks she needs us.
Ooh, Jen, I love hearing from you! Since I write about cattle ranchers, it’s great to hear from someone with hands-on experience. I’m sure your dogs were worth their weight in gold. And Golden Doodles are such happy, loving dogs–enjoy her and living in town!
We have two rescue dogs. They were rescued in Eleuthera, Bahamas, sent to Ontario Canada for fostering and we adopted them from there. They are siblings, from the same litter. We just wanted one, but ended up with both…we love them and belong to them now. Their breed is Royal Bahamian Potcake, so we have a prince and princess living with us 🙂
I am going to look up that breed! Wow, so you have international doggies. I love it! Royalty!
🙂 Prince Barney and Princess Hershey. Potcakes are the feral dogs of the island. The breed was made official a few years back. Mine two are mix of lab, shepherd and rat terrier. 🙂
Prince Barney and Princess Hershey! I love it!! Adorable!
Our oldest son has a Golden Retriever, which we get to “dog sit” a few times a year, which we enjoy. Would love to win a print copy! Thank you for this opportunity to enter an exciting giveaway!
It is so kind of you to dog-sit. I’m sure they appreciate it. My mom and my wonderful in-laws dog-sit our mini-dachshund when we go on vacation. I don’t know what I’d do without them!
My family did not have any pets when I was growing up. Since then I’ve only had one pet, a cat that a neighbor had abandoned. He is very well-behaved and affectionate.
I’m sure your cat is a perfect gentleman! How cute!
I have a precious ten year old toy poodle named Missy. She is very attuned to my feelings and is a great comfort and can also be very silly. I love stories about K-9’s. It’s fascinating how they can turn serious to do their jobs then in their down time be silly goofballs. Blessings, Linda
Aww, she sounds like a therapy dog herself! My Sophie is the same. She always knows when I’m feeling blue or under the weather.
Our dog Java is a boiken spaniel. She has so much energy!
Aww! I had to look it up–pretty dog! And I love the name Java!
I don’t have a pet but I have 3 grand dogs, 1 great grand dog and 2 grandcats!
The best kind! You can love on them and let their pet parents do the hard work!
Sounds a heart warming story that will tug at your heartstrings. The perfect read for dog lovers everywhere!
I hope so!! Thank you!
I have a cat and chickens. Thank you for sharing. Blessings
A cat AND chickens! Love it!! That’s so much fun!
I have a fondness for all dogs, my most favorite is my Mini doxie, Zippy! He is a red long hair sweetie. He lost his tail shortly after birth so he only has a little 4 inch stub. He is my best friend and is always by my side in not on my lap.
K-9 books are some.of my favorites to read. I am a definite pet lover. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to pet-sit for many pet owners over the years and those precious ones all become “mine” too! ❤️.
I have an all black, 14-year-old Pomeranian named Amadeus. Actually, he technically belongs to my dad…but as we live together (I’m full-time live-in caregiver for my dad and grandma), I’m the one who feeds him and my dad has decided Amadeus is definitely my dog now. 😉 Either way, we love him!
I love my kitties, who are good for cuddles, but I have to admit that they’re not as useful and talented as dogs are!
I don’t have pets currently, but we have had a few special ones over the years. I love reading about K9 heroes.
I don’t have any pets! But I love reading the K-9 Books they are amazing Blessings!