Since a board book written for children is only so big, I decided to include my acknowledgments here. But even here, there are far too many people to thank, so know that if you have ever been a part of my life, ever took care of Faith, or even just said a kind “hello” to her on the street, I’d like to thank you.

Thank you to my dear sweet daughter. Reading you hundreds of children’s books has by far been the biggest influence and inspiration. Your love of books is a wonderful thing and the love you’ve shown for my book means the world to me.

Dan – this book certainly wouldn’t be possible without you. You took such wonderful photos of Faith over the years and I thank you for letting me use them to create this book. Your support in all the hundreds of hours spend on my iPad and on the computer, has been greatly helpful.

Mom and Dad – thank you for raising me with all those animals! You both taught me how to care for and love all animals. You taught me how to be adventurous and you’ve always been supportive of everything I’ve done in life. I am forever grateful and extremely lucky to have you two as my parents. Thank you for EVERYTHING!!

Robin and Pippa – thank you for being such wonderful in-laws. I love whenever people give me that look when I say you’re coming to live with us for a few weeks! I get to correct them and say how it’s a GOOD thing! You both have always been there for all of us and have even helped give advice and thoughts on my book, which is so greatly appreciated.

Jenni – where would I be without you?! Lost – that is for sure. You have always been my best friend that I can count on whenever I need. From playing with My Little Ponies to raising tiny humans, you’ve always been there. Your support means the world to me.

Jene – I’m lucky to have a cousin as one of my best friends! Your book, and your artistic side definitely inspires me to grow myself. You are definitely someone who understands how much I loved Faith and how hard it is to not have her around.

Whitney!! Thanks for living with crazy Faith and helping out with her when I was away. And thanks for your current help and wisdom in the realm of social media! I sure am glad we met at that dog park all those years ago. I don’t care what they say, Craigslist is the best!

Teelair, ma bon amie! You are always an inspiration to me and I am certainly your biggest fan! And when I need a good laugh, I just tell myself the story of you calling me out of work, to come rescue you from “rabid Faith”. 😀

Bobby – you are probably the one person who I feel truly understands the grief of loosing a 4-legged best friend. You are another Craigslist winner and all your hard work with Takipnik reminds me that dreams are achievable. And thanks for letting me put your two pups into the book with Faith – now the world can catch a glimpse of them both.

Jeff – I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough for all your help with Faith over the years. When I wanted to move across the world, the biggest hurdle was what to do with Faith. If I hadn’t found you to watch her, I don’t think there is any way I could have left. I knew she’d be in good hands and she certainly was! And your help didn’t stop there – you carried on dog watching for us (and still do)! Being able to go on vacation, knowing the “kids” are in good hands is a huge relief! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Mary Nitti – thank you so much for sharing all your wisdom! I think I would have had a much longer journey if it weren’t for you. And your “Ooo” book is definitely inspiring and I sure to miss reading it to my baby (even those we still read it now that she’s older 😉 ).

Grandma Fran and Florence – even though you’re both gone, I’m very grateful to have had you in my life. You both were such strong, independent women, and I know some of my best qualities are from you two. Thank you for being such a great influence!

Grandma Mae – you were certainly an influence of strength and independence! You never had the chance to meet Faith, but I think she would have brought a smile to your face.

Brant & Lisa – thank you both so much. Your support means the world to me!

Annie – thank you for hiring me all those years ago. You have taught me much of what I know today, and for that I am very grateful.

To all of Faith’s “friends” over the years – you and your owners are all amazing and wonderful! I can’t recall everyone, but each one of these four-legged creatures played a role in Faith’s life. Many of these dogs are no longer around, but will always be remembered.

Juno, Gilbert, Buff, Attiva, Buddah, Penny, Chance, Sally, Bradley, Summit, Cooper, Bubba, Levi, Utah, Louie, Capone, Romeo, Winter, Brody, Daisy, Dru, Beau, Redley, Max, Lambeau…and sweet Emma, who we will never forget.