Author Cindy Rogers lives in Georgia on a farm that is a sanctuary for rescued animals, as well as a center for yoga and wellness retreats. She had planned to use the farm as a place where people could be in relationship with animals, the gardens and themselves.’ COVID-19 quashed that idea, but there was a positive aspect: a stray dog appeared and gradually Cindy and the dog became fast friends. As Cindy states on her website, ‘During those early pandemic months she was my constant companion, and I couldn’t imagine leaving her behind when I received the joyful news that my daughter was expecting back in Los Angeles. So I decided to bring her with me, and build a life with her in Santa Monica with my family including my baby grandson.’
Popular Copenhagen artist Ros Webb provides the fanciful and tender illustrations for this ‘together story,’ a book that will not only please children but will also be a touching story for adults to treasure. Maybel is a country hound who finds an unlikely forever home in this story about rescue, friendship, love and staying wild. The story, shadowing Cindy’s relationship with her pet, escorts the reader from the Georgia farm, through the trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, to Los Angeles and the beaches of Santa Monica. Written with uplifting prose, this beautiful book reminds us of the importance of caring, nurturing friendships, and finding love – while staying ‘wild at heart.’. Recommended.