"There’s no mistake that “dog” is “God” spelled backwards.

Have you ever stopped, slowed down, and thought about what is so magical about dogs?

Why is it so easy to love them?

Why is the beginning of every day as if it were Christmas morning to a dog?

Possibly the greatest teachers in life are dogs. I know that has been true for me. Dogs show us how to love. As you read the many heartfelt stories in this book, you will hear the depth at how dogs have given themselves to their humans even when the humans didn’t do the same. A dog’s heart knows no limits and they don’t pull their love away. It is always there and is as reliable as their loyalty. I challenge you to love yourself and those that mean the most to you the same way your dog loves you. You will discover deep and intimate encounters that the authors have had by sharing their fears, insecurities, and most vulnerable moments with their dogs. There is something magical in how a dog shows up for us when we need it most."

—Ryan Matthews “K-9 Mentalist”



"May all our lives always be filled with wonderful dogs. May we continue to heal them and they us, and have the most positive, symbiotic relationship beyond our wildest dreams. Woof."

—Debbi Dachinger, Compiler of this book



Panel Authors in this amazing interview: Ryan Matthews, Barbara Longue / David Adelson, Hal Price, Leana Orsua, Judy Anderson, Viki Winterton, Suzy Godsey, Marni Hill Foderaro, Michael Burkey, Nancy Sommers, Paola Anderson *

Joan E. Childs, LCSW, has been in clinical private practice as a psychotherapist since 1978, specializing in couple’s therapy, known as ENCOUNTER-CENTERED COUPLES THERAPY.  In addition, she is an expert in Codependency, Inner Child Work, Original Pain Work, and Second Stage Recovery.  She was the first affiliate of the John Bradshaw Center in the United States She is a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-linguistic Programming, Certified EMDR master practitioner, Certified Grief Counselor, Certified Hypnotherapist, and PAIRS LEADER (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills). Childs provides a 2-5 day Intensive for individuals and a 2 day Intensive for couples in crisis.  She has appeared on many national radios and television shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show.  

Joan is the author of THE MYTH OF THE MAIDEN: On Being a Woman (Health Communications, Inc. 1995) and WHY DID SHE JUMP? : My Daughter’s Battle with Bipolar Disorder (Health Communications, Inc., 2014), under contract for a movie, presently in pre-production. She had her own television series, SOLUTIONS, dedicated to the memory of her daughter, Pamela Anne Glassman, providing information and resources for the community, especially for patients and families who have loved ones suffering from mental and mood disorders.  She is the founder of the Pamela Anne Glassman Educational Center, in cooperation with the Mental Health Center of South Florida.

Joan’s third book, I HATE THE MAN I LOVE: A Conscious Relationship is Your Key to Success will be released on October 11, 2020, and the e-book has been released on May 11, 2020.

Joan has published many articles on women’s issues, relationships, and grief and loss that appear in several well-known publications, including The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Your Tango.

Family Medicine trained primary care physician West Suburban Hospital

1st Fellowship completion in Primary Care Sports Medicine at The Center for Athletic Medicine / DePaul University

2nd Fellowship completion with The Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine The University of Arizona

Certified in Medical Acupuncture with The Helms Institute of UCLA

Yoga Teacher Certified with the Deepak Chopra Center in Carlsbad CA

Creator of Mix2UR Cannabis Containers with product launch in November of 2020

Co-authored 3 research papers 1990 with Northwestern University Medical School presented at The International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy

Founded the website Herbal411.com, a library of online information to assist patients find the best sustainable changes to healthy lifestyle. 

Currently working with clients for lifestyle change at The Endorphine Effect Training Center in Bartlett teaching mindfulness, exercise and nutrition. 

Creator of the DrRic Hiking Excursions with annual high altitude trips to 14,000+ ft US summits

Currently working with fitness for all populations by Assessing them, Progressing them and seeing amazing Results. All Right Fit Willowbrook group and private training clients are required to be assessed prior to exercise, this is important so we are able to create a program individualized specifically towards their goals so they see fitness results.

As the Right Fit Willowbrook Fitness Manager I have the privilege to increase clientele for all programs and direct and train trainers to be the best they can be on the floor. As well as create a safe schedule for the Right Fit Trainer Specialists for administrative and training duties. I truly enjoy making sur