New Book by Local Author Explores the Human-Canine Connection

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local author Patricia A. Nugent has published her third book, “Healing with Dolly Lama: Finding God in Dog.” 

The book, Nugent says, is a fulfillment of a promise made to the heavens when her puppy suffered a near-fatal accident and reflects upon her experiences with the puppy who became her beloved companion and muse.

Exploring the human-canine connection and the divinity found in everyday lives, it is the story of how healing can come from unexpected sources.

After a long career in public school administration, Nugent was looking forward to retirement without obligation and deadlines. But then she was gifted a puppy by a well-meaning colleague. According to Nugent, she neither wanted nor needed this puppy. Until she almost lost her. 

Nugent begged the Universe to save her puppy, promising that they would “do something good” if Dolly survived the fall. Drawn from her private journals, that promise became this book –

Nugent’s previous books include “They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad,” and “Before They Were Our Mothers.” 

A reading will be held at noon on Dec. 5 at the Presbyterian New-England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs. The theme of the reading is “Angels Among Us,” and 20% of all book sales will be donated to Community Outreach Court, a local project assisting homeless people charged with nonviolent offenses. 

“Healing with Dolly Lama” is available at Northshire Books. For more information, go to: journalartspress.com/healing-with-dolly-lama.