Donating A Tale of a Service Animal to Kids Who Deserve Every Smile
There’s a certain kind of joy that hits you right in the chest — the kind that feels like sunrise breaking open after a long night. That’s the feeling I carried with me as I prepared to donate copies of my children’s book, A Tale of a Service Animal, to Shriners Hospital for Children at 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104.
This book was born from my life — from growing up differently abled, from years of traveling the world with my tiny but mighty service dog, CoCo, from the lessons of independence, empathy, and courage she helped me live every single day. Watching that story step off the page and into the hands of children who are fighting their own battles? That’s a blessing I don’t take lightly.
Shriners has always held a place in my heart. Their halls are filled with tiny warriors — kids who know more about strength, patience, and bravery than most adults ever will. To hand them a story that says, “You are seen, you are powerful, and you are not alone,” feels like completing a circle I’ve been walking my whole life.
I’m excited — truly excited — to see this book come alive in their world. To imagine little hands flipping through pages, pointing at the illustrations, laughing at CoCo’s sass, learning what disability etiquette looks like through a lens of love instead of fear. That’s the kind of impact that matters. That’s the kind of seed that grows into kindness.
My hope is simple: that each book lands in the right lap at the right moment. That a child finds comfort in the story. That a parent finds a new way to talk about disability and inclusion. That CoCo’s legacy keeps shining long after her paws are gone from this earth.
This donation isn’t just about giving books. It’s about giving back. It’s about showing up for the next generation the way so many people once showed up for me.
Here’s to Shriners.
Here’s to every young warrior inside those walls.
Here’s to stories that heal, teach, and uplift.
And here’s to the excitement of watching this little book step into the world with purpose.
