In this episode of Dog Works Radio, host Robert Forto welcomes back Dorothy Wills-Raftery, known as the ‘Five Sibes Mom’, to discuss her journey with Siberian Huskies, her new children’s book ‘Wolfie: What is the Rainbow Bridge?’, and the importance of addressing pet loss in a way that resonates with children. Dorothy shares her experiences in writing, illustrating, and the emotional connections that inspire her work, emphasizing the legacy of her beloved dogs and the lessons they impart.
Takeaways
- Dorothy Wills-Raftery is known as the ‘Five Sibes Mom’ due to her five Siberian Huskies.
- Her blog has been active for over 15 years, focusing on Siberian Huskies and canine epilepsy.
- The new book ‘Wolfie: What is the Rainbow Bridge?’ addresses pet loss for children.
- The book was inspired by her grandson’s bond with Wolfie after losing his packmates.
- Dorothy emphasizes the importance of discussing grief with children in a gentle manner.
- The book includes interactive elements like a ‘draw your pet’ section for children.
- Dorothy illustrated the book herself, using a unique artification process.
- She aims to create a comforting narrative for children dealing with pet loss.
- The book has been recognized by the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.
- Dorothy is working on future projects, including more children’s books and a novel.
Sound Bites
- “Wolfie became the lone wolf, the lone dog.”
- “It’s a tribute to their beloved pets.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dog Works Radio and Guest Background
03:48 Dorothy’s Journey with Siberian Huskies
09:24 The Story Behind ‘Wolfie: What is the Rainbow Bridge?’
12:46 Writing for Children: Engaging Young Readers
18:08 Illustration Process and Creative Insights
22:53 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts
