Mattie, Milo, and Me: A Memoir

Written by Anne Abel

Narrated by Jen Jacob and George Hahn

Anne grew up in an abusive home, leading to severe depression and a determination to do better as a mother. One of her sons wants a dog from the time he is a baby; Anne very much does not. For years she appeases him with creatures who live in cages and tanks, but on his tenth birthday she can no longer say no—and she proceeds to fall in love with their new four-legged family member, Mattie. Then Mattie dies a sudden and tragic death, and Anne feels herself begin to sink back into depression. Trying to cope, she immediately adopts Milo—a dog who, unbeknownst to her, has already been returned to the rescue by several families due to his aggressive behavior. But even after she realizes Milo is dangerous, she’s committed to trying to give him a chance at a good life. Anne’s journey takes the reader from dog school into the deep woods as she perseveres with Milo’s lifelong rehabilitation and her unwavering efforts to be a good mother to her sons. Working with Milo strengthens Anne and expands her ability to love. Ten years later, when Milo dies, Anne faces another choice: close the door to that part of her heart, or risk loving another dog after two tragic losses?

• Language: English
• Publisher: She Writes Press
• Release date: Apr 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9781666658392

Anne Abel

Anne Abel is an author, storyteller, and influencer. Her first memoir, Mattie, Milo, and Me (2024), about unwittingly rescuing an aggressive dog, was inspired by her Moth StorySLAM win in New York City. Her second memoir, High Hopes (2025), is about her solo trip to Australia, at the age of sixty, to follow Bruce Springsteen’s High Hopes Tour as an attempt to stay out of the pit of depression. High Hopes was inspired by her Moth StorySLAM win in Chicago. Anne was also featured in Newsweek’s “Boomer’s Story About How She Met Her Husband of 45 Years Captivates Internet.” She holds an MFA from the New School for Social Research, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a BS in chemical engineering from Tufts University. She has freelanced for multiple outlets over the course of her career.  Anne lives in New York City with her husband, Andy, and their cavapoo, Wendell. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @annesimaabel.

[Nica Nicachu · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book reminded me of the time when we lost a dog for the first time. We didn’t adopt immediately but my dad did after a year. And when our second dog died, a facebook friend was looking for her puppies new home so I got one from her. The grief and transition from one dog to another is so difficult and painful but it was worthwhile. I hope Anne’s able to process her grief.