As a retired steelworker and someone who loves animals and children, I decided to combine the two in a book series where they can help each other. I volunteer my time at Reins of Life, a therapeuti...view moreAs a retired steelworker and someone who loves animals and children, I decided to combine the two in a book series where they can help each other. I volunteer my time at Reins of Life, a therapeutic riding stable, where I am a caretaker of the horses and assist in the riding classes. I have also spent time at Washington Park Zoo as a volunteer helper and have been an aide for teachers at elementary school classes. I was a pet groomer for twelve years, so I had spent some time in the shelter, grooming pets to make them more adoptable. Being a mother of two sons, two grandsons, and a step-granddaughter has helped me come up with the idea of using animals as an imaginary guide.view less