Homestretch to Heaven

By Terri Laureta OSF

“Homestretch to Heaven”, written and illustrated by Terri Laureta, OSF, is a children’s book with basic Christian beliefs and offers a reassuring answer about the death of a favored pet. It offers hope to young children (and, perhaps, to grieving adults) that their beloved pets still exist.

The story is about the adventures of “Stretch”, an endearing dachshund. Stretch died and goes to Pet Heaven. Stretch makes delightful and unusual discoveries in Dog Heaven. He enjoys his discoveries and participation in numerous adventures. Members of a dog “choir” rejoice that their howling, not appreciated down on earth, is now considered heavenly music! The thought of an endless supply of popcorn and the total absence of fleas is the cause for great elation.

Stretch is also very aware that his earthly owner, Kevin, is still dubious about the existence of Dog Heaven. This doubt leaves Kevin in an inconsolable state of mind and heart.

The situation is of concern to Stretch, who undertakes a very creative way to solve the problem.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781665502245

Terri Laureta OSF

A native of Molokai, Hawaii, Sister Terri Laureta is a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities in Syracuse, New York. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from The Catholic University of America. Working with young children, Sister Terri found that there were very little resources for helping children grieve the death of a beloved pet. This book seeks to gently help children in dealing with their many questions about life after death. Terri is an artist who delights in experimenting with different art media. She designed a coloring book about the life of Saint Marianne Cope. A clever cartoonist, Terri provided the illustrations and cover design for “Homestretch to Heaven”. Sister Terri also has a master’s degree in music. She specializes in church music and liturgy. Although she plays several musical instruments, her favorite is the piano.

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