Mattie, Milo, and Me: A Memoir

Anne's journey with Milo, a dog with aggressive behavior, takes her from dog school to the deep woods, strengthening her ability to love and facing the choice of closing the door to that part of her heart or risking loving another dog after two tragic losses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2024
Publisher: She Writes Press

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, but 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 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 is 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?
Anne's journey begins in an abusive home, leading to severe depression and a determination to be a better mother. One of her sons, a young boy, has always wanted a dog, but Anne is hesitant. She tries to appease him with creatures in cages and tanks, but on his tenth birthday, she can no longer say no and falls in love with their new four-legged family member, Mattie. However, Mattie's life is tragically cut short, and Anne's depression deepens. In an attempt to cope, she adopts Milo, a dog who has been returned to the rescue by several families due to his aggressive behavior. Despite knowing the risks, Anne is determined to give Milo a chance at a good life. Anne's journey takes her from dog school to the deep woods as she works tirelessly to rehabilitate Milo and be a good mother to her sons. Through her experiences with Milo, Anne learns to love and grows stronger. Ten years later, when Milo dies, Anne faces a difficult decision: close the door to that part of her heart or risk loving another dog after two tragic losses.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647426224