Faith of a Spider ~ Memoir of a Pet Sitter
A Note from the Author ~ Chrystal Dodge
Author, Chrystal Dodge and her ten year old Shepherd Grace
Writing Faith of a spider was a labor of love,
much like caring for all the animals in my life. It
took over five years and was originally written as a
children's book for
my grandchildren and future great grandchildren.
I’m 74 and my main interests are first and foremost
my family of three boys, their wives and my four
grandchildren, then Mia my dog, Clint my cat, Zippy
my cockatiel and all animals in general. I still
have a love of horses but am not riding anymore. I
like to garden, read and knit. I’m a Buffalo Bills
fan and enjoy ice skating competition as well as the
sports of the grandchildren. I taught dog obedience
for 34 years and in 1988 started a pet sitting
business called Tip Top Pets, and retired from both
in 2005. Starting the business was a leap of faith
but a spider gave me hope.
The book is a little about my growing up years on a
dairy farm in the foothills of the Allegany
Mountains in New York State and a devastating death
that opened a door to a completely new way of life
as a pet sitter. It’s full of interesting
adventures, some funny, some sad and some downright
dangerous if not for that angel on my shoulder. As a
pet sitter I cared for every animal imaginable with
the most challenging being a wild life preserve with
a persnickety owner where I met Marie, the biggest
raccoon I have ever seen face to face in a dark
loft.
My granddaughter Nicole designed and drew the cover
for Faith of a Spider. I’m very proud of her
accomplishments in art. The book was a finalist in
the Indie Book Awards. I will be signing it in
Jasper, New York in early November at their Arts
festival. My hope is my readers will laugh with me,
cry with me and come into my world for awhile. Hope
to see you there.
I’ve enjoyed the summer with my new 9 month old
German shepherd Mia, although I think she must be
related to Marley! January 13th of this year I lost
my beloved shepherd Grace to cancer. It was heart
breaking. She was my devoted buddy. It’s been cool
and rainy but the lilies, roses and daises I enjoy
growing have their best dresses on and seem to enjoy
it.
The Kiosk on the street in Alfred, New York which I
care for has been going well. It’s called P.A.L. for
Planned Animal Life. The donation box has been
filling up. It started in 1973 with vegetables,
books and magazines and has progressed to donations
of everything from a wire drain cleaner to toy
dinosaurs. It helps disabled people with their
animal care as well as those in need and strays. The
furry ones thank everyone who has helped in some
way.
Bob's grave site with the Volunteer Daisies his Grandson
sent to him |
