Love Inspired Books discussion

As a nurse, I took care of stroke patients a lot. I know how important early intervention and rehab is to the patients' prognosis and future well-being. I visited a nursing home recently where animals were part of emotional therapy for the residents. The animals actually lived in the facility with the patients and it was amazing how much lower patients' blood pressures, anxiety levels were among the patients who interacted with the facility pets. It sparked the story idea for Steadfast Soldier.

Also, I had a black Lab growing up and his name was Midnight. We had him for seventeen years and he was truly a part of the family. I miss him to this day. My parents still have photos up of him on their wall. Remembering Midnight's temperament, I thought what a wonderful therapy animal he would be. So I started researching the subject and pretty soon the book was born.

I have received so many letters from readers, telling me stories of their own beloved pets. I have been so blessed, touched and entertained by those letters. I hope you will share a brief note about a pet who has enriched your life in some way. I love hearing from readers!

I hope you enjoy Chance, Chloe and Midnight's story! It is available now, wherever books are sold. Thank you for visiting with me today and don't forget to share something about your favorite pet.

Warmly, Cheryl Wyatt

I really loved this story. I am not sure I would cope well with a dog for therapy as I am scared of them. But I did love the story. Midnight seems quiet so I may have been ok. At the nursing home mum is at they have or had 2 cats I think ones been rehoused. They wander around and I know a couple of ladies really love them as they sit on there laps and seem to soothe the ladies. They also do a visit with a dog every so often also.
Its winter and I think thats when I miss a cat most. having a cat by the fire is just what should happen.
I use to sit in a bean bag by the fire often at night.
Horse (named after the cat in a comic strip footrot flats but nothing like that cat and use to belong to the neighbours) would be asleep on the chair. I would sit in the beanbag and sure enough Horse would come and sit with me often taking over my area!

What a neat story, Jenny. Sorry to hear that you're scared of dogs.

I grew up on a 5 acre animal farm in Illinois. Alot of exotics later on. When I was down I would often go and sit with the white tailed deer or horses. Of course deer can be sweet but also unpredictable. They are still a wild animal. One day as I visited with them one reared up and laid her razor sharp hoof on my face, I was okay though :-). My favorites were our "Jesus" donkeys. the miniature donkeys actually have a cross shaped pattern along their backs. I live in town now so the 24 birds in the house and 2 dogs are what I have. I always wanted acres and horses but the good Lord knew if I had those I would never associate with people.

I have collected all your books Cheryl and will read them all at once. I read one and will read it again in the order it was written.

Thanks everyone for your comments and readership. Happy new year!

I loved this book, Cheryl. The characters were so real and I adored Midnight. Thanks for sharing how the story came about!