No. 16 Vol. 4
www.mypaperonline.com
April 2018
Chatham Woman Pens True To Life Children’s Book About Loss Of Her Dog
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By Cheryl Conway hen life-long Chatham resident Penelope Lagos lost her dog she struggled with resources to help her cope. Her pit bull, Cassius “The Legend” Lagos, died in July 17, 2015, after living with her family for almost 16 years. “My dog had severe arthritis and became special needs the last year or so of his life,” says Lagos. “He began having Grand Mal seizures and the vet assumed he had a brain tumor.” Dealing with a loss of any loved one, including a pet, is a difficult process no matter the age. To provide others with some techniques to ease their loss, Lagos has recently written a children’s book- “I Miss My Best Friend.” Lagos, 37, says “I hope the readers, parents and children alike can find some comfort. This is about a pet…but loss in general, animal or person is difficult to deal with. I was looking for resources,” she says, about when her dog passed, and “was wondering how younger children deal with it.” The experience led her to writing her debut book-“I Miss My Best Friend.” Published in October 2017 by Green Tree Publishing in Georgia, the 32-page soft cover children’s book is targeted for those aged 6 to 9, and really anyone who has lost a loved one. The book is inspired by Lagos’ life events and features many true-to life illustrations of Cassius. The book is available through Amazon, with other digital versions online, as well as independent book stores such as Sterling Hallmark in Stirling and Chatham Twp., and Jabberwocky in Chatham. From beginning to end, Lagos took about a year to complete her book. “I wrote it pretty quickly,” says Lagos, “but I revisited it so many times.” The process entailed ensuring the story was directed to a children’s audience, working close-
ly with an illustrator so the text worked with each illustration, finding a publisher and working with an editor. All illustrations, including the book cover, are based on live video footage and real pictures that she shared with the illustrator, says Lagos. At the end of the book, Lagos shares an actual picture of her beloved Cassius, as well as tips on how to deal with loss of a continued on page 2