I started writing childrens stories in my 30’s. The stories
were inspired by the events in my childrens lives. My children experienced
bullying, divorce, and the death of a classmate. The story Drewsilla the
Shelter puppy is also a true story. My daughter and son inlaw were looking for
a dog to adopt.
Drewsilla, chose them as they walked by her cage. Drewsilla, was a very shy, withdrawn dog. She
and her litter mates had been abandoned with their mother who had been hit by a
car and left to die. The puppies were taken to the local shelter to be taken
care of.
The reason I chose to have Drewsilla’s story published was
due to a chance meeting of a local established author. This author had come to
my place of business celebrating her new book that had just been released. We
struck up a conversation that changed my life.
I had told her that I had written a series of childrens
books and attempted to publish them 20 years ago. I had received good reviews
but at that time most publishers were not using outside writers.
Drewsilla was the most current story and I decided to take a
chance and self publish.
I chose Archway Publishing. I used actual photos for the
illustrations and they captured the characters very accurately. I included
actual photos at the end of the book of Drewsilla with her new family.
This book was my way of testing the waters. I am thrilled
with the way it came out. I was able to tell my story on a local program, Great
Day SA, here in San Antonio, Texas.
I am working on illustrations for my series as of this
writing.
About the Author
Karen Carew Oakes, has been writing for many years and her articles have been included in the Lutheran Advent, as well as an article in several magazines. She is a mother and grandmother. She lives in Helotes, Texas with her two schnauzers Ella and Mackenzie. Her stories are based on true experiences her children encountered growing up.
Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/karencarewoakes.
About the Book:
When
Drewsilla and her siblings are tiny puppies, an accident steals their mother
away. A kind stranger rescues them and takes them to a shelter, where the staff
works around the clock to care for the pack of newborns. Soon, her brothers and
sisters begin to thrive. Drewsilla has a beautiful black coat, intelligent
eyes, and ears that stand straight up.
Drewsilla,
though, is scared. She seems afraid of everyone and everything and hides in the
back of her cage when families come to visit. As her friendly siblings each get
adopted, lonely Drewsilla remains. The staff even worries that she might never
find a home. Then, one day, something amazing happens.
The Johnsons
come to the shelter to look at another dog and see Drewsilla, who miraculously
finds the courage to stop hiding and say hello. All shelter dogs deserve the
chance to find a loving family, and this is the true story of Drewsilla -- how
she overcomes her fears, finds her family, and gets a second chance at a happy
life.
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