The Author . . .

Hi, I’m Joellyn! ​

​I love dogs! They know how to love big, be brave, and find joy in the smallest sniff of kindness. Dogs are smart — not the kind of smart that solves math problems, but the kind of smart that understands moods and moments. They learn routines faster than we do, remember every hiding spot for treats, and somehow always know which person in the room needs a little extra love. They can tell the difference between a laugh that says “play with me" and silence that says "I’m trying not to cry”. They don’t fix a problem — they simply stay at your side, waiting for you to figure out your feelings. And in that wordless companionship, they create a space where you are loved for who you are, not for who you think you should be. 

 

I live in Wisconsin, where the snow gets deep and the summers get warm. With the supervision of my gigantic floofy poodle — Murphy — I write stories about real-life dogs. While I tap the keyboard, Murff snoozes on a fluffy rug positioned exactly where the sunlight makes his hair look extra fabulous. Like me, Murphy believes every pup has a tale worth telling, especially the ones who are a little lost or lonely. When I write, I try to imagine the world through a dog's eyes. Sometimes Murphy adds his two cents, like he did in Fur-Ever Friends, where he is not just part of the story, he is the narrator!

 

The dogs in my books are more than just imaginary characters — they are real dogs who have claimed a place in my life and in the lives of people near and dear. Individually, each dog has a real-life story of courage, kindness, and unqualified friendship. Their stories felt too powerful not to share. Their stories matter. Because a homeless mama dog can teach us about resilience, and her overlooked pup shows us the best is often saved for last. Because a gentle Golden Retriever can help someone feel seen. Because two scruffy rescue dogs can validate what true friendship looks like.

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Fur-Ever Friends came from love, loss, grief, and joy. The book honors love lessons learned from Gucci and Bella, two very special Goldendoodles who enjoyed wonderfully long lives with my sister and I. Gucci and Bella showed us, while you will never forget your first love, there is room in your heart for new love. And — because of Gucci and Bella — Murphy and Georgia proved to us that even the most broken hearts can be healed with a best friend by your side.

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I hope my stories make you smile, make you wonder, and maybe even make your heart feel a little more full. Most of all, I hope my stories help kids understand that kindness matters, and that even the smallest act of caring can change a life — whether it belongs to a person or a pup.​​