Orysia Dawydiak

My latest project has finally hatched after a very long incubation. Rika’s Shepherd, a fictional story based on my decades of work with Akbash Dogs, had been simmering in my brain since the early 90’s. The first draft was completed in 1997 while I was on a leave of absence from my job at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, PEI. During that year I also completed a first draft of House of Bears, which was published in 2009. This writing process can take a very long time for some of us writers. Now it’s 2018 and another of my darlings has been launched from the nest.

Yes, that is an Akbash Dog puppy on the cover. The owner is Rika, a teenager who lives on a PEI dairy and sheep farm. This is the story of a girl who loves animals, who learns to deal with failures and loss, and discovers the importance of forgiving and being forgiven. This is also a story about these unique and beautiful dogs and how they can be our teachers if we are open to learning. I am one of those students, stubborn at first, but who eventually recognized the gifts our animal companions offer to us so freely.

The actual book launch won’t happen until September 22, 2018 at the Confederation Centre Library. In the meantime the book is available in print and electronic versions from The Acorn Press and Amazon.ca. Eventually I’ll add it to my home page for one-click on-line purchase, but I need a refresher on how to do that! You see, I am a perpetual student and not afraid to ask for help 🙂