MINDY WASHINGTON has been listening to dogs’ secrets for most of her life.  These confidences have rarely been shared with others; but now, with the persuasion and encouragement of her friends, Ms. Washington has gathered together some of the most poignant, funny and touching communications between dog and Deity ever penned (pawed?).  Discover a dog's thoughts and see how humans and canines share more of the sacred than you'd suppose.

" A unique triumph in the annals of confessional literature" -Professor Grover T. Wunderhund

"Buy this book. I will NOT say this again. "

-Melon C.P. Del Sol (Chihuahua/Corgi mix, age 19- or thereabouts).

" 'Dogs' Letters... ' is divine! You do not want to miss this book." -Rev. R.T. Weiler

MINDY WASHINGTON has been listening to dogs’ secrets for most of her life.  She has worked with animals since she was young when she started a “bug hospital” in her Mother’s garage.  She is a State and Federally licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator and founder/director of Heart of the Wild Rehabilitation Centre and Sanctuary Inc.  She is also co-founder and Vice President of Rocky’s Fund Dog Rescue/Welcome Home Sanctuary Inc.  She worked for 10 years as a veterinary technician.  She is the author of two stage plays, has been an actress for over 25 years and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.  She lives with her husband, composer Gary Washington, the dogs and other animals on Long Island’s beautiful East End.

Dear goD,

I love being alive.  Really.  There is so much magic, so many things to sniff on the wind, noises to hear and know.  I am so grateful to be alive, too.  After that big metal monster sent me flying into the air, I didn’t think I would live.  I couldn’t feel any of my legs, and my eyes were the only things I could move.  I wasn’t sure what had happened.

But I was saved from despair – and I loved playing the guessing game as I lay there all those weeks.  What were they saying?  What did they want?  Could we play now?  Treats now? 

I love to jump and be goofy, although my human mom thinks I can’t help but be goofy because of “The Accident”.  I just think it’s so much fun!

And goD?  Thank you for making green, green grass and mud, and so much stuff to smell!  Thanks for rats, and roosters and car noises to bark at and food – thanks loads for that.  And thanks for sending me to these people who made me well again.  We have the best times.  When she kisses me right between the eyes, where my nose slopes upwards, it makes me shiver with joy.  I just love that!

I don’t remember anything before “The Accident”, but things are so specially good now, how bad could that have been – the time before? Hah!  There goes a butterfly -thanks for those too, goD.  They’re beautiful.  And the sunsets.  Everyday I get to watch one, well, it’s just special.  Did you know each sunset has its own very distinct scent?  Pure pleasure.

You did a fine job, goD.  Thanks.

Leihke.

Dear goD,

You should have told the Angels I was ticklish. Anyway, it all happened so very quickly, and then I couldn’t see my Mom anywhere, but I could hear her crying.  I am still not sure what exactly happened, but I know I am someplace else now, nearer to you.  I am searching for a way to talk to Mom and let her know where I am.  Except I am not sure, quite, where that is.  I can feel her near me, but it’s like we are in two different universes, is that possible?  Like we are right next to each other, but somehow can’t touch or speak.

It was scary at first, but now I am sort of used to the quiet around here, the peace, the soft feeling of being here.  It’s, um, gentle, I guess would be a good way to describe it.   I can hear my Mom but can’t see her, or reach out to her.  Can you help?  I think she needs to hear from me.

Mom, if you can hear me in some way, please don’t cry.  I loved you so, I am not sure what separated us but we will find each other again, I know it.  goD wouldn’t make us stay apart forever.  The Angels wanted to play so very much, they wouldn’t let me stay you see.  We have had nice times together here, but I so want to see your face again and rub against your cheek like I used to when we went to bed.  Remember, you used to squeal in a high voice and say “What am I, a woim?”  You know you aren’t a worm, even though I used to like to roll in them too.  You made me giggle inside when you said that.  Now I miss you.  But the Angels and I have nice times together, and I feel like I am on vacation.

Dear goD, please tell Mom I am okay and will see her again soon.  Tell her to be on the lookout for me in everything she sees and does.  Make sure she doesn’t cry, and let her know I have not forgotten her; I’m just away for a short while.  Please comfort her and keep her in your heart until I can rub against her cheek again.  Thanks.

Hammer