Episode 28. Katy McQuaid, Author of Everybody Loves Grace.
Katy McQuaid spent 32 years working for the CIA – Yes, that CIA! – and is now an award-winning children’s book author of the Everybody Loves Grace series. Grace is Katy’s Finnish Lapphund dog. (These dogs were actually bred to herd reindeer in Scandinavia!)
Katy’s book series shares Grace’s dog’s-eye-view perspective of their road trips throughout the U.S., the people she meets and the world around her. Grace has a special talent for finding those who seem to need her the most and looking into their eyes and straight into their hearts.
We also hear from a special 5th grade guest who gives us her review of the Everybody Loves Grace books.
Katy & I discuss:
Growing up with Beauregard, the French Poodle;
How Katy started working for the CIA;
How Katy was introduced to the Finnish Lapphund dogs and Tinto;
Life with dogs in Germany;
Making the decision to adopt Grace and how the reality compares to the book version of this story;
How a dog walk inspired Katy to write Grace’s story;
Grace and Tinto’s time together;
What made Katy realize that Grace is a special dog to those she meets;
How Grace got her name;
Lessons from Grace;
That time Grace got lost;
What therapy dog visits looked like during COVID-19;
A sneak peak of Book 6, the Grace plush toy and a program to share Grace’s story with senior citizens;
What the future holds for Katy and Grace; and
Lessons learned on road trips.
Special Guest: Megan
Megan is a 5th grader who loves dogs and reading. Over the summer, Megan read all 5 of the Everybody Loves Grace books and she shares with us her thoughts on the books.
Megan’s Mom told me: Megan has always had a love for dogs and for dogs to be treated well. She has such a passion for them that when she was 6 years old, she started an annual collection for our local humane society. It continues to grow each year. She took the stuffed Grace to school for a day where she was to bring in items about yourself. She told her class about the books and how she can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Where to find Grace and Katy:
Buy the books, the plush Grace and more about Grace & Katy. Book 6 will be available for pre-order on Friday, October 1 at https://www.everybodylovesgrace.com/
Help celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the Believe in Dog Podcast!
Send me your story! Is there a dog in your life – past or present – who has helped you through a hard time (like COVID!) or taught you lessons about life or yourself? Or a dog who has inspired you to do something special in your life? Send me your story for the 2nd Anniversary of Believe in Dog! Send me an email or DM, or voice message with your story by October 20 to be included in the 2nd anniversary episode.
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Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com
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