Sallie Dawkins

I am thrilled to share some exciting news that’s close to my heart—my first non-fiction children’s book, Judy the Service Dog, is officially here! I poured my heart into this project, which was inspired by my journey with my incredible service dog, Judy, whom I partnered with in April through America’s VetDogs.
 

America’s VetDogs is an esteemed, ADI-approved program that provides service dogs to individuals in need. With my ongoing medical issues related to nervous system dysregulation, Judy has become an invaluable companion and partner, helping me navigate daily challenges. For military veterans and first responders like myself, service dogs represent so much more than companionship; they are essential partners in managing conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and a range of disabilities.

Through Judy the Service Dog, my goal is to highlight the crucial role service dogs play in our lives and the immense benefits they offer. This book goes beyond a simple story—it is an educational resource filled with beautiful illustrations that capture our shared moments and everyday adventures.

In the book, we explore important topics such as:

• The differences between service dogs and emotional support animals
• How the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) supports individuals with disabilities
• Appropriate etiquette for interacting with service dogs in various settings

I firmly believe that knowledge is power, and I hope that parents, teachers, and librarians use this book as a tool to discuss these essential topics with children. By fostering an understanding of what service dogs do and the profound impact they can have, we can contribute to a more compassionate world.

I invite you to join me on this journey with Judy. Together, let’s encourage conversations around disabilities, celebrate the greatness of service dogs, and share the simple yet vital aspects of etiquette that can make a significant difference.

I am excited for you to read Judy the Service Dog and to share this important message with others! I encourage you to leave an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads, as your feedback will not only offer social proof but also help other readers discover this heartfelt book.

Here are some of the wonderful reviews Judy the Service Dog has received so far:

1. “Judy the Service Dog balances the emotional connection between handler and dog with clear, age-appropriate explanations of how service dogs are trained and what tasks they perform. Without feeling like a formal lesson, this book naturally conveys respectful ways to interact with service animals in public spaces, reinforcing empathy and social awareness.” – Carol Thompson, Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars

2. “The photo-style illustrations have a gentle look that makes the story feel extra comforting and real for children of all ages. As an educator, I find Judy the Service Dog is ‘paw-fect’ for units on animals, disabilities, or community helpers, and fits right into any early childhood or elementary classroom.” – Jennifer Senick, Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars

3. “Judy the Service Dog by Sallie Dawkins is a heartwarming, educational, and child-friendly book designed to teach young readers about the importance of respect and awareness toward service animals. Judy's heartfelt bond with Sallie, her handler, is used to explore profound themes such as trust, teamwork, and mutual care in a way that is both genuine and easy to visualize.” – Ibraim Asian, Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars

Let’s spread this important message together!