Running with Zuri

Yesterday, I was out walking with my 5-year-old Border Collie, Rafiki.

Unusually, he barked strangely at a caretaker at my daughter's school. Unusual because, whilst he is sensitive and reactive to other dogs, he is usually fine with people. I noted the curious tone of his bark and apologised to the caretaker. Strangely though, they were drawn to each other and without a word, the caretaker came closer to Rafiki and Rafiki went to him. They shared a quiet "cuddle" very calm. I asked him if he has a dog and I could see the emotion rise, "not anymore" he whispered.

In this intensely emotional moment in the Monday morning rain and cold, I realised how profound the connection between humans and dogs is. Having recently read the book How Animals Heal us by Jay Griffiths, the interlude with the caretaker reminded me that so many are deeply affected by animals, in this case dogs, I think like me many have a fascination and find the bond intriguing and never tire of hearing more stories of connection. 

Therefore, I am seeking representation for my nonfiction manuscript, Running with Zuri: Reflections of Life with My First Puppy. 

It is a blended memoir with quiet observation and canine curiosity, in this book I am exploring the bond I discovered as a first-time dog owner (ups and downs) and the spirited schnauzer puppy who redefined me literally and figuratively.

As mentioned in the title, Running with Zuri is a reflection on companionship, resilience, and finding unexpected clarity on early morning walks and muddy trails and how I was reunited with my love of the outdoors no matter the weather, through her and eventually found the career I now have of teaching in a forest school. 

The narrative is told from my perspective as I navigate new routines, joys, and fear of responsibility and challenges (skip forward to the contrasts I have had with my border collie puppy) through puppyhood.

This way I keep her memory safe and only touch on the grief of loss. The other part unfolds through Zuri’s eyes: playful, curious, and occasionally baffled by the rules of human life. As I have written many of the reflections in her voice, I feel it offers a fresh perspective, as I relay her view of the world unfolding before her, sniffing out wonder where I often overlooked it. 

With gentle humour and emotional observations, Running with Zuri will appeal to readers of personal essay collections, dog lovers, and fans of titles like A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron or Dog Medicine by Julie Barton. 

It’s not just a story about training a dog it’s about how a dog can re-train your heart. I am a Forest School teacher, mother of a daughter and never not fascinated by our 4-legged friends. I would be happy to send the full manuscript or sample chapters at your request. Thank you for considering Running with Zuri. I look forward to the possibility of working with you. 

I have started to work on a book about Forest School Education and the benefits of outdoor learning. Having spent most of my summers and many winters in Finland where outdoor learning and play are part of the culture, I have experienced first hand the connection between nature and our mental and physical health.