North Dakota woman writes book honoring late service dog

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – In 2016, retired teacher Sandra Sherlock lost someone very important to her. That’s why she wrote “With a Song in His Heart: A Service Dog’s Tale.” She said Eddie was outgoing, quirky, kind and playful.

Eddie wasn’t even two years old when Sandra took him home, but she said his trainer was so confident they’d make a good pair that they sent him with her. He’d been trained to provide mobility assistance, and Sandra’s multiple sclerosis and foot drop made it difficult for her to walk.

“He was there with me for every minute of my time with him,” Sandra said.

Sandra said they were a good match. She loved socializing and worked as a music teacher. Eddie loved going out and being petted by anyone who was willing to do so. Sandra said in a way, Eddie was a service dog for others, too.

Students would visit the golden retriever and labrador mix to decompress in the mornings. Eddie became such a staple at the school that he got his own class photo each year. Sandra said she’d use Eddie’s love for singing to motivate her students.

Sandra said her book started out as a writing exercise. She wrote the first five chapters in 2011, but it wasn’t until August of 2023 that she picked up her draft again. Sandra would send her completed chapters to a class of sixth-grade students for proofreading, and they’d send her their notes and edits.

Sandra said Eddie died from cancer in 2016, but even though it felt like losing a family member, she didn’t write the book out of grief; she wrote the book because so many people loved Eddie.

“I needed to make sure Eddie’s stories stayed with us. Eddie had friends all over the state. He had friends everywhere, and he meant so much to so many people. It was bigger than just me,” Sandra said.

Sandra said the self-published book has been well-received. She travels throughout the state for book signings and readings.

If you’re interested in reading Sandra’s book, you can purchase a copy through her website or at one of her book readings. Sandra said the books will be available at The Owl Bookstore in Bismarck as well. Her next reading will be in Minot on June 29.

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