Local author pens children's book about hearing-assist dog
When Amelia Willows was in first grade, a teacher told her parents she would never learn to read.
She recently finished writing her second book.
Willows, who lives on the south side of Mansfield, wrote a children's book called "The Teachings of Khaleesi the Service Dog."
It's about a dog that is being trained to be a hearing-assist animal.
The book is autobiographical. Khaleesi is a 1-year-old, high-spirited German shepherd. Willows is training the dog to help her; she has worn hearing aids for the last seven years.
She wants her neighbors to know she's not rude, but she doesn't always wear her hearing aids when she's outside.
Willows, 51, learned to read in third grade while growing up in Ashland. She wants to give hope to others who are in the same position.
Target audience is kids in grades 4-6
"The Teachings of Khaleesi the Service Dog" is intended for grades 4-6.
Willows has overcome many challenges to become an author.
She said she grew up in a "rough home" where education was not a focus. Willows was left back in first grade.
She kept going.
"I have seen nothing but miracles all my life," she said. "I've seen God show through my life in so many different ways."
Willows said she has long wanted to write books.
"I have always been a storyteller," she said. "I like to keep kids' minds occupied."
She has experience in that area. Willows has seven children and 12 grandchildren.
"The Teachings of Khaleesi the Service Dog" describes the relationship between the dog and her hearing-impaired owner. Khaleesi, which means mother of dragons, is the narrator. Willows said she got the name from the HBO hit "Game of Thrones."
"I wanted a strong, independent female name," she said.
According to a press release for the book, Khaleesi soaks up all the knowledge and wisdom she can from her human mother. Meanwhile, two cat brothers keep the dog on her toes. They like to tease and pull pranks on their doggie sister.
Fortunately, Mom likes to get Khaleesi out of the house, away from the cats, and into a garden. She likes to help pull weeds but sometimes gets into trouble by pulling the good plants.
Khaleesi makes a number of other doggie friends at a dog park. There she meets up with Roger, an abused rescue dog. Khaleesi goes out of her way to cheer up Roger, even getting the dog to smile.
She also meets other dogs, including Irene, who belongs to some of her mother's relatives. Irene has no teeth and a bad attitude, but Khaleesi finds a way to get through to her.
Willows hopes the books gives kids a place where they can escape.
In real life, Willows has owned Khaleesi for about eight months after buying her from a breeder in Fredericksburg.
"She's a great dog. She's very, very smart," Willows said.
Author seeking help with training her German shepherd
Willows has been trying to train Khaleesi herself but has reached a plateau. Anyone who can help the German shepherd obtain certification can reach Willows at 419-651-9440.
"The Teachings of Khaleesi the Service Dog" is Willows' second book. She co-authored the first, "Healing the Mind with Words," with Richard McVicar, her editor on "Khaleesi."
"It's on mental health," Willows said. "A lot of mine is taking five seconds of time until I can handle more."
In the first book, Willows and McVicar share stories about their recovery journeys.
"I had to get to a really bad spot," Willows said. "I broke down, and I couldn't get back up."
She said she has been diagnosed with borderline personality while also dealing with depression and abandonment issues. Willows said she was misdiagnosed a number of times.
She is doing better today through counseling and medication.
Both of Willows' books are available at www.barnesandnoble.com. "Khaleesi" has a price of $10.99.
"I would like to write more," Willows said, adding she's not sure of her next topic.
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield woman authors children's book about German shepherd
