Shady Pines Catches Fall Festival Fever – but Will Someone Get Dunked?

by Mary Jane | Sep 14, 2026 | Shady Pines Stories, Special Events, The Kindness Connection Blog

Festival Planning is Underway

A FALL TRADITION

Dear Readers, the autumn crispness is beginning to tickle the leaves at the tippy-tops of the oak trees in Shady Pines. But inside City Hall, Mayor Beauregard Fibbs is actually sweating through his favorite red bowtie. He sits at the head of the polished walnut conference table and looks at his team.

"People," Mayor Fibbs announces, clearing his throat with a dramatic Ahem!, "the Fall Festival is fast approaching. It is scheduled for Saturday, September 20th - just a couple of days before the official start of autumn. This town needs to pull out all the stops and host a festival to remember. I want every single neighbor and visitor to feel at home here in our small Southern town."

Tabitha Trotter, the town’s chief of cheer and scheduling, raises her hand. "Mayor, do we have the apple bobbing stations locked down? And what about the giant pumpkin patch?"

"All secured, Tabitha," Mayor Fibbs smiles as he checks off two more items on his list.

Barnaby Briggs, the head of groundskeeping for Stonewall Park, has a question. "Mayor our town is known for kindness and caring. How do we build that into our festival?"

Mayor Fibbs puts both hands on the table and looks from person to person. " That's a good question Barnaby. We'll get to that. But one thing we're not going to have this year is the Dunk Tank. That didn't work out so well, did it?"

Tabitha tries not to laugh. "We thought we had it rigged so you wouldn't go in."

"You gotta admit we raised a lot of money for the Shady Pines Library," Barnaby points out.

"Yes, well"... says Fibbs. "Different approach this year. We're setting up a Welcome Table right at the entrance. Instead of just handing out maps, we'll give every kid a 'Kindness Quest' card. If they help someone carry a heavy basket, share a bench with a newcomer, or compliment a shy booth owner, they get a golden sticker."

Tabitha’s eyes light up. "They'll have a mission. And what happens when they fill the card?"

"They earn a free ticket for a Carmel Apple Cider Float at the end of the day," Mayor Fibbs says excitedly. "Also, for folks of all ages, I want to encourage people to paint a community friendship mural near Swan Lake. Anyone can add a brushstroke, whether they paint like a pro or just dab a cheerful yellow smiley face."

"Everyone will feel they're included," says Tabitha.

"Exactly," says the mayor, tapping the map one last time. "Let's make sure this Fall Festival isn't just about fun, but about making sure nobody feels left out."

Apples Are Here

Down at Fred’s Corner Grocer, the delivery truck has just pulled up. Out springs young Hazel who helps her dad with deliveries these days.

Hi ya, Fred," she says. "We've got some beauties for you!"

"These apples are going to be the absolute star of the festival," Fred says when he sees the crates rolling up to his store. "Half of these are headed straight for the grand apple-dunking tub we're setting up in Stonewall Park."

"Not like the dunk tank that nearly drowned the mayor last year I hope!" says Hazel.

Fred chuckles. "Oh he made it look worse than it was. No, this year it's just bobbing for apples,"

Hazel nods. "And what about the other half of the apples?"

"Well, those are reserved for the official tasting station. I want every kid in Shady Pines biting into a crisp piece of autumn perfection."

A few blocks away, the smell of cinnamon and brown sugar is already wafting around Maggie’s Diner. Maggie stands over a flour-dusted counter, rhythmically rolling out pie dough with a well-worn pin.

Here Come The Pies

"If we’re going to feed a whole town celebrating the start of fall, we need comfort food that gives you a hug from the inside out," Maggie thinks to herself.

A young man having coffee with his grandmother watches Maggie with interest. "What are you making Maggie?" he asks.

"Why this is a spiced caramel apple pie. I'm also gonna whip up a batch of molasses-ginger cookies. It's all going on the community dessert table at the Fall Festival. No one's going home with an empty sweet tooth if I can help it," she says.

Booth Construction

Over at the workshop next to Nuts 'N Bolts Hardware, Harold and his trusty crew are making sawdust fly. With safety goggles firmly in place and a pencil tucked behind his ear, Harold measures a thick pine board. His coworker tightens two boards together with a loud whirrrr of a cordless drill.

"Steady on that corner, Pete," Harold yells while wiping sweat from his brow. "Mayor Fibbs wants this main welcome booth sturdy. It's got to hold a mountain of kindness cards, prize ribbons, and festival maps. We build it once, and we build it right so it stands proud all through the Festival."

"I'm on it Mr. Sanders."

A Cup of Memories

Over at Cup 'O Joe's Coffee Shop on Main Street, owner Joe Grizzo is planning what he's going to contribute. He wants to feature a cozy, crowd-pleasing autumn menu with distinct drinks tailored for both adults and kids:

The Mayor asked him to come up with a prize drink for the Kindness Quest winners. Joe worked on various combinations before settling on the two he'll feature at his shop and at the Fall Festival.

Joe will showcase a Caramel Apple Cider Float for the kids. It has warm locally pressed apple cider poured over a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and drizzled with thick caramel.

And for the adults he's offering a Maple Pecan Cold Brew. It's made of smooth cold brew coffee blended with real maple syrup and roasted pecan extract, finished with a splash of sweet cream."

"I hope everyone likes them!" Joe brought some of these signature flavor drinks straight from the classic New Jersey diner he used to own. Now that he's made Shady Pines his home, Joe makes sure to adapt his blends to include a cozy Southern twist.

A few blocks away Edna sits at the Sanders' kitchen table with her trusty companions: Boomerang, an Australian Shepherd dog, and Halley's Comet, a silver streak of a cat. Naturally her furry children are helping her decide what she will bring to the town's fall event.

"Now then helpers," Edna said, tapping her pen against her chin. "The festival folks want treats for the community spread, but we need something that both humans and our four-legged festival-goers can enjoy safely."

Halley checks out the recipe cards. Using her paw, she delicately nudges one in particular over to Edna. It's a recipe for pumpkin-oat dog biscuits. "This one, girl?" asks Edna. "Yummy dog biscuits. You'll like that Boomer."

Boomer barks and thumps his little bobbed tail.

"Here's a recipe for spiced apple-cinnamon muffins for the human guests. Okay kids. Let's get to work!"

Together, they start cooking up a storm, ready to prove that the best kind of community is one where everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike—shares in the feast.

And that's where we'll leave our festival planners as neighbors get busy doing what they do best. They are coming together to make the community celebration welcoming, bright, and full of heart in the small Southern town of Shady Pines.

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Never Forget: The Legacy of Love, Loss, and Community Shady Pines Honors on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

by Mary Jane | Sep 8, 2026 | Shady Pines Stories, Special Events, The Kindness Connection Blog

A Nation Remembers

And So It Begins

Dear Readers the morning sun over Shady Pines Story Town bounces lightly off the bright awnings of the shops lining Main Street. The early train blows its horn as it rambles along the old train tracks that run right through the middle of town. Even with that, somehow today the downtown scene feels a little quieter than usual.

September 11th has arrived, marking twenty-five years since a very sad day in our history. It's a day grown-ups call 9/11. A big, sad tragedy happened at three different locations in the country - including New York City - where two tall buildings fell down and thousands of people needed help.

Many youngsters living today weren't even alive back then. They don't know what it was like when the breaking news flashed across our TV screens. So it's up to those of us who experienced that fateful day to tell the story. It was a time when our nation was attacked and brave men and women went about the business of looking for survivors. Some members of the rescue teams had four legs and a tail.

Just past the tracks downtown sits the Shady Pines Gazette office with its large front window. Leaning forward at her big oak desk, Zulah Talmadge, the editor of the Gazette, is proofreading the morning headlines. Scoop the Cub Reporter is taking phone calls from the news tip line. Both of them felt the need to get to work early.

Just another day. Or, is it?

The Unsung Heroes

After finishing up the latest call, Scoop wanders over and gazes at a vintage photograph on the Gazette's community bulletin board. It shows a brave German Shepherd wearing sturdy protective boots to protect his paws while he's on search and rescue duty.

Scoop sighs. "So many people were missing after those planes flew into the Twin Towers in New York."

The teenage reporter's thoughts are interrupted when the front door swings open. Hi, everyone." Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs stops by with a special announcement that he wants to post.

"Mayor Fibbs, look at this," Scoop says, pointing to the photograph. "Twenty-five years ago, hundreds of four-legged heroes went to Ground Zero to help find people who were lost after the towers came down. Like the humans beside them, they didn't care about the dangerous conditions of rubble and twisted metal. They only cared about being there when they knew they were needed."

Mayor Beauregard takes a closer look and nods slowly. Zulah looks up from her papers with a gentle, reflective smile.

'Such bravery," says Scoop quietly.

"Indeed," the Mayor says. "And you know who else showed up? Ordinary people, alongside firefighters and rescue workers who gave everything to save others. It reminds us that community means carrying the weight together."

"Oh, I almost forgot this," says the mayor waving his paper flier.

"Here. I'll pin it on the board for you," says Scoop taking the piece of paper from Fibbs' hand.

"Thank you Scoop. I'm putting these reminders up all over town."

The Meaning Hits Home

Inside the cozy kitchen of the Sanders home just off Main Street on Dogwood Drive, Harold and Edna Sanders enjoy a quiet morning.

Their beloved 4-legged children are with them. Boomerang, the family's Australian Shepherd dog sits close to Harold’s feet, his soulful brown eyes fixed on every word. His bobbed tail gives an eager, subtle wiggle.

"Animals have a special way of knowing when we need comfort," Edna remarks, slicing up a warm loaf of banana bread. "Just like those rescue dogs after the disaster on 9/11. Those amazing animals stayed calm and guided people through the dark smoke and dust looking for people who might be trapped."

Up on her favorite window seat perch, Halley's Comet, (their silver streak of a cat), gives a soft, knowing purr.

Harold nods. "And those search teams came from all over the country to help."

Tell The Children

Across town at Pets Galore pet shop, owner Pete is talking to young visitors. He has a very special message for them.

"Hey kids. Do you know what today is?"

The three children standing in front of him shake their heads, no.

"Well this is a very important day. On this date, back in 2001, our nation was under attack. My folks say they were really scared because they didn't know what was going on."

The children gasp.

Pete continues. "But what they soon learned is that when animals and humans team up during hard times, they prove that love and teamwork can be stronger than any obstacle."

Meanwhile, over at Cup 'O Joe's coffee shop, owner Joe Rizzo hands a fresh pastry to Kim Dunworthy.

"What do you have there Kim?" he asks

Kim is busy sorting a bundle of bright, colorful envelopes that she's been carrying around in her satchel.

Notes of Gratitude

"Look at these," Kim smiles, showing Joe a stack of handmade cards local kids have drawn. "The children are sending thank you notes to our local fire station today."

Joe beams. "How wonderful. They want to honor the service, and fearless devotion to duty, firefighters and other first responders showed all of us when it mattered most. Good for them."

We all need to do something to help people remember the sacrifices of so many people. It kinda makes you wonder what you would do in that situation, doesn't it?" adds Kim."

At the Shady Pines Fire Station just down the road, it is a solemn day of remembrance. So many first responders on 9/11 were firefighters and police professionals.

A Solid Reminder

Some of the folks in our small Southern town knew someone who worked in those big towers that came down. Others knew some of the men and women who rushed into danger to try and save people. Not all of those folks made it back home alive.

A polished bronze plaque now has a place of honor in front of the old station with its bay doors. It bears the words: In Honor of the Brave First Responders—Always Remember, Always Heroes.

The plaque was donated by someone in Shady Pines who didn't give their name. The note said only, "Let this be my gift to all who answered the call."

Firefighters stand quietly by as children and neighbors walk up to leave flowers and hand-drawn notes of gratitude. They want to make sure the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice twenty-five years ago live on in all of our hearts.

You know Dear Readers, history isn't just about dates in a textbook. It's about ordinary people, and their loyal animal friends, choosing to do extraordinary acts of kindness. Even when things feel big or overwhelming, helpers always show up.

To honor the legacy of 9/11 on its 25th anniversary, we invite you to take the Shady Pines "Pay It Forward" Challenge. Look around your own neighborhood or school this week. Can you draw a thank-you card for a local police officer, drop off a treat for a firefighter, or hand a kind note to someone your family knows was touched by the events of that day?

When we do small acts of good, we keep a ripple of light moving forward. And that is why on every anniversary of 9/11 we say these words together: 'WE WILL NEVER FORGET.'

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A Father’s Day Celebration in Shady Pines Filled with Love and Kindness

by Mary Jane | Jun 15, 2026 | Shady Pines Stories, Special Events, The Kindness Connection Blog

Dad Holding Court

Father Knows Best

Dear Readers, Father’s Day in Shady Pines Story Town always falls on a Sunday, This year it'll be Sunday, June 21st. But for Harold Sanders, the real celebration begins on a Saturday morning before that date, at the Nuts 'N Bolts hardware store on Main Street.

Harold has owned the downtown landmark for ages. Inside the weathered building the air smells of cedar shavings, fresh oil, and the sweet, fizzy nostalgia of the soda fountain located smack in the middle of the store.

By 10:00 AM, the place is packed—not just with people looking for nails or twine, but with folks stopping by to hear Harold’s latest tall tale.

One thing about Harold, the man loves to share stories. When he isn't selling, he can be found telling. "Hey Bobby. Did I ever tell you about the mysterious giant bird I saw down by the McCaw River last week?"

His Four-Legged Kids

Harold's Australian Shepherd dog, Boomerang, is acting as the store’s unofficial "Greeter" today. He moves from customer to customer, offering a friendly nudge of his nose to anyone who looks like they need a smile.

Meanwhile, high above the action, on a custom-built, cushiony window seat that catches the morning light, sits Halley’s Comet. The couple's silver streak of a cat is the store’s silent supervisor. She keeps an eye on the front door, blinking slowly at the regulars she recognizes.

Around noon, the bell above the door chimed with a specific rhythm—three quick tings. Harold looks up, a grin spreading across his face. It's his wife, Edna.

She isn't just bringing lunch. Edna is leading a small, heartfelt parade. Boomerang trots to the front to meet her, while Halley’s Comet leaps gracefully from her perch to meet them at the counter, winding figure-eights through Edna’s ankles.

I thought the 'hardware store mayor' might need a break from his admirers," Edna teases, setting down a picnic basket on the sturdy oak soda fountain counter."

Edna pulls out a thermos of Harold's favorite iced coffee and a sandwich wrapped in brown paper. Then she reaches into her bag and pulls something more.

It's a sign—hand-painted by Edna—that reads: "Reserved for the Best Dad in Shady Pines."

She places the sign on the counter right next to Harold’s stool.

"The kids helped," Edna says with a wink. She points to the sign.

At the bottom of the colorful message, are two distinct marks: a large, firm paw print from Boomerang, and a delicate, feline toe-print from Halley.

That Got to Him

The store goes quiet as the customers realize what's happening. Harold looks at his wife, then at his two faithful companions. Boomerang is leaning against his leg, while Halley purrs loudly on the counter beside the root beer taps.

"You know," Harold said, his voice a little thicker than usual, "I’ve sold a lot of things in this store. Hammers, nails, bolts—things to fix houses. But these two?" He gestured to the dog and the cat. "They’re the ones who fixed our house and made it a home."

Boomerang let out a soft "woof" of agreement, and Halley bumped her head firmly against Harold’s hand.

Boomer and Halley Speak Out

"Hey, Halley. You wanna know something?" asks Boomer. "When dad walks me to the shop like he did today, He lets me stop and sniff stuff. He's really patient. And he talks to me like I'm very important."

Halley shakes her head. "Well even dad can get stuff wrong once in a while."

Boomer growls at her.

"I think he's a good listener. I like telling him all about the neighborhood news like who's planting new flowers or which squirrel is acting suspicious. He nods and says, 'Is that so, Halley?' Dad always makes me feel like he really hears me."

Boomer cocks his head. "You know he doesn't really hear you, right?"

Halley looks down. "I know. But still..."

Boomer has a thought. "One thing's for sure. When he tells stories to kids, he makes them feel like they’re the heroes of that adventure."

Halley nods. "Yeah. I like it when he tells them that being kind is the most important tool you can have in your belt—even more important than a wrench!"

For the rest of the afternoon, Harold doesn't just tell stories about the town. He tells stories about his family. And every time a new customer walks in, they see the sign, and they notice the happy dog and the regal cat.

Maybe more importantly, they know exactly why this hardware store, and this respected father, is the heart of Shady Pines.

Get More Boomer and Halley Stories

You can read more adventures of the Sanders family from the small Southern town of Shady Pines. Just get your own newly released eBook copy of Boomer and Halley Scavenger Hunt - Discover Rewards by Working with Others. With proof of purchase you'll also get a FREE Boomer and Halley themed scavenger hunt that you can download and search for your favorite Sanders family characters! CLICK HERE

Parting thoughts?

"I want to tell you all this," says Edna. "Harold is the anchor of our little family. Whether he’s fixing a leaky faucet for a neighbor or just sitting there with us while the sun goes down, he makes everything feel settled and safe."

And from Harold? "I feel like the luckiest man on earth. I have the most wonderful woman in the world to share my life with every day. And even though we never had children of our own, Boomer and Halley fill our lives with joy. And, they give me material for endless stories!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY EVERYONE

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This Mother’s Day in Shady Pines Edna Sanders Shares the Joy of Becoming Mom

by Mary Jane | May 7, 2026 | Shady Pines Stories, Special Events, The Kindness Connection Blog

Becoming a Special Kind of Mom

And So It Begins

Dear Readers, in honor of Mother's Day I thought you'd like to hear from one of our neighbors who became a mom when she least expected it. Yes I'm talking about Edna Sanders. The day she and Harold adopted those two four-legged rascals her life changed forever. I'll let her tell you.

"Oh, for heaven's sakes," says Edna. "If you’d told me I’d be getting teary eyed over a dog slobbering on my good apron or a cat slung over my shoulder, I would’ve laughed right out loud. But here we are, just before another Mother’s Day, and I can’t help reflecting on the sweetest surprise life ever handed me and my Harold: the day we became fur parents."

New Family Members

"To say that adopting these two critters came as a complete surprise would be the understatement of the year. Or, any year for that matter! I won't get into exactly how it happened because my author friend, Mary Jane McKittrick, talks all about that in her second book, "Boomer and Halley Lost and Found -Learning to Live in a Blended Family." I'll just say it was a life changing experience for all of us."

"One evening, not long ago, I was sitting out on the back porch in my favorite big wooden chair that rocks a bit. I was admiring my garden of flowers that took such care to get to bloom. Boomer was lying on the ground gnawing on his favorite rawhide bone with his head on my feet. Halley was perched on the armrest. And that's when it hit me. I never had children of my own. Life just didn’t work out that way for us. But in that moment, with the late sun painting everything in a warm glow and these two babies looking up at me like I hung the moon, my heart swelled so big I thought it might burst."

I was a mama after all.

Not Always Easy

"Being a fur mom isn’t always glamorous. There are muddy paw prints on my clean floors, early-morning zoomies that sound like a herd of elephants, and the occasional “gift” of a half-dead lizard from Halley.

But there’s also the way Boomer leans against my leg when I’m feeling blue, like he can sense it. And the way Halley curls into the exact shape of my neck when I’m reading in bed, purring her little heart out.

There’s the laughter when Harold tries to teach Boomer to fetch. Sure as shootin' he ends up chasing the ball himself while Boom sits there grinning like, “You do it, Dad. They healed something in me I didn’t even know was aching."

Different Kind of Parent

"This Mother’s Day, I want every woman who’s loved a four-legged child to know this: your love counts. The late-night worry when they’re sick, the silly songs you make up for them, the way your heart lights up when they run to greet you—it’s all real mothering. The kindness, caring and love you show them is real. Fur babies don’t replace anything, but they sure do fill up spaces you never knew were empty."

"To my Boomerang and my Halley’s Comet: thank you for choosing us. Not sure who was most lost at the time, but I'm sure glad we found one another. You made my Southern heart a mama’s heart."

"And to every fur mom reading this—whether you’ve got horses, dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, or all the above—happy Mother’s Day. May your treats be plentiful, your lint rollers never run out, and your fur babies always know how deeply they are loved.

With sweet tea and even sweeter love, Edna Sanders, in the small Southern town of Shady Pines."

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May Day Arrives with Excitement at The Writers Residency in the Real Shady Pines

by Mary Jane | May 1, 2026 | Shady Pines Stories, Special Events, The Kindness Connection Blog

Becoming a Special Kind of Mom

And So It Begins

Dear Readers, in honor of Mother's Day I thought you'd like to hear from one of our neighbors who became a mom when she least expected it. Yes I'm talking about Edna Sanders. The day she and Harold adopted those two four-legged rascals her life changed forever. I'll let her tell you.

"Oh, for heaven's sakes," says Edna. "If you’d told me I’d be getting teary eyed over a dog slobbering on my good apron or a cat slung over my shoulder, I would’ve laughed right out loud. But here we are, just before another Mother’s Day, and I can’t help reflecting on the sweetest surprise life ever handed me and my Harold: the day we became fur parents."

New Family Members

"To say that adopting these two critters came as a complete surprise would be the understatement of the year. Or, any year for that matter! I won't get into exactly how it happened because my author friend, Mary Jane McKittrick, talks all about that in her second book, "Boomer and Halley Lost and Found -Learning to Live in a Blended Family." I'll just say it was a life changing experience for all of us."

"One evening, not long ago, I was sitting out on the back porch in my favorite big wooden chair that rocks a bit. I was admiring my garden of flowers that took such care to get to bloom. Boomer was lying on the ground gnawing on his favorite rawhide bone with his head on my feet. Halley was perched on the armrest. And that's when it hit me. I never had children of my own. Life just didn’t work out that way for us. But in that moment, with the late sun painting everything in a warm glow and these two babies looking up at me like I hung the moon, my heart swelled so big I thought it might burst."

I was a mama after all.

Not Always Easy

"Being a fur mom isn’t always glamorous. There are muddy paw prints on my clean floors, early-morning zoomies that sound like a herd of elephants, and the occasional “gift” of a half-dead lizard from Halley.

But there’s also the way Boomer leans against my leg when I’m feeling blue, like he can sense it. And the way Halley curls into the exact shape of my neck when I’m reading in bed, purring her little heart out.

There’s the laughter when Harold tries to teach Boomer to fetch. Sure as shootin' he ends up chasing the ball himself while Boom sits there grinning like, “You do it, Dad. They healed something in me I didn’t even know was aching."

Different Kind of Parent

"This Mother’s Day, I want every woman who’s loved a four-legged child to know this: your love counts. The late-night worry when they’re sick, the silly songs you make up for them, the way your heart lights up when they run to greet you—it’s all real mothering. The kindness, caring and love you show them is real. Fur babies don’t replace anything, but they sure do fill up spaces you never knew were empty."

"To my Boomerang and my Halley’s Comet: thank you for choosing us. Not sure who was most lost at the time, but I'm sure glad we found one another. You made my Southern heart a mama’s heart."

"And to every fur mom reading this—whether you’ve got horses, dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, or all the above—happy Mother’s Day. May your treats be plentiful, your lint rollers never run out, and your fur babies always know how deeply they are loved.

With sweet tea and even sweeter love, Edna Sanders, in the small Southern town of Shady Pines."

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Exciting News Straight From the Founder of Shady Pines Story town

by Mary Jane | Apr 26, 2026 | Breaking News, Special Events, The Kindness Connection Blog

Becoming a Special Kind of Mom

And So It Begins

Dear Readers, in honor of Mother's Day I thought you'd like to hear from one of our neighbors who became a mom when she least expected it. Yes I'm talking about Edna Sanders. The day she and Harold adopted those two four-legged rascals her life changed forever. I'll let her tell you.

"Oh, for heaven's sakes," says Edna. "If you’d told me I’d be getting teary eyed over a dog slobbering on my good apron or a cat slung over my shoulder, I would’ve laughed right out loud. But here we are, just before another Mother’s Day, and I can’t help reflecting on the sweetest surprise life ever handed me and my Harold: the day we became fur parents."

New Family Members

"To say that adopting these two critters came as a complete surprise would be the understatement of the year. Or, any year for that matter! I won't get into exactly how it happened because my author friend, Mary Jane McKittrick, talks all about that in her second book, "Boomer and Halley Lost and Found -Learning to Live in a Blended Family." I'll just say it was a life changing experience for all of us."

"One evening, not long ago, I was sitting out on the back porch in my favorite big wooden chair that rocks a bit. I was admiring my garden of flowers that took such care to get to bloom. Boomer was lying on the ground gnawing on his favorite rawhide bone with his head on my feet. Halley was perched on the armrest. And that's when it hit me. I never had children of my own. Life just didn’t work out that way for us. But in that moment, with the late sun painting everything in a warm glow and these two babies looking up at me like I hung the moon, my heart swelled so big I thought it might burst."

I was a mama after all.

Not Always Easy

"Being a fur mom isn’t always glamorous. There are muddy paw prints on my clean floors, early-morning zoomies that sound like a herd of elephants, and the occasional “gift” of a half-dead lizard from Halley.

But there’s also the way Boomer leans against my leg when I’m feeling blue, like he can sense it. And the way Halley curls into the exact shape of my neck when I’m reading in bed, purring her little heart out.

There’s the laughter when Harold tries to teach Boomer to fetch. Sure as shootin' he ends up chasing the ball himself while Boom sits there grinning like, “You do it, Dad. They healed something in me I didn’t even know was aching."

Different Kind of Parent

"This Mother’s Day, I want every woman who’s loved a four-legged child to know this: your love counts. The late-night worry when they’re sick, the silly songs you make up for them, the way your heart lights up when they run to greet you—it’s all real mothering. The kindness, caring and love you show them is real. Fur babies don’t replace anything, but they sure do fill up spaces you never knew were empty."

"To my Boomerang and my Halley’s Comet: thank you for choosing us. Not sure who was most lost at the time, but I'm sure glad we found one another. You made my Southern heart a mama’s heart."

"And to every fur mom reading this—whether you’ve got horses, dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, or all the above—happy Mother’s Day. May your treats be plentiful, your lint rollers never run out, and your fur babies always know how deeply they are loved.

With sweet tea and even sweeter love, Edna Sanders, in the small Southern town of Shady Pines."