June 2026

"An Artist crosses over"

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I am thrilled to share the third installment in the Dagger DogVinci & Friends adventure series. I wrote this book’s preface to share the "why" behind this story, and I sincerely hope it provides comfort and helps guide you through the difficult journey of losing a beloved pet. Below is the Preface. The entire book will be available to purchase from Amazon at the end of June.
                                  Preface
                                 "An Artist Crosses Over"
If your family has followed the Adventures of Dagger DogVinci from the moment that Dagger learned how to paint to the bustling streets of Paris, you know that Dagger was more than just a character—he was a real-life inspiration. I am writing this note because this third installment is a very special, very personal chapter in Dagger’s journey, and I wanted to share the “why” behind it with you.
When my beloved Dagger passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2023, the world felt a little less colorful. Together, we had spent years blurring the lines between fine art and four-legged friendship, raising brushes to make the world a better place. But when he left, I didn’t just lose a partner; I lost my North Star. Grief is a confusing tide. It ebbs and flows, and for a long time, I wasn’t sure how to keep his story going without him by my side. I realized, however, that while the ache in our hearts remains, time helps us find new ways to carry that love. This book, An Artist Crosses Over, was born from that quiet space of healing.
I chose to use fantasy to talk about loss because sometimes imagination is the best medicine for a heavy heart. This story is meant to be a hand to hold for any child navigating the “messy middle” of goodbye. It’s a reminder that while a space in our hearts will always be reserved for those we’ve lost, there is still room for new joy to grow.
Today, my home is filled with the pitter-patter of two new companions, Barney and Picasso. They aren’t replacements; they are a new chapter. By introducing them into this series, I hope to show young readers that love doesn’t end—it just changes shape. Dagger’s adventures aren’t over. They are simply taking on a beautiful new form with more stories to tell and new adventures to share featuring new friends.
Thank you for letting Dagger, Barney, and Picasso into your homes. May this story bring your family the same comfort and hope that writing it brought to me.
                                                With love and wagging tails,
                                                                   xoxo Yvonne

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