Welcome to the Pack
Inspired by golden retriever, Grace Kelly, John and Annabella love reading together! Daddy and his “Dog-HER” cuddling on the couch with a book and a cookie is ideal. At night time and before bed, John and Annabella, now four, continue the tradition of a bedtime tale that he established with her predecessor, Grace Kelly. Annabella is an American Kennel Club (AKC) titled Champion in conformation and honors the special qualities and standards of her beloved breed.
John is a passionate proponent of storytelling and reading to and with children, just as his mother was with him when he was just a little pup.
Our Story:
A Tradition of Tales and Tails
Raised in the great state of Massachusetts, home to many iconic children’s book authors, John O’Reilly was the little boy whose mother instilled in him the love of reading and the Irish heritage of storytelling.
Later as a father, dedicated to creating stories for his children, as well as reading to them. John cast his spell early as he entertained his daughter, Siobhan, and son, Connor, in the antics of the make-believe characters featured in his impromptu and entertaining stories.
John later went on to fall in love with his human Golden’s (aka Susan) golden retriever who he discovered also loved bedtime tales topped off with a good night cookie. Hence, at the urging of his now adult children, John, launched into writing down the first of his years of narrated tales to both kids and pups.
In celebration of his love of their golden retriever, Grace Kelly, along with the support of golden retriever ambassador, Annabella-John and Susan support reading dog therapy and service programs through contributions, grants, donations, sponsorship, and revenues generated from the book sales of this book.
Annabella, the author’s and book’s ambassador, carrying on the cookie traditions of beloved golden, Grace Kelly.
Annabella is the official taste tester of the dog cookies that are a favorite bake with her mom on Saturday mornings!
Having attained the esteemed AKC title of Champion, Annabella (PREMIERE’S DANCIN’ AWAY WITH MY HEART), is acting as the Author’s Ambassador and working on her Reading Therapy Dog certification.
Annabella, a well-trained, loyal, smiling, show-stopping beautiful golden retriever, as well as a big lover of children and advocate of dedicated reading time, joins author, John O’Reilly, on his Book Tour, signings, readings and events.
She also loves going to the post office to mail author-signed books that also often include her “paw-tograph.” Annabella is a animal and people dog so socializing and extending her paw to meet and greet are commonplace for this girl wherever she goes. She’s traveled, literally, coast to coast.
John loved telling stories to his children and then continued with Gracie and even, their beloved rescue cat, Mr. Mischief.
Everyone benefits from creative storytelling, reading with children, children reading to their pets, and animals being read to by children or adults.
Continuing the Legacy of Grace Kelly, a very special Golden Retriever
Grace Kelly and John O’Reilly enjoying a day at a park, one of their favorite activities!
John and Grace Kelly, the book’s golden retriever muse
And the legacy and love of storytelling and reading continues with Grace’s predecessor, Annabella. Gracie’s, as well as Annabella’s amazing breeder, is also a very savvy elementary school teacher, and had a storytelling Dinosaur, captivating her precocious litter of puppies. Of course, Annabella’s dad just had to then get one for his new baby, Annabella. Annabella LOVES the good night cookies and bedtime story tradition and now advocates with John for the power of reading for children and dogs, alike.
Annabella and author, John J. O’Reilly, in Cape Cod. They found an oversized chair, similar to the one that John and Grace had sat in so many years ago.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES!
