Story Created:
Jan 31, 2012 at 7:47 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jan 31, 2012 at 7:47 PM EDT
FORESTPORT, N.Y. (WKTV) - Forestport resident Donna Mucks decided to write a book on coping with cancer after her dog was diagnosed with the disease. The short picture book, "Good Days Are For Walking" tells the story all through a dog's eyes.
Donna had no intentions of writing a book on her family and dog's experience with cancer, but after her 11 year old Miniature Schnauzer was diagnosed with the disease, she began jotting down her thoughts in a journal, and then what she felt her dog, Tasha, was thinking and feeling.
She hopes the picture book will be a great resource for kids with cancer, or those that know a relative or friend suffering from the disease.
"I want them to have hope and see that there are good days and bad days, I cover both in the book," Mucks said. "The dog has days when all she wants to do is sleep, where she's sick, but then there's other days when she's walking."
As a volunteer with the KEYS program, a music therapy organization for kids with cancer, Donna realized sharing what she thought her dog was feeling could help children communicate what they're going through themselves, or seeing a friend, relative, or even their own pet go through.
"It's hard for anybody to talk about cancer," says Mucks. "And I thought if we could make it like, once removed, if they could see it through the dog's eyes, and then start talking about it, maybe they could talk more about what they're going through."
The book teaches kids that there are good days and bad days and, like the title says, good days are for walking.
"When she feels good, we're going for a walk. When she doesn't feel good, she's dreaming about walking," says Mucks.
"Good Days Are for Walking" also has a glossary of terms and discussion questions in the back to help families start talking about sicknesses.
Mucks has partnered with the KEYS program, hoping to include a copy of the book in every child's care package this year. To make a donation to the fund, or order the book online, you can go to
www.gooddaysareforwalking.com"Good Days Are For Walking" can also be found at KevAnna's in Forestport, the Forestport Diner, Old Forge Hardware Store, Life Discovery in New Hartford, and The Red Geranium and Cornucopia Candles and Toy Shop in Rome.
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