Album Notes

DEAR KILROY reminds us that some of the best teachers in this world have four legs and bark. Nora Vitz Harrison weaves the tender and wise humor of Kilroy and Riley, two canine correspondents, among heart-tugging essays on the magical relationship between people and dogs. The musical score from Rebecca Kragnes adds mood and depth to the author’s heartfelt reading. Even if you have never been owned by a dog, you will be moved by this joyful yet bittersweet guide to life.

Read by the author with music by Rebecca Kragnes.

Sales of this CD set benefit service-dog schools and animal-welfare organizations. Qualifying organizations that would like to use DEAR KILROY as a fund raiser should contact the author.

Who is Kilroy?
Kilroy, a yellow Labrador retriever, started life as a potential guide dog. His life took a detour when he was dropped from the training program and adopted by Alice, the author’s sister. Kilroy failed to become a guide dog, but he became Alice’s guide as she made her way through a difficult time in her life. Kilroy reminds us that success takes many forms. Kilroy and Alice’s story is just one of seventeen tales that chronicle a few special canines — from guide dogs to adopted-from-the shelter mutts — and the human lives they changed.

A thoughtful gift for any animal lover.

What the critics say:
“Nora Vitz Harrison chronicles inspirational true stories via the ‘canine correspondence’ between Kilroy and Riley.”
—Publishers Weekly

“...funny, heartwarming ... Recommended (with a tissue alert).”
— Library Journal

“... The dogs Harrison profiles and the lessons they teach will linger in readers’ memories long after they close the book.”
—Best Friends Magazine

“... an engaging, educational, inspiring and deeply moving book.”
— Alaska Wellness

“... a celebration of the ties between man and dog.”
—The News Reivew

What others say:
“The author of this lovely book is well aware of that spot deep within us that sometimes only dogs can find. The dogs in these stories touch that spot and make it glow.”
—Betty White, actress/author

“As the dogs in DEAR KILROY strive to fulfill their potential, whether to become a guide for the blind or to become the best, most-trusted pet of someone in need, they inspire us to become better human beings. This book will lift your spirits and touch your soul.”
—Bob Phillips, CEO, Guide Dogs for the Blind

“Open this book and your heart will be opened, too.”
—Nancy Peterson, The Humane Society of the United States

“DEAR KILROY is a reminder of the invaluable service, richness, and joy dogs bring to our lives. A wonderful book.”
—Kay Allenbaugh, author, Chocolate for a Woman’s Soul series

“DEAR KILROY is about making connections in life that are meaningful and lasting. It quietly tells us what we need to do — laugh more, love more, live more. It is a self-help book in the truest sense."
—Anthony Saxman, mental health therapist

About the author:
Nora Vitz Harrison is a longtime volunteer for Guide Dogs for the Blind and animal-welfare organizations. She has been a writer for corporate America since 1979. Her human-interest essays have been published in The Oregonian and other publications. She lives in Oregon with her husband, Jon, and her dog, Riley. When she is not writing she loves to hike, which is Riley’s favorite hobby too.

About the musician:
Solo pianist Rebecca Kragnes has recorded three CDs with Grammy-nominated David Lanz serving as her executive producer. Rebecca's image-evoking music is inspired by her Seeing Eye Dog, Wynell, a golden retriever. Check out her CDs here at CDBaby.com.

DEAR KILROY: Audio Edtion.
Unabridged. 3-CD set. 3 hours. ISBN 0-9785484-0-X
DEAR KILROY is also available in print (with 30 photographs)
from Capital Books, Sterling, Virginia. ISBN 1-931868-39-5