In 2020, Community Courier readers were introduced to Jim Weagley, who shared a story about his faith in a book titled, "Bet on the Turtle (My Long, Slow Journey of Faith)." Now, five years later, Weagley has penned a book that explores another passion in his life - dogs.

"I Love Dogs! A Tribute to Man's Best Friend" was released this month by Weagley, a resident of Atglen. The book details both humorous and poignant moments that Weagley spent with his family dogs from his childhood through adulthood.

The cover features Weagley and his late dog Pudgie. "I had a bond with him unlike any other dog I have had," said Weagley. "We were good buddies."

Weagley's love of dogs started when he was a youngster growing up at the Seeing Eye Breeding Division in Mendham, N.J.

"I had the good fortune to grow up on the property of Seeing Eye, the organization that raises and trains guide dogs for the blind. My dad was the first director of their breeding division," he explained. "From a very early age, I was introduced to the puppies. We would feed them and exercise them."

"The book is also a way to honor my dad and mom," he added. "It is dedicated to them."

While writing the book, Weagley, via Facebook, requested that the public send in stories and photos about their favorite dogs for possible inclusion in the book.

"I got pictures from all over the country - hundreds of them," he said. "Some of them are really emotional. There is one from a former elementary school classmate of mine. She had a son that was killed in action in the military. As a way to honor him, she got a dog, and she and her dog do therapy work. They go to schools and hospitals. Her son was a Marine Raider, and the dog's name is Raider."

The book also includes stories from veterinarians. "I have included stories from veterinarians that are interesting and comical stories - things they have encountered from dogs and dog owners," Weagley noted.

He said that today's dogs have been trained to provide a variety of services for people in need and in law enforcement. "It's important to acknowledge the amazing abilities of dogs and the services they provide," Weagley shared. "They are support animals. There are dogs that are trained to be with a diabetic to detect low blood sugar, bomb-sniffing dogs and dogs that (detect) seizures. It is incredible the services they provide."

An additional and humorous aspect of the book is a commentary offered by a "cat."

"There is an appendix in the book where I have a cat commenting on each chapter," Weagley said. "People can refer to the cat's comments after each chapter."

Weagley believes that dog lovers will enjoy his latest book. "I know people treasure their relationships with dogs. They will be able to relate to my stories," he stated. "What is interesting is that any dog owner or anyone who has a strong bond with a dog will tell you, they are attuned to us. Their emotions match ours. They feel what we feel."

Weagley plans to hold author talks and book signings. For more information or to schedule an event, contact Weagley at faithNwellness@comcast.net. "I Love Dogs!" is currently available for sale on Amazon.