What happens when a lifelong animal lover and environmental scientist weaves her passions into stories where dogs see ghosts, save the day, and change lives?In this episode, award-winning author Jill Hedgecock joins us to talk about her Shadow series — suspenseful, heart-filled novels that entertain while quietly teaching readers about compassion, responsible dog stewardship, and the beauty of the human–animal bond.From champion agility runs and nose-work discoveries to celebrating a famous Doberman named Ruby who inspired an entire book series — Jill’s world is where storytelling, science, and canine love meet.💡 Key TakeawaysThe truth behind “owning” dogs — why Jill uses the word stewardship instead, and what it changes in the way we see our dogs.How stories can de-stigmatize misunderstood breeds — and the powerful legacy of Ruby the Doberman, social-media star turned literary heroine.The surprising reason agility and nose work are about the handler, not the dog — and what it reveals about trust and communication.How a simple story choice can spark awareness about serious issues like DCM in large breeds or the environmental impact of pesticides on bees.The one thing all great “dog books” really teach us: how to be better humans.🐕 Favorite Quote“Agility is the best because the dogs are off leash. They can do whatever they want—and they choose to try to please you.” — Jill Hedgecock00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:24 Meet Jill: A Lifelong Dog Lover00:41 Jill's Journey with Dogs and Agility02:21 Writing Books with Dogs as Main Characters02:52 The First Book: Between Shadows' Eyes06:11 The Second Book: From Shadow's Perspective08:18 The Third Book: Exploring Family and Loss09:15 Raising Awareness About DCM in Dogs11:29 Jill's Writing Journey and Inspirations14:19 The Magic of Storytelling14:55 Understanding the Audience15:39 Safari Books and Educating Through Stories16:31 Developing New Projects and Characters21:02 The Art of Dog Training and Agility23:11 Exploring Nose Work with Dogs30:00 Coincidental Encounters and Inspirations33:23 Conclusion and Where to Find Jill's Books📚 About Jill HedgecockJill Hedgecock is an award-winning and internationally published author whose stories celebrate the powerful connection between humans and animals. Her Shadow trilogy — Between Shadow’s Eyes, From Shadow’s Perspective, and In Shadow’s Reflection — follows a Doberman who can see ghosts and a young girl who learns to see through her dog’s eyes.A lifelong animal lover, Jill also writes a monthly pet column for The Diablo Gazette in the San Francisco Bay Area. When she’s not writing, she’s outdoors hiking with her two rescue dogs or training them in agility and nose work.Her upcoming novel, Queen of the Rhino, merges her environmental roots with her love of wildlife — proving that fiction can entertain, educate, and inspire change all at once.🌐 Connect with JillWebsite: https://www.jillhedgecock.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/jill.hedgecock.3Instagram: @hedgecockjillBluesky: @jillhedgecock.bsky.socialTikTok: @jillhedgecockYouTube: @jillhedgecock651👉 Free Gift: Get Lost Cause, the prequel to Jill’s Doberman series, when you join her newsletter via her website.As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

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