Debby Bailey, a Sun City resident, volunteers at Young at Heart, an animal shelter, and is working hard to raise funds for the organization. It is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to saving the lives of senior pets.
At a high school reunion, Bailey reconnected with Debbie Phillips. Bailey said, “We immediately bonded again, both having in common the love of animals, especially cats. I found out that Debbie wrote a book about her cat, Heidi. It was a children’s book, ‘The Empty Bed: Tails of Heidi’. It was so cute, and I loved the story and the illustrations.”
Phillips said, “Heidi, a cat I inherited from my mother, is my inspiration. Heidi only wanted to be with my mother. She would hide under the bed when I came by. But when my mother died, Heidi came right to me. She knew that she belonged to me now. I have volunteered at shelters, and I love cats. I love to write poems. I always had a passion for writing poetry. I would think of a story and write it down. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I would write my thoughts. A friend suggested I write a book, so I put my two passions together and created this adorable children’s book.”
Bailey said, “I was at Barnes and Noble in Algonquin and got an idea. I met Bob Ward, a store associate. I found out he has a passion and love for animals and was interested in my idea of a book signing and sponsoring a fundraiser for Young at Heart.”
Now, Barnes and Noble will host the event on June 8, from 1-5 p.m. Storytime featuring ‘Empty Bed’ will be at 3 p.m. Portions of sales from Phillip’s book will go to Young at Heart.
Bailey said, “There will be foster dogs at the event. The dogs are available for adoption. Debbie will have cat ears for the children to wear. It will be a fun event.”
Phillips dedicated the book to all the grandchildren and children she had read the book to. Phillips has already drafted two sequels.
Phillips said, “The voice telling the story in the ‘Empty Nest’ is mine. The second, ‘I Have a Mean Little Sister” is in the voice of Katrina, my older cat who was not thrilled when Heidi came home. The third, ‘The Silly Things I Do,’ is told by Heidi. Layna Malave will illustrate both. She is a very talented college student.”
Save the date: June 8. Bring your grandchildren to Barnes and Noble for a fun-filled reading adventure. Meet some of the foster dogs from Young at Heart and join Barnes and Noble in supporting the shelter. Your attendance and donations will make a significant difference in the lives of these animals. You can also donate at adoptaseniorpet.com.
