Mattie, Milo, and Me

A Memoir

By: Anne Abel

Narrated by: Jen Jacob, George Hahn

Anne grew up in an abusive home, leading to severe depression and a determination to do better as a mother. One of her sons wants a dog from the time he is a baby; Anne very much does not. For years she appeases him with creatures who live in cages and tanks, but on his tenth birthday she can no longer say no—and she proceeds to fall in love with their new four-legged family member, Mattie. Then Mattie dies a sudden and tragic death, and Anne feels herself begin to sink back into depression.

Trying to cope, she immediately adopts Milo—a dog who, unbeknownst to her, has already been returned to the rescue by several families due to his aggressive behavior. But even after she realizes Milo is dangerous, she’s committed to trying to give him a chance at a good life.

Anne’s journey takes the listener from dog school into the deep woods as she perseveres with Milo’s lifelong rehabilitation and her unwavering efforts to be a good mother to her sons. Working with Milo strengthens Anne and expands her ability to love. Ten years later, when Milo dies, Anne faces another choice: close the door to that part of her heart, or risk loving another dog after two tragic losses?

©2024 Anne Abel (P)2024 She Writes Press

The sweetness of her love for each dog she committed to.

Liked everything g about it. The only thing I didn’t like, very tiny, was the word creature used for the dogs. While I know that’s what they are, I’d still try to think of another word. Like I said, that’s trivial , the book was awesome!

Dogs Teach us so Much!

I began following Anne on Tik Tok and saw her book. I ordered the book on Amazon and finished it in one day! I highly recommend the book….even though it can be a tear jerker at times.

Lovely tale of Dogs redemption

The authors beloved dog dies and is replaced a bit impulsively, turning her life upside down . If your a dog owner dogs have various temperaments and behaviors this is a well written tale of how the dogs redemption became.a mutual path of love and learning. This is a very easy read I recommend it if you just want something light and enjoyable. Would be a great book for a family to listen too or young adults.

Emotional. Yet, resilient

I had to start this off in small bites. It is intense. But, her story had a way of drawing me in. Her pain and resilience is relatable. The fight through her insistence on being a good mom, teacher and pet parent, I kept shaking my head in affirmation. I love her storytelling. Her inspiring message of healing and love.

We get the dog we need, not necessarily the dog we want.

This was an enjoyable story on a difficult subject. Losing a dog, or two, is traumatic, whether by being hit by a car or dying with cancer. My sweet little dog died of old age and dementia, called canine cognitive disorder.
The author and the narrator did an excellent job sharing that trauma without being traumatic. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves or has loved a dog!