Daily Inspiration: Meet Jean Alfieri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Alfieri

Hi Jean, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When my eyes locked with those of a smooshy-faced little dog who sat inside a kennel at the Humane Society, it was love. He captured my heart and I capture our many adventures in short story poems starring Zuggy the Rescue Pug.

An author, speaker, and advocate for the adoption of senior dogs, I find much of my writing inspiration from our “vintage puppies” and my work at our local animal shelter. My husband and I currently live with our pack of fur kids in Colorado. We joke that although the humans pay the mortgage, it’s really the dogs’ house!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
An advocate for adopting senior dogs, I’ve had my share of heartbreak when a beloved fur-family member passes away. We have a family tradition of telling our favorite stories about that dog at the dinner table. It allows us to express our sorrow but also celebrate their life. And there are so many other ways to honor that pet and mourn the loss.

Over the course of fifteen years and a dozen senior rescue dogs I’ve discovered some techniques for surviving the loss of these beloved pets. Their death leaves a very real gap in our lives. I’m creating a short book to provide parents ideas on how to help children grieve the loss of a pet.

I’ve tried to incorporate the challenges into my writing and speaking opportunities. I’m not the first to face these struggles, but if I can help the next person on the road, I’m honored to do it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a creative who worked for over 30 years in the corporate world. With a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in public administration I led Human Resources and Professional Development teams for public, private, and non-profit organizations. During my career I served as a positivity coach for mid-level and executive leaders and taught undergraduate university courses. I now enjoy writing, speaking, and walking circuits with our pack of senior dogs.

Dubbed the ‘dog author,’ I embrace the title and use my volunteer work at the Humane Society as the backdrop for many of my inspiring stories. I find hope and joy in helping others and speaking on the power of a positive mindset and how to awaken to life by grieving the loss of a pet.

If any of my books encourage kids to read or inspire adults to capture their great life stories for the next generation, then I will consider my writing career a success.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
My newest book, “Twisty and True Tails of a Shelter Dog Matchmaker,” is for dog-lovers of all ages. It weaves fun quotes, short Bible verses, and ‘paw-some’ thoughts into a collection of twelve short stories. It’s a delightful mix of true tales about displaced dogs who took the winding road instead of the straight path to happiness AND about the adopted dogs who allow me to share their house.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.DogAuthor.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-alfieri-0046012/