Paw Prints on Hearts

When I wrote Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness, I never imagined a furry companion to that book would come along. But here we are.

Dexter and Kim

It started as a whisper of an idea, something small, soft, and persistent. And like most of my ideas, it came from the heart. One afternoon, I was sitting with my dog, Dexter, his head resting on my knee, his eyes doing that “I understand you” thing dogs do. I realized how much he, and the pets I’ve had over the years, have shaped my heart. They’ve taught me lessons I didn’t even realize I needed to learn, about love, loyalty, forgiveness, and joy.

And that’s when 15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness was born.

This new eBook isn’t just a collection of sweet stories or tips; it’s a celebration of the quiet, powerful ways animals change us. It’s the wag of a tail that greets you when you’ve had the worst day. It’s the soft purr of a cat that curls up next to you when you’re feeling low. It’s the unconditional love that wraps around you without words, without judgment.

If you’ve ever had a pet, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Our pets have a way of finding us when we need them most. Sometimes we rescue them… but sometimes, I think, no, I know, they rescue us. I’ve heard so many stories from fellow animal lovers about the pets that came into their lives at just the right time.

Maybe it was the dog who gave you a reason to get out of bed in the morning when you were walking through grief. Maybe it was the cat who sat on your lap every night during a season of loneliness. Maybe it was the horse who taught you to trust again.

For me, it’s been a series of wagging tails and wet noses that have seen me through the highest peaks and the deepest valleys. Each one has left paw prints on my heart that will never fade.

Why Kindness? When I think of kindness, I think of action; something you do, not just something you feel. Pets live that out naturally. They don’t keep score. They don’t hold grudges. They don’t care if your hair’s a wreck, your mood’s sour, or your life’s a mess.

They just love. And in that love, they show us the purest form of kindness.

They teach us to be present in the moment, like when a dog stops to sniff every single blade of grass on the morning walk. They remind us to forgive quickly, like when you accidentally step on a paw, and moments later, they’re back, leaning on you, trusting as ever.

They encourage us to show up for those we love, not just when it’s easy, but when it’s needed most.

I know that many of you reading this have had an animal that has changed your life. Some of you may have had dozens. And if you’re like me, each one has a story. I’d love to hear those stories.

Maybe you’ve got a tale about the dog who slept at the foot of your child’s bed every night for years. Or the rescue cat who turned your “I’m not a cat person” heart into mush. Or maybe it’s a bird, a bunny, or a goat (yes, goats can be life-changers too) who made a difference you never expected.

This new eBook serves as a companion to Nuggets of Hope, yet it stands on its own. It’s filled with prompts to help you reflect on the ways your pets have shaped your kindness and maybe even how you can share that kindness with others.

It also features some lighthearted “Dexter Wisdom” moments, because, well, my office manager (and four-legged best friend) insists on having his say. His advice may make you smile, but there’s truth and wisdom tucked in there, too.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just an eBook, it’s an invitation.

An invitation to slow down.

To reflect.

To smile over the memories of a beloved pet.

And maybe to open your heart a little wider.

Let’s Celebrate Our Pets Together!

So here’s my heartfelt ask: share your stories with me. Tell me about the pets that have changed your life. Share the lessons they’ve taught you, the kindness they’ve shown, and the love you’ll never forget.

Drop a comment, send me a message, or connect with me on social media. I truly want to hear from you.

Kim Lengling

Author | Email: contact@kimlenglingauithor.com | Host of Let Fear Bounce Podcast

Coffee-in-One-Hand, Dog-Leash-in-the-Other Kind of Gal | www.kimlenglingauthor.com