Kathleen Chamberlin -

After retiring from a career in public health, Kathleen Chamberlin has returned to her first love: creative writing. Her first book, Marcy Mary: The Memoirs of Dachshund American Princess—the Early Years is a humorous and touching story told from the title character’s point of view, chronicling the triumphs, predicaments and wisdom of this exceptional canine. Kathleen has lived with Dachshunds for many years and finds their company stimulating—always interesting and sometimes exasperating. She is honored that Marcy Mary chose her to turn her stories into a book.

Kathleen is no stranger to writing. Originally an English Creative Writing major, she switched to Public Health Nursing to “earn some real money,” but her writing ability was in demand throughout her professional career. She has written professional articles and case studies, and developed curricula, procedures and programs. Kathleen has been a frequent speaker at international, national, state and local venues.

Years of seeing human and animal abuse inspired Kathleen to obtain a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology. Subsequently, her career focus turned toward abuse prevention. She designed and implemented state and local interventions that were nationally recognized as model programs. She has also educated national and state political leaders on abuse prevention. Kathleen has received awards in the fields of public health nursing, earthquake assistance and public health leadership. Her most cherished recognition is having her name placed on the National Wall of Tolerance.

After her husband suffered a life-threatening illness, Kathleen decided to retire early. Under the prompting of a friend from her early writing days, she sat down at the computer and started to write from the heart. Creative writing was a far cry from technical and professional writing. It wasn’t until the wonderful ladies of the Friday morning Bible study prayed for this rediscovered talent that the words started to flow. Concurrently, Marcy Mary appealed to Kathleen to bring her memoirs to life. As Marcy Mary would say, “The Creator had it all planned out.”

Kathleen, like Marcy Mary, divides her time between Southern California and Lake Tahoe. She and her husband live with two Dachshunds, Trixie-Noodle and Archie. They are a peculiar little family, but they do have a lot of fun.

Princess Marcy Mary -

Greetings, two-leggeds. I am Princess Marcy Mary, daughter of the Baroness Von Wienerschnitzel, auburn hair, silky ears and the perfect bearing of all purebred dachshunds. Please do not be intimidated by my royal lineage. If we were meeting in person, I would greet you with my delightfully cold wet nose and give you a proper licking with all its proven therapeutic properties.

You see, I’m a princess of the people, the Anthony family to be exact. They are human, or as I call them, two-leggeds. They can’t help having only half the appropriate number. I was destined to follow my Mama’s footsteps into the show arena, but the Creator knows best. On a snowy night in the forest I was accidentally separated from the Baroness and my littermates. Before I knew it, I was adopted by the Anthonys, who had a litter of their own (two girls and a boy) and a strange, useless creature known as “Kotty, the cat.”

I’m not sure if the Anthonys would win best-in-show like my original Mama, but they have potential. It takes work. They need constant protection (fortunately, like all dachshunds, I am hyper-alert with a virtuoso bark). They are not naturally inclined in the fine art of food sharing. And Dad still thinks that big bed is built for two (it accommodates three splendidly—and my human Mom agrees).

I have come to understand the Creator’s plan. The Anthonys needed me! I am here to love them, teach them and manage their household as only a true dachshund princess can. Our adventures together are longing to be shared. (I also admit I’ve had a few of my own when “off duty.”)

For quite some time, friends and relatives have urged me to tell my life story. I was hesitant at first, but decided that I owe it to the world to share my wisdom. Although my feet are lovely in every way, I do not have opposable thumbs. After several attempts to compose my own manuscript (holding a pencil in my mouth and tapping the keys on the family computer), I literally and figuratively snapped— both the pencil and my patience. Knowing my dear friend Kathleen Chamberlin is a writer, dog lover and believer in the Creator, I contacted her and the rest is history.

I hope you enjoy my first book. Please be sure to visit me on the Web for the latest information, wisdom, and gifts from the world of Marcy Mary, Dachshund American Princess.