A ''Woof' of Inspiration

MY 'WHY'

In the fall of 2023, my family and I were blessed beyond belief to join a pilgrimage to Medjugorje at the very last possible minute. Medjugorje moved each of us in very different, yet profound ways.  I've heard before, that a pilgrimage often begins before one departs, and continues long after the journeyer returns home. The miracles of Medjugorje still move within each of us.  

Upon my return, I felt strongly called to write a children's book about the stray dogs I noticed in Medjugorje which made a lasting impact on me. They behaved differently from strays I encountered in other places of travel. They did not appear mangy or malnourished. They didn't beg for food or intimidate pilgrims. They ran contentedly in small packs, often along the outskirts of pilgrims praying the rosary through the vineyard. Laying peacefully beneath benches during outdoor Mass and Adoration. Traveling patiently beside pilgrims on their ascent and descent of both Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain. ​One moment, in particular, remains engrained in my memory. As my family and I began our hike up Apparition Hill, my then seventeen-year-old son removed his shoes, inspirited by other pilgrims. This in turn, inspired his younger sisters to remove their shoes. As my husband and I trailed behind our three barefoot children, a large black and brown shepherd dog accompanied us to the top of the mountain towards the foot of the beautiful white sculpture of the Madonna. As our son knelt in prayer, our little friend curled up next to him and slept on his bare foot. My son received confirmation of his calling a few days later on that same mountain. ​

In speaking with other pilgrims, stories of these dogs were often retold with equal parts awe and delight. I knew for certain that even the resident dogs of Medjugorje were aware of the holy, supernatural, and miraculous moments surrounding them daily. ​If you've had the pleasure of visiting Medjugorje and have an interesting or inspirational story to share about your encounter with the 'Peace Pups', as I like to call them, please feel free to reach out by clicking the button below!