The Magic & Inspiration of Poetry Hounds

Poetry Hounds is inspired by my beloved rescue dogs, Joni and Walter, who were both adopted as seniors through Coastal German Shepherd Rescue in Southern California. I adopted Joni in 2015 and Walter in 2019. While making the art for the book, both Joni and Walter were with me. Joni, the beautiful white dog in the photograph, sadly passed away on August 31, 2020, just a few months before the publication of Poetry Hounds. At the time of Joni’s passing, the book was already in production. Joni is greatly missed, but I’m happy her sweet spirit will live on through Poetry Hounds. She was a true gem and one-of-a-kind dog loved by my friends and neighbors. I learned so much about love from Joni. She made me a better person. Joni will always be in my heart.

Thank you to the following people for supporting me with the creation of Poetry Hounds and providing encouragement and ideas along the journey: Steven Soto; Robert Hoffman; Nancy Smith; Rory Litwin; Michael Taylor; the faculty, mentors, and classmates in my expressive arts certificate program at Expressive Arts Florida Institute; and the many kind and supportive artists of Collage Artists of America. Thank you to Laguna Digital for the expert and careful scanning of my original art.

More about my life as a writer, artist, and Love Activist is available on my main website: www.stacy-russo.com