Renown author and ethologist Patricia McConnell will be talking about her memoir, The Education of Will: Healing a Dog, Facing My Fears, Reclaiming My Life, at a free program at the Mercer Public Library on Tuesday, July 10th at 6:30pm.
The “Will” in the title of Patricia’s new memoir has two meanings. First, it refers to her Border Collie, Willie, who came as a “troubled, spark of a dog,” who was loving and attentive, but also consumed by fear. However, the word “will” also refers to will power, which, as the book shows, is not enough to help a panicked dog, much less a dog owner overwhelmed with her own fears. Patricia will touch on her very personal story about how her beloved Willie first set her back, but eventually led to healing from the traumas in her own past that she had tried to “will” away for decades. Join Patricia as she details her personal journey with Willie to turn a life of fear into one of confidence and compassion.
Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB, is an Ethologist who has consulted with pet owners for over twenty-five years about serious behavioral problems. She taught “The Biology and Philosophy of Human/Animal Relationships” at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for twenty-five years and speaks around the world about canine behavior and training. Dr. McConnell is the author of thirteen books on training and behavioral problems, as well as her newest book, The Education of Will, a memoir about healing from trauma in both people and dogs. She was also known to radio listeners across the country as the host of Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Calling All Pets.” Patricia and her husband live with their working Border Collies, Willie and Maggie; her King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Tootsie; and a very spoiled flock of sheep. For more information, go to www.patriciamcconnell.com or visit her blog, atwww.theotherendoftheleash.com, and follow her on Facebook or on Twitter, Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
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This program is sponsored by the Mercer Public Library and the Northwoods Book Festival. For more information, call the Mercer Library at 715-476-2366.