Sheila Webster Boneham

Sheila Webster Boneham writes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, much of it focused on animals, nature, and travel. Her Animals in Focus mystery series features animal photographer Janet MacPhail, her Australian Shepherd Jay, and her tabby cat Leo. Their lives and adventures are based largely on the author's long experience as a competitor in canine and equine sports, rescuer, shelter volunteer, breeder, therapy volunteer, author of dog & cat books, and life-long animal lover. Sheila has also published seventeen nonfiction books about animals, including the highly regarded Rescue Matters! How to Find, Foster, and Rehome Companion Animals. Six of Sheila's books have been named best in their categories by the Dog Writers Association of America and the Cat Writers Association, and several others have been finalists in the groups' annual competitions. Sheila grew up with a wide variety of animals, including Chihuahuas, a Scottish Deerhound, a rescued Irish Wolfhound, two Miniature Schnauzers, a number of mixed breed dogs, cats of many colors, horses, birds, and a couple of hamsters. In her teens and twenties, she showed hunters and jumpers, and was Indiana Hunt Seat Equitation Champion for 3 years. As an adult, Sheila has added Australian Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and several rescued cats to her "life list." In addition to her own dogs, Sheila has fostered many rescued dogs and a few cats, and helped found two rescue programs. A strong advocate of responsible breeding as well, Sheila has bred highly successful Australian Shepherds under the kennel name "Perennial." Sheila trains and competes in several canine sports, and her dogs have also served as therapy dogs in schools, hospitals, libraries, and nursing homes. In addition to her Aussies, Sheila has had at least one Labrador Retriever in her home since 1988, and in November 2012, she and her husband adopted a 12-year-young Golden Retriever whose people turned her over to rescue. Sheila teaches writing workshops and classes, and enjoys speaking to book clubs and other groups when her writing schedule allows. Sheila would love to hear from you. You can follow her news and events or contact her at the following places: Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheilawrites Website at http://www.sheilaboneham.com Blog at http://www.sheilaboneham.blogspot.com