senators. Ms. Castriota continues to design the annual Christmas cards
sent out by Congressman Tim Murphy.
Her personal story and her battle with cancer were covered in
“Wilson and Bella’s Big Apple Adventure.” In that book, Susan tells of
their trip to New York for her appearance on “The Doctors” in which
she told her story of cancer survival and how Bella was able to detect
a problem which led to scheduling the mammogram where the cancer
was detected.
Ms. Castriota has continued writing books in the Wilson series,
in which she tries to provide an encouraging and helpful message to
children as well as adults. One of her books, “Wilson Won’t Be Bullied,”
is focused on teaching children how to not be the target of bullying
through the development of self-esteem and confidence.
Her books are sold in the gift shops at the Smithsonian museums
in Washington, D.C., and last fall she attended book signings at the
Smithsonian. Her book on the White House dogs is currently in its
second printing, and she is working on several more books featuring
Wilson, including one on famous working dogs, for example the one
owned by Helen Keller. She is also working on a Christmas book. She
hopes to publish both in 2014.
“In (the working dog book) Wilson will go back in time and meet
these famous dogs, which were real and not made up. Most of that book
is already written,” she said.
The books continue to be Ms. Castriota’s way of combining her love of
art, writing and especially creating in children and adults a love for their
pets.
“(The books) are about the love of animals, especially shelter animals,”
she says. “I always introduce Wilson as my ‘adopted dog.’ He is a special
boy to me. I believe that if you save a life, somehow it gives back to you. I
saved Wilson, and it was Bella who really helped save my life.
“I also truly believe that God can’t prevent things from happening,
but He can be there for you. And He doesn’t always work through
humans.”
Her appearances and television interviews are available at her
website at www.wilsongetsadopted.com. ■
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