IN Upper St. Clair Spring 2014 | Page 55

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. ■ Upper St. Clair | Spring 2014 | icmags.com 53