Donna McCluskey

December 27, 2001

To Daniel and Jill:

I mailed off a copy of your book, Uncle Boris… to a dog-loving cousin of mine yesterday after reading most of it myself. I know she’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you for your writing and illustrations! As an Oakland apartment dweller, I have chosen not to own a dog, but I have had many, many great walks and talks with the dogs I have met because of pet-sitting jobs. Your stories gave me cause to reminisce about a job two years ago–2 weeks with Jake, a Belgian shepherd, and a really outstanding, handsome dog. Before his family left for their trip to Austria I asked them to give me some $ to get a dog brush. I thought brushing him would be a good way to get to know him. I was so touched when one night he brought me his brush himself, unasked.

I think he was hoping you'd give him some $ for it.