Holocaust true story

Why I wrote my books

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

Many people ask what inspired me to write the books that I did, therefore I am going to post a series of blogs explaining why I wrote each book. Also, if you, my loyal readers have a suggestion for a book or an article, please feel free to let me know. I cannot promise that I will write it, but you never know.

I will not comment on my books in the order that they were written but I will cover them all.

The first book that I get the most inquiries about is Faithful Friends: Holocaust Survivors’ Stories of the Pets Who Gave Them Comfort, Suffered Alongside Them, and Waited for Their Return.

This book has won several national awards. They are:

2012: First Place, Dog Writers Association of America.

2012: Second Place Winner, National League of American Pen

                   Women

2012: Finalist, Alliance of Purebred Dog Writers Arthur Award

2012: Certificate of Excellence, Cat Writers Association of America.

The inspiration for this book came from the Diary of Anne Frank. That may be a surprise, but in that account the family risked their lives to hide their cat with them. Had the cat made noise, they could have been discovered. Keep in mind that there was only a wooden floor separating them in the upper room from the people who worked downstairs. There was no insulation to deaden sound.

This made me wonder if there were other stories about pets. I had hoped to get stories about all kinds of animals but only those people who owned dogs and cats responded to my request.

What was amazing to me is that when I interviewed survivors, all of them thanked me for asking and giving them closure. Closure? Then I realized that all the people who responded where children in WWII. They loved their pets just as much as people today, but with all the fear and trauma that they were in the middle of, no one wanted to hear about the fate of pets when so many people were being taken and killed.

The book is broken down by country and in the beginning of each chapter I give a brief outline of what was happening at that time. When younger people read this book, they may not fully understand that there was no television, no computers, and in many cases, no telephone. The only news was through newspapers which were controlled by the Nazi’s and full of propaganda. Many people did not get the newspaper. In many cases the only way people learned about what was happening was by the most unreliable means, word of mouth.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy you can get an autographed copy from my website, www.sbulanda.com  It is also available (not autographed) on Amazon or from the publisher. Please go to my publisher’s website, www.cladach.com to see all their wonderful books.

Susan Bulanda’s two new books

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

Please take a minute to check out my two new books. I think you will like them. Autographed copies will be available by January from my website. If you can’t wait, they are on Amazon.

Sue

Where Are You Nicholas?

When the Nazis Took Everything, One Memory Kept Her Alive.

Yvonne Redgis lived a life shaped by grace, discipline, and quiet strength. A gifted dancer in Paris, she built her world through movement and devotion. When war overtook France, she entered the Resistance with conviction and purpose. The cost was immense. Captured, tattooed, and sent to Auschwitz, she endured what no human should endure. However, she was able to convince a German soldier to take care of Nicholas. Would she survive? Would she be reunited with Nicholas?

Through it all, one name anchored her: Nicholas, the small French Bulldog she’d left behind. His memory became her lifeline through the darkest hours—proof that somewhere beyond the wire, love still existed and a future waited worth fighting for.

Where Are You, Nicholas? is the true story of a woman’s wartime ordeal, her hard-won freedom, and the unbreakable bond between a dancer and her dog. Built from Yvonne’s own journals, personal accounts, and historical records, this is a story of resistance, survival, and the devotion that makes us human even when the world has lost its humanity.

For readers who believe some bonds can never be broken—no matter the distance, no matter the darkness.

Ideal for readers of Holocaust biography, women’s history, and accounts of perseverance, this work honors the memory of Yvonne Redgis and the resilience that defined her journey.

https://amzn.to/3Mowq88

Dogs of Devotion

True Stories of Loyalty, Courage, and the Unbreakable Bond Between Humans and Their Dogs

Dogs lift spirits, comfort hearts, guide the lost, and step forward in moments when courage is demanded. In Dogs of Devotion, renowned canine expert Susan Bulanda gathers a remarkable collection of real stories that celebrate the deep connection people share with their dogs. These tales illuminate the intelligence, intuition, humor, and steadfast companionship that define the human–dog relationship.

Written with clarity, insight, and heartfelt warmth, this book embraces the joy of companionship and the life-changing power of animals who walk beside us. Each story offers its own triumph, surprise, or emotional resonance. Readers feel the snow under their feet, the forest winds shifting, the quiet padding of paws at night, and the pure devotion of dogs who give everything without hesitation.

Families, trainers, young readers, seasoned dog handlers, and anyone who has ever loved a dog will find inspiration in these true accounts. The stories highlight working dogs, heroic dogs, mischievous dogs, and faithful companions whose presence shaped lives for the better.

Here are the stories included in Dogs of Devotion:

  • Life and Death — A devoted dog brings quiet courage and unwavering presence to the edge of tragedy.
  • Nicholas — A spirited dog transforms a child’s world with loyalty, spark, and unexpected wisdom.
  • Nine Inches — A tiny dog proves that heart, grit, and spirit create immense impact.
  • Petey — A clever dog turns an ordinary day into an unforgettable act of devotion.
  • Stubby — A brave working dog rises to every challenge with fearless enthusiasm.
  • The Boy — A dog’s steady companionship shapes a boy’s strength and confidence.
  • The Dog Was a Hero — A loyal dog steps forward with bold determination at the moment he is needed most.
  • The First Christmas — A dog senses the season’s wonder and brings warmth and joy to a family’s holiday.
  • The Mystery of Winter — A dog uncovers the quiet secrets of a winter landscape with instinct and intelligence.
  • The River — A dog’s alert senses and quick action protect a life at the river’s edge.
  • The Search — A trained dog tracks through rugged terrain with purpose and heart.
  • Tippy — A small dog with sharp instincts brings light, comfort, and keen awareness to every moment.
  • Queenie — A noble dog meets danger with remarkable poise and steadfast loyalty.
  • The Sled Dogs — A determined team of dogs pushes through cold, distance, and difficulty with powerful unity.
  • Old Drum — A faithful dog inspires a historic courtroom tribute that honors the bond between humans and dogs.
  • U.S. Mail Dog — A dependable dog delivers through storms, distance, and duty with unwavering commitment.
  • My Pal — A gifted trick dog helps a young girl discover confidence, resilience, and joy.
  • Lost — A heroic dog guides a ranger to two stranded hikers and leads everyone toward safety.

These stories honor every wagging tail, every warm muzzle, every joyful greeting at the door. They remind us that dogs contribute courage in difficult hours, comfort in seasons of uncertainty, and companionship in every moment that matters.

Dogs of Devotion offers readers a rewarding experience filled with emotion, admiration, and gratitude for the remarkable animals who open their hearts to us so freely. This collection is a testament to the beautiful connection between people and their dogs, written by one of the world’s most respected canine behavior experts.

https://amzn.to/483sL8l