THANK YOU Milwaukee! Three hundred of you came out to hear my first talk about The Education of Will, and I can’t thank you enough. Needless to say, I was excited and terrified and thrilled and nervous and empowered and overwhelmed to be speaking in public for the first time about the journey that Willie and I took to overcome our fears. I won’t pretend that it was easy. But we all know that some of the best things in life are hard won, and that certainly is true for the journey I began six years ago when I first started writing about how Willie set me back before he helped me to recover. Thank you Wisconsin Humane Society and Boswell Books for having me!
Today is another big day because it’s the official release date of The Education of Will in both print and audio. You can order the books on this website, go to your local bookstore, and order the audio version at either Audible or on iTunes. It’s read by the amazing Ellen Archer, who also read The Other End of the Leash and For the Love of a Dog. We’ve become long distance friends, and she is bringing her son out to visit the farm and meet Willie this spring. What a wonderful connection!
Last night I signed books for over 2 and a half hours, and I cherished every single request. Here’s a sincere thanks to all of you for coming up, telling me your stories, and supporting this journey. Somwhere around 9:45 things got a little silly: Here I am with staff from Wisconsin Humane playing tug with one of Willie’s favorite toys (don’t tell Willie!):
If you attend one of the talks listed below, please come up and say hello if you are a blog reader; I always feel like blog readers are friends from way back. . .
The Magical Mystery Book Tour continues today in Green Bay at Barnes and Noble; here’s the schedule of my talks in Round One of the book tour. (Round Two is in MA and PA at the end of March. More on that coming in later posts.)
7:00 to 8:00 PM
Free, no registration necessary, but seating is limited.
6:00 to 8:00 PM
Free, no registration necessary, but seating is limited.
March 1, 2017 – Seattle, WA
March 4, 2017 – Beaverton, OR
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Here’s a photo of Willie and the sheep that I’ll keep in my heart as I travel around the country. Jim and Willie will be keeping the home fires going. I’m thrilled to be on this magical mystery of a book tour, but won’t pretend that it won’t be heaven to be back home.
Michelle says
Just got mine downloaded to my iPad! Can’t wait to start reading it. Congrats!
Wendy Wright says
Had not visited your website for a while and upon “stopping by” today was delighted to see that your memoir is available. Just ordered a copy on Amazon and can’t wait to read. Thanks in advance!
HFR says
Got a “Your order just shipped” email from Amazon. Could not be more excited. Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!!!
I really wish you were coming to the New York area. Maybe if the PA appearance isn’t too far…
heaps of love Laurie says
How poetic that you would start your book tour on National Love Your Pet Day.
I was there for your deeply moving, heartfelt talk you gave for the Wisconsin Humane Society last night.
Thank you for being brave enough to share your story and speaking out for the dogs and animals who have no voice and the many humans who are too afraid or ashamed to speak out.
I have learned so much from your books but have a feeling this memoir will exceed all the others.
May you find peace and healing on your book tour.
Trisha says
Thanks so much Laurie, and for being in such a welcoming and supportive audience.
lin says
It was on display at one of my independent bookstores (I am lucky enough to have one near work and one near home), so I took it straight up to the counter. Reading during my breaks (and, okay, sneaking peeks at other times), I am already captivated. Looking forward to seeing you in Marin.
Beth says
Hi Trisha. Silly question: Are there photo pages in the book? Trying to decide if I want it on my Kindle or a hard copy. Thanks!
Diane says
i need to check Amazon…ordered my copy and an extra (for a friend) months ago. Can’t wait. (Well, maybe I should order some tissue before the book delivery. I read your excerpt from a recent previous blog). If you plan a Chicago/burbs visit…please let us know! Congrats and wishes for great success. You deserve it …. you share so much with us.
Trisha says
To Beth: Not a silly question at all! No photos, so go for whatever version you want.
Debby Gray says
What a very special time last night was! I was so happy to be there for your book launch. I took my Milwaukee hosts to the event. They are not dog owners but have told me several times how much they enjoyed the evening and how much they learned. Thank you for sharing such a deeply personal story that will resonate with so many people
Laura says
My copy arrived today and I can’t put it down. You have such a gift Trisha!
Shady says
I’ve already started your memoir, and I think it is a beautiful, touching, amazing work. Your Will reminds me so much of my Elyas, he behaved in many of the same ways as Will did as a puppy. It was Elyas that helped me find you, and I cannot tell you how much your words have helped me to understand my crazy boy and help him gain confidence and not be so fearful. From daily meditation and separation anxiety and leash aggression, Elyas is now 2 years old and can walk within 20ft of a strange dog. He no longer has any separation anxiety, and lays down calmly when I leave. He’s the sweetest, smartest dog, and he’s absolutely attached to my hip. It brings me almost to tears with joy that he’s not so afraid any more, and I know that you have helped me through every single step of the way. I truly hope one day to meet you so I can tell you in person how grateful I am to you for all that you do and have done. Thank you, so so very much.
From Tennessee,
Shady
Pamela Wofford says
Love the photo of two humans playing tug! I preordered my copy which was supposed to be delivered yesterday. I was so excited I could barely focus at work; I was looking forward to immersing myself in your wonderfully engaging writing.
Sadly, the mailman didn’t leave it so I have to wait until I can get to the Post Office when I’m not at work.
Now I know how the dogs feel when we run out of bully sticks Sunday, and it will be Wednesday before the next package is delivered. 😉
Pamela Haring says
Are you ever coming East? Love your books. Your love of dogs always comes through in your writing. I’ve read other trainer/behaviorist books that were devoid of the obvious affection that you have for dogs. Plus I love your common sense, insightful approach toward training. I would love to hear you speak someday.
Lana Wilson says
My book that I pre-ordered long ago from Amazon…
IS HERE TODAY, lovingly unwrapped and ready for hot tea on the sunny sofa with my own 3 fur babies. Can’t wait to read about your journey ! Thank you!! Lana
Mary Friedel-Hunt says
Missed your Madison WI talk. Will you be at Arcadia Books in Spring Green soon?
Tori says
I was hoping Boise, ID was one of the cities on your book tour. 🙁
Congratulations! I’m excited to read the book.
lee says
Received my copy yesterday! I’ll be house-ridden for a week starting TH so am saving it to read then and will order the audio version today.
I’m so happy you’re on Twitter! I love the photos and videos! My favorite to date is “Go to the barn.” It brought back happy memories of my (fearful) love bug, male BC who did everything lightening-fast. He was quite the mama’s boy, a velcro dog who would drop instantly at “down!” as he was quickly catching up to a fleeing critter. But if he saw sheep he was all BC, forgetting that he lived to please me. Haha!
My total heart dog, female BC was pure grace and intellect, who showed care for the animals she was herding and would save her energy to run full speed only in times of a true emergency. (:
They lived to be 14 and 15. It’s been 5.5 and 2.5 years since we said good-bye to them. The sorrow is still great. My heart can’t bear the sadness of seeing their bodies start fail, and their eyes and sadness when they know their bodies aren’t working. When reading the excerpt about Luke, tears started at “if…” and sobs by the end.
This short song/video says so much about dogs and their love for us. My only question to God is why make a creature so loving toward us and then give them such short lives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY
I live vicariously through others and their precious ones, so please do post more on twitter! (:
Thank you for all that you do….for people and dogs.
lw
P.S. Accidentally posted to previous blog but intended for this one. (:
Terri Miller says
I received my copy last Saturday and finished it on Monday. I enjoyed every page and feel I know Will. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
geri theobald says
Can I order a copy of your new book directly from your website?
Tamasin says
Finished it last night. Extends your well-known, scientifically-undergirded compassion for dogs to so many humans as well. Sometimes the good we do blossoms unknown beyond our own sight: long after the accolades and tours and translations, readers will continue to find support in your example of hurt and health.
A message of love into the world.
Cheryl Edwards says
Just received notification from Amazon that my order is out for delivery today, so with any luck it will be waiting for me at home soon. SO looking forward to seeing you in Madison tonight!! Thanks for all you do for the animals (and people) 🙂 !
Lee Weinberger says
Will you be visiting Texas (specifically Houston) at some point?
Gayla says
Please add, “Wish you were coming to Kauai!” to the Back East, Boise and Houston request above…
Wanda says
Please come to Minneapolis/St. Paul. I would love to hear you speak. Thank you for all you do for dogs and us humans. Amazon said my copy is on its way! Can’t wait to read what everyone is talking about.
Satarupa says
Just bought the audiobook! I have been reading your books and blog for a long time.
I was hoping to attend the talk at Marin Humane in Novato, CA. But $50 is a lot even though it is going towards a good cause and MHS does some amazing things for the community. Their 150 person event is almost sold out which is great to see! Will you be doing any bookstore events in the San Francisco Bay area?
Trisha says
Satarupa: I hope you enjoy the audio book. And sorry I won’t see you in Marin, but understand about the $50. Glad though that the event will raise $ for MHS; they have been doing great work for so many years! Nothing else planned in SF area, I get in just a few hours before the talk from Portland and leave for home the next morning at dark thirty.
Trisha says
Thanks Wanda for the Minneapolis encouragement! I love that area, so maybe something will come up there? Yeah, just asking…
Kelly J says
I started listening yesterday, and have listened on my dog walks and walks to work here in Portland, OR. So nice to learn more about you and your dogs, and hear your story. Thank you!
Lynnette Smith says
I’m looking forward to seeing you at MHS. I know at least ten people attending from Santa Rosa, CA. We are all so excited! I am impatiently awaiting the arrival of my book from Amazon.
Frances says
I have ordered my copy, and hope it will arrive by Saturday – the forecast is for a wild, wet and windy weekend, so the dogs won’t mind if we stay at home for a day or two! I rather doubt your book tour will get as far as Lancashire or Cumbria, but if you just happened to be coming over for the Sheepdog Trials, and had a few hours to spare… (hint!)
MJ says
Lovely packed house at A Room of One’s Own in Madison last night. I had sent a house bound friend the book via Amazon in the afternoon and then bought my own copy from the store. Important to support independent booksellers! Climbed in bed with it and was up until midnight. So happy to have a new Trisha book!
Kathy says
just saw that my copy shipped out. Can’t wait to read it…
Kat says
Feeling some serious envy of those who already have their copy or have received notice that it has shipped. I pre-ordered ages ago but no word on a delivery date yet. Meanwhile I’m contenting myself with Alexandra Horowitz book Being a Dog. Greatly hoping to see you in Lake Forest Park next week.
Beverly Ann Hebert says
Got my copy in the mail, started reading it yesterday, am mesmerized.
Kelly Schlesinger says
I received my TWO copies this week and mailed one to my sister in Florida. She is a huge fan of yours also and makes it her special mission to give The Other End of Leash away to friends with dogs. I started reading my copy of The Education of Will yesterday and am going slowly to make it last longer. You have made such a difference to the dogs in my life. Thank you, Trisha.
Christina peters says
Dearest Trisha, I have been reading your books for years and really love your honesty and real devotion to our dogs and the people who love them. I had to cancel my visit to Novato; was a nine hour drive and would of brought my big Max. I thought better of it because Max is 14 and has just recently overcome separation anxiety. I had a horrible accident two years ago. I left the house and when I came home I was sporting casts on both arms, wrists and had tubes . I wouldn’t let them admit me to the hospital from the ER. Had to get home to my dogs. Max got separation anxiety, so I decided not to make the trip. I am so thankful that I had counciled my clients with your book,”I’ll Be Home Soon; so I knew just what to do. I’m so happy to say that he’s able to have me gone for an eight hour span without any Symptoms. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your life changing work! I think I’m just one of so many people who immerse themselves into learning everything we can to help a “troubled” family dog. Mine was a chocolate lab who had genetically based hyper vigilance and I was told to put her to sleep at three months old by three professionals. I got her at five weeks old because her mom wouldn’t nurse her and she had no affiliation with her litter mates. She had a very happy life after a lot of work. I gave her a JOB as my life partner. She knew over 60 commands and was like a border collie in lab fur. Thank you!!!
Nicola says
An astonishing read. I literally could not put this book down until I finished it (received it and read it on Saturday). Your compassion for all people and dogs, given everything you have experienced is truly extraordinary Trisha. After reading this I felt hopeful and braver. Thank you!
Trisha says
Thank you so very much for the encouraging comments. Nicola, hearing that you felt “hopeful and braver” after reading the book made me happier than I can say. I first wrote for myself, but later decided to go public and publish it after other books had the same effect on me. That was my goal, and hearing you say those words made all 5.5 years of working on the book worth it.
And to Gayla: We ARE coming to Kauai! But just as tourists, definitely want to be on vacation mode when we’re there. Would love any advice re when/where to go/where to stay, etc. We are planning to hike at least part of the Napali coast trail, but any other words of wisdom would be appreciated. Going sometime next winter probably…
Charlotte Kasner says
I may be 3,500 miles away geographically, but I feel but a heartbeat away emotionally. I am just beginning a (new) career as a canine and feline behaviourist and trainer. I recommend The Other End of the Leash to many clients. Nothing prepared me though for the raw emotions and memories that The Educating of Will stirred up in me. I am ever grateful to Dr McConnell for her insights and for sharing her experiences so courageously. This book more than any other inspired strength in me and made me re-evaluate the role of dogs and other animals in my life as well as that of my friends and clients.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Nicola says
Trisha – I forgot to mention I gave you a 5 star review on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/review/1501150154/R29IDORP15FK6I/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_rvw_1?ie=UTF8&cursor=1
?
Trisha says
Thank you so much Nicola for the review! I just read it and oh my, it is so very very kind. It’s comments like this that make writing the book well worth it.
Anne Ramey says
Trisha! I’m soooo excited to see you this Saturday in Beaverton, and am proud and grateful to have been a small part of you coming here to the Portland area and connecting two of my very favorite organizations: Oregon Humane Society and Powells Books!!!
I thank you for squeezing this in – I see in a post above that you are heading to the Bay Area just a few hours later and feel even more lucky that you were able to fit Portland in.
I don’t have the book yet as I really want to buy it from Powells – so I’m coming early to the talk in order to snag a copy – and I will hope that we connect however briefly.
See you Saturday!!! Anne
Laurie Luck says
What a terrific book. I can imagine it was both cathartic and traumatic to write it. Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself that most of us keep hidden. Your writing, as always, is a pleasure to read and makes the time fly by!
Thank you for writing it — it will undoubtedly help many a person and dog.
Eileen says
Patricia… many thanks for writing this wonderful book ‘The Education of Will’ I have just finished reading it. It has helped me on so many different levels… and increasing my understanding of our 4 wonderful (and complex) Labradors. Well done…this must have taken some courage to write and have published. Thankyou and Congratulations.
Kerry M. says
Thanks for writing this book. So many insights into our relationship with dogs. It’s the first book I’ve read of yours since I found your blog a few years back. I started reading around the time of Hope and felt then what a wrenching decision that must have been so it’s interesting to to read about it with more context and more history. I hadn’t realized how fracture the relationship was between Will and Hope.
The only thing that confused me was the acknowledgement for Lisa Lutz. Do you know the author of the Spellman Files? Or is this a different Lisa Lutz?
Oh. And I really want to know what happened to the 4th lab pup that freaked out when placed on their backs. You had mentioned 3/4 were euthanized but didn’t mention the outcome for the 4th. Is is too hopeful to believe they landed in an extraordinary home that could help them to cope with the world?
Diane M says
I have just finished reading your book. I read it in two days, during an education trip to Vancouver. I was so immersed in your story.
Just want to join the crowd in thanking you very much for this beautiful, painful, but ultimately hopeful book.
Congratulations to you and Will!