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Chester County Press

Former Chester County Press Staff Writer Publishes New Book: Moe and Lucy – Reunited at the Rainbow Bridge

08/06/2020 06:00AM ● By Steven Hoffman

Nancy Johnson’s whimsical and heartwarming new book, Moe and Lucy – Reunited at the Rainbow Bridge came about after the family’s beloved Jack Russell terrier named Moe passed away.

“Initially, I wanted to write Moe and Lucy -- Reunited at the Rainbow Bridge to help myself heal from a broken heart,” Johnson said. “The unexpected loss of my son’s Jack Russell terrier, Moe, hit me extremely hard.”

Johnson, a former staff writer with the Chester County Press, started writing down some ideas for a story while Maize was cuddled up in her lap. Moe and Lucy had four litters of 16 puppies together, including a dog named Maize, also one of Johnson’s beloved pets.

“I thought about Maize being the very last of all the puppies Moe and Lucy had together and then suddenly I envisioned Moe and Lucy reunited together in a happy afterlife,” Johnson explained.

Lucy helps Moe explore what is beyond the Rainbow Bridge—the most amazing dog park anywhere. She also helps him learn how to stay connected with his loving family here on Earth.

According to Johnson, the story that she crafted is appropriate as a story time book for young children or for middle readers to read themselves, but the touching, timeless tale has a wider audience—anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a special dog. 

Johnson explained, “While writing this book, I became keenly aware of the number of people – children and adults -- grieving from the loss of their beloved dogs. I hope this story brings readers smiles and evokes happy memories of the pets they have loved and lost.”

Charming illustrations by classically trained artist Grace Lackey bring the story to life. The images depict Moe and Lucy, along with dogs of every breed and mix imaginable, in a “dog heaven” of sorts. 

The dogs spend their days romping in beautiful fields, swimming in ponds, ripping apart squeaky toys, eating whatever and whenever they want, and enjoying games like virtual reality cat chasing.

Johnson’s diverse professional background includes writing for everything from the financial services and education fields to retail stores. She wrote extensively for The Chester County Press and its family of magazines, covering topics ranging from school board meetings to human interest features. She currently resides in Aiken, South Carolina with her husband, three Jack Russell terriers, a horse, and a miniature donkey. She freelances for equestrian-related magazines.

To learn more about Moe and Lucy – Reunited at the Rainbow Bridge or to order the book, visit www.moeandlucy.com. The author is happy to sign and inscribe books upon request. In addition to being available online, the book can be purchased in southern Chester County at Oxford Feed & Lumber and Pets & Friends.