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Shayla & Tayen
Shayla & Tayen

Breaking News!

STAY TUNED - with the editor now!
We are very excited to announce the upcoming release of the 2nd edition of Shayla & Friends (the original foundation book for adults). Follow Shayla's true inspirational journey from Ukraine to America, including the update on our newest dog, Tayen. New rescue stories from Blackhat Humane Society and Dogtree Pines Sr Dog Sanctuary friends

Who Are We?

Meet Barchelle (“Chelly”) Bolger Wathen, a vibrant San Diegan who now calls Prescott home, sharing life with her wonderful husband George and their adorable rescue dogs, Shayla and Tayen! With a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a rich career as a senior paralegal at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, she now shines as a State/NACOG Ombudsman Specialist and co-owner of "Wathen Custom Woodcrafts." She also enjoys volunteering with dog rescues. Her passion for writing has blossomed into crafting inspiring books about her shepherd/wolfdog Shayla, chronicling her inspirational journey from a Ukrainian orphanage to a loving forever home in America, filled with divine inspiration and the joy of friendship. When she’s not writing Chelly loves to embrace the great outdoors with family and friends, whether it’s kayaking, ziplining or hiking mountain trails—every moment is a cherished blessing, especially with Shayla!

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"ChapterBreak" Author Interview

Read my interview on ChapterBreak.net

WriteTellMake Interview

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Shayla & Friends

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The true story of a wolfdog’s journey from Ukrainian orphanage to America, and the friends she meets along the way: other rescue dogs and humans.  

Age: Adult​

Buy
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Shayla's Adventure:

Finding the Light

in the Darkness

An uplifting tale of Shayla the wolfdog and Ashok the boy, orphaned friends whose adventures reveal lessons of love, faith, and the search for family. From seaside adventure to the light of an old lighthouse.

Age: Middle grade kids

Buy
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Shalya's Adventure:

What's Across the Ocean?

A heartwarming tale of a boy and his dog discovering friendship, courage, and hope through imaginative adventures.

Age: Younger kids​

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Buy
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Shayla's Adventure

Activity

Booklet​​

This is a collection of entertaining activities for kids, created to accompany Shayla's Adventure: Finding the Light in the Darkness.

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Buy
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Shayla & Friends:

Into the Light​

The true and imagined adventures of Shayla, from orphanage to America, where she faces fire, danger, and the call of the wild, and her fellow rescue dog and human friends.     Age: Teen/YA

Buy
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Shayla's Adventure

Home for

Christmas​​​

A lost pup’s magical Christmas journey from Ukraine to the North Pole, where friendship, love, and a forever home await. Beautifully illustrated picture book.

Age: Young kids

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Buy

Reviews

Shayla & Friends

This story is based on the adoption of a German Shepherd/ Czechoslovakian Wolfdog from Ukraine

This book appealed to me because it was a dog-story, based on actual circumstances. It is beautifully written from the perspective of a husband and wife whose hearts were ready for another dog to help fill and heal a void left in their hearts following the loss of one of their dogs, which left their other dog grieving as well. This is a poignant read about a miraculous rescue of 15 dogs out of war-torn Ukraine to the United States, and the story of how Shayla (formerly named Layla) became a treasured member of the author's and her husband's family. Shayla had been abandoned as a pup and was wandering the streets when a boy from the orphanage befriended her and brought her back with him. The father and his two daughters in charge of the orphanage allowed Shayla to stay, be fed, loved, and grow in a safe environment. This book contains wonderful photographs. Shayla's story will warm your heart.

Lyn H,E.

Wonderful Story of Rescue and Redemption

This is a well written and wonderful story of a little stray dog in a foreign land that had little hope for survival. But this story takes her from the street where she existed to a children's home, and then across the ocean to a forever family. Along the way she influences many people, especially children, and continues to impact people's lives with her courage, kindness and extreme inner and outer beauty. A wonderful uplifting story.

Outdoors fan

Great Read!  Powerful and Enjoyable

This is a heartfelt true story about struggle, faith and redemption.Powerful, enjoyable, and spiritual true story. I love the children's book as well. This book is for dog people, and anyone who believes in human rights, dignity, and kindness. Great read.

Cassandra

Get In Touch

Barchelle "Chelly" Bolger Wathen

info@shaylaandfriends.com

(619) 206-1010

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Stay Updated With Shayla's Newsletter Subscription

​If you’ve ever found yourself craving a little warmth, a sprinkle of hope, or a gentle reminder that kindness still thrives in this busy world, then Shayla’s Story Newsletter might just be your new favorite read. I’m excited to share why this monthly newsletter has become a beacon of light for so many families, children, and dog lovers alike. It’s not just about stories; it’s about connection, faith, and the joy of discovering friendship in the most unexpected places.

©2025 by Shayla and Friends. Designed by Rob Sarmiento

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