You may ask why a book about Ukraine? Why now?
This is more than just a story about a foreign country at war and turbulent politics. This compelling book “Shayla and Friends” tells the inspirational true story of this remarkably beautiful and spirited shepherd/Czech wolfdog. Shayla grew up in the beautiful yet sometimes dangerous world of Ukraine, abandoned at a young age and cautious to open her heart. She is taken in by the orphaned children and caretakers at Father's House (Otchiy Dim) orphanage, She learns to love and trust these children and new friends. Yet, like any orphan, she dreamed of finding a forever family and finally did – halfway across the world in America.
Along her journey she befriends amazing people and other animals who each have their own stories to tell. Together Shayla and her friends learn and teach us all valuable lessons on surviving with courage despite challenges, finding faith, accepting others, and loving despite fear. As one book reviewer states “Brimming with faith, twists of fate, deep loss, and true joy, this book teaches us all the true meaning of friendship.”
Many people we meet remark on what a pretty dog Shayla is, but when they hear her story of survival and overcoming hardship in Ukraine, and finally achieving her dream of a forever family, they are truly inspired. So many adults and children have experienced the painful loss of death, adoption, domestic violence, longing for a loving family and home. I never truly knew such a sense of abandonment and loneliness until I lost my husband to alcoholism, became an adult orphan, and felt the pain of never having my own children. Feeling those losses myself and learning about the orphaned children and pets of Father’s House, touched my heart deeply. I believe this story will encourage those, like Shayla and I, who have felt deep loss to heal their pain and love again, to transform their lives. Dare to dream and find strength by believing in God and genuine friendship of others to help you achieve those dreams.
This story is dedicated to the inspirational founder of Father’s House #Otchiy Dim, Roman Korniyko who raised these precious orphaned children and dogs (like Shayla) with such incredible love, commitment, and faith in God. And to the orphans like Mykola, with hearts open to love. But I also dedicate this story to the brave Ukrainian people, many now refugees far from their beloved home, who suffer under the foreign military invasion; to the animals confused, lost, and abandoned in a harsh war-torn world. They are strong and proud, willing to risk their lives for their home and country. Shayla’s story of survival and overcoming hardship exemplifies the enduring courage and strength of the inspirational Ukrainian people.
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