Stormie's Joy is a collection of short stories about the animals that have come into my life and blessed me with that special kind of magic found only in the nonhuman inhabitants of our earth. Some of these creatures graced my life for too short a time, and were gone before I had a chance to thank them. Others have become treasured friends and trusted confidantes. All have touched my soul. Stormie's Joy cuts through the dripping darkness of a past gone wrong to the forgiving light of redemption. A no-holds-barred honesty trumps finesse in the telling of these stories, particularly those having to do with animal abuse or negligence, as I believe that poetry and eloquence are neither mandates nor substitutes for truth. Written with joy, humor and sensitivity, these are the stories of the animals-their heroics, their jive, their heart-and my adventures and misadventures with them. Whether accompanying a friend to transport a new puppy home from the breeder or caring for another friend's beloved family pet that has reached the end of her years, I feel humbled and privileged to have been a part of their lives. And I know for certain that I have come away a better person for having known them.