Vivian Zottola, MSc
Author and Human-Dog Relationship Therapist
Walking two worlds: Exploring the heart and science behind our journey with dogs
Praise
​“In Cammie Queen of the Neighborhood Vivian tells a story about a wonder-filled dog and her human family, helping readers reflect on their own canine companions and the positive impacts they have had on their families—impacts that emerge not only through their positive spirits but also through the ways we learn to ‘read’ their communication, leading to deeper understanding and care. Ultimately, this reflection brings a sense of gratitude when the inevitable happens and our beloved canine pets are no longer physically with us."
— Dr. George Scarlett, Senior Lecturer
Tufts University, School of Arts and Sciences
Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study & Human Development​​
About
Cammie, Queen Of The Neighborhood Goes To The Moon is a charming tale of a dog named Cammie who ventures from a puppy farm into a bustling city. Initially, the city's hustle and bustle overwhelms Cammie. However, with time, patience, and abundant affection, she begins to feel at home.
A fascinating character in the story is the Fairy Dog Trainer, who becomes Cammie's guide, teaching her family the secret lessons of understanding and communicating with their new canine member. Gradually, Cammie gains confidence, makes new friends, and leaves a trail of joy wherever she roams.
The moon plays a significant role in the narrative. For Cammie and her family, it's more than a celestial body; it's a symbol of peace and beauty. The family shares special moon-gazing moments, creating a lunar bond of love that transcends time and space. As Cammie matures, she reassures her family that they can always feel her presence by looking at the moon.
This heartwarming book is a beautiful exploration of adaptation and love, depicting the deep bond between a pet and their family. It provides comfort and understanding, especially to young readers grappling with changes or losses in their own lives.
Cammie, Queen Of The Neighborhood Goes To The Moon is not just a book, but an emotional journey that can help children understand complex emotions and navigate through life’s changes. It is also an excellent resource for those who enjoy stories about family relationships and the emotional bonds with pets.
In the world of children's literature, this book stands out as a tender, insightful, and thoughtfully crafted tale that captures the essence of love, change, and resilience. It's more than a story; it's an experience that fosters empathy and nurtures the heart, making it a must-read for every young reader.
Major Retail Channels:
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Amazon
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Barnes and Noble
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Target.com
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Walmart.com
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Bookshop.org
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Powell’s
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Most independent bookstores
US Partners:
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Ingram Book Company: A major distributor in the United States, distributing to almost 40,000 retailers, libraries, schools, and universities.
International Retailers:
For international distribution, some key partners in different regions including United Kingdom & Europe Partners, ​Australia & New Zealand Partners​
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Quick Facts
A Few Words From The Author
"Cammie wasn’t just another dog in need of a home—she was a survivor. Her early life was defined by confinement, expectation, and an existence that left little room for joy. As a breeder dog, her purpose had been determined for her, but when she was unexpectedly given a chance at a new life, the road to healing wasn’t instant. It took time.
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Her new guardians were committed to giving her the life she deserved, but Cammie had never truly known freedom. She had never learned how to trust without fear, how to explore without hesitation, how to simply be a dog because of her early life.
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Her story first appeared in Chapter 7 of my debut book, Being a Good Dog in the Human’s World, but Cammie, Queen of the Neighborhood is where she takes center stage. Writing this book wasn’t just about capturing her journey—it was about processing the grief of losing her, about preserving the memory of a dog who overcame so much, and about offering solace to those who have loved and lost pets of their own.
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Grief doesn’t follow a neat path. It lingers, it shifts, and sometimes, it finds its way into words. This book is my way of keeping Cammie’s spirit alive—not just for myself, but for anyone who has ever felt the ache of losing an animal companion they loved. The lesson I learned loving Cammie is that love is all encompassing energy and no dog or other living being is truly owned by another. The love we feel for our companion friends doesn’t disappear when they leave us; it just transforms. Through Cammie’s story, I hope to remind others that the bonds we form—with patience, with trust, with unwavering love—never truly fade."​ - Vivian
"That we experience the world from a human perspective doesn’t mean that we can’t work to see things from the perspective of non-humans, and I’ll argue that empathy is a skill that helps us in doing this." —Lori Gruen
This website is a resource I offer to share more about our relationship with dogs. Here you'll find information about my book Being A (good) Dog In The Human's World, research in dog behavior, free animated videos to help reduce the risk of bites to children, and links to written articles and my podcast. Warm woofs and wiggles to you all!
Vivian