Sara Hiltzheimer

I can’t remember a time where I didn’t prefer dogs to people. Dog was my first word; my first job was at a boarding facility for dogs, and I dreamt of being a vet until I realized that dogs hate the vet.

I have to credit this unwavering love for dogs to my late childhood dogs, Jack and Annie. Hopefully, those names sound familiar to you. My sister and I named our dogs after the siblings in Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House. These books were the heart of my childhood.

As a younger sibling, I, of course, copied my sister by reading these books as soon as I was able because she loved them. Truthfully, I would have loved them no matter what because she did, but they are undeniably enchanting. These books told tales beyond my wildest imagination that blew my mind as a child; I can remember yearning to feel the wind rushing as the tree house spun ferociously as it transported Jack and Annie to their next destination.

These books inspired my adventurous nature, love for my childhood, and bond with my sister. They taught me to be fearless, kind, and loyal. I will always miss these qualities in my own Jack and Annie, and thank them for teaching me to do the same.

It is because of them that I am known for my love for dogs. When I think about it, a lot of my best qualities can be traced to them, and with my worst, they never fail to bring me comfort.