About the Author
Marie Mead holding Bailey
My love of animals began long before I met the little lop-eared rabbit named Kali who inspired this book. Beginning at an early age, various species—both domestic and wild — captured my interest and my heart. When I moved to the city, however, animals were less evident, showing up more in my dreams than in daily life.
My formal education was in teaching and psychology. I’ve enjoyed a wide variety of employment experiences, some of which have nurtured my love of nature, adventure, and travel. I worked in various capacities as a technical writer, and the research and writing of environmental articles brought me back into closer attunement with nature.
The day a tiny motherless kitten entered my life, I was brought full circle — back to the love and compassion for animals that I knew as a child. Providing a refuge for abandoned, abused, and special-needs animals has deepened my respect and concern for all life. As a result, I've come to support the compassionate efforts of individuals and various organizations that seek to make this world a kinder place to live, for the benefit of humans and animals alike.
Some of my freelance writings have appeared in Dr. Bernie Siegel’s Faith, Hope & Healing, the UK publication, Bunny Mad, and the quarterly journal laJoie.
Acknowledgments
Although many people contributed to this project, I would like to especially thank the dedicated individuals at the five animal welfare organizations who provided information for the stories about their rabbits: House Rabbit Society, Best Friends Animal Society, Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue, Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society, and Rabbit Sanctuary.
I’m also very grateful to collaborator Nancy LaRoche, whose love and knowledge of rabbits are evident in her daily life. She shared two of her stories, and her excellent edit suggestions elevated the quality of the stories.
Thanks also to Dr. Michael W. Fox for contributing the eloquent Foreword to the book. My heartfelt appreciation also extends to bestselling authors Susan Chernak McElroy and Dr. Bernie Siegel for contributing their personal stories, Dr. Angela Lennox for her informative article on rabbits’ teeth, Cheryl Rosemary Abbott for the excellent article about modeling love and respect for rabbits, and to the artists and photographers who so successfully captured the true essence of rabbits.
And of course I'll never forget the singular inspiration for this book: my rabbit-friend Kali, who blessed my life in countless ways.
Contact
You can contact Marie by sending an e-mail to "info" at CelebratingRabbits.com or by sending a letter to the publisher:
Nova Maris Press
PO Box 384
Sheboygan, WI 53082-0384