Family relationships are often characterized by a fragile balance of frustration, anger, contempt, commitment, and, of course, love. Unlike these incongruous human connections, the uncompromising warmth and affection for a four-legged family member can be a singular demonstration of unconditional love. The story of Millie and her impact on her human family is a poignant tale of unconditional love, commitment, and sacrifice. I have known no other mother or father who holds a closer bond with their children than that exhibited by the author and his wife with their Yorkshire Terrier. And that affection has been returned tenfold by this beautiful tiny creature. Millie is an inspiring tale of love that will bring a smile to the face of every reader.

This book is based on actual events that began in a pet store on Lexington Avenue in March of 2005. It's a story about love and caring. A full-bred Yorkshire Terrier, Millie was three months old when Roseanne brought her home. Born late December 2004, in Stark City, Missouri, Millie was the smallest puppy in her litter. Her breeder sold her to American Kennels in New York City. The book follows her from the day she became a part of our family and changed our lives, filling our home with happiness. It threads its way through good times and fearful times. From the unexpected trauma, just five days after Roseanne brought her home, to––nearly fifteen years later––the horrendous months after her battle with cataracts. Through it all, Millie's beauty, charm, affection, and bravery brought us closer as a family. If there's a dog in your home, you will undoubtedly understand the special bond owners develop with these beautiful creatures. In my opinion, one reason may be that dogs––or any household pet––are completely dependent on us. They trust us completely to provide for their well-being. I cannot explain how we develop our unique love for pets or where it comes from. Maybe it's because pet owners have what I would call a "pet gene" somewhere within their psyche. Not easy to explain. In our case, it simply evolved as Millie cast her spell over us virtually twenty-four hours a day. We willingly became imbued with her spirit, her unrelenting joyfulness. There are literally hundreds of books that explain the do's and don'ts of dog ownership. You won't find that advice here. This book is a chronicle of Millie's more than fifteen years with us. It relates firsthand how she brought so much love to her mom and dad's life. Each chapter is a "window" into Millie's world. I hope they offer a clear vision into how it's possible to love an animal as much as a human, if not more. If reading this book does that for you, then I consider it a grand success. Follow Millie as she joins our family and grows up with us, spreading joy and love to everyone lucky enough to meet her.

Louis and Roseanne Lavalle, a husband and wife team, have been partners in their print and fulfillment business for over thirty-five years.

Roseanne possesses an extensive range of communication skills, acquired while working as a Vice President and Senior Account Supervisor at a New York City advertising agency.

Louis has been immersed in the graphics sector since he was fifteen years old. He worked as a stonehand in letterpress shops, a linotype operator at a newspaper group, and as an advertising agency production manager. He has written a wide variety of marketing collateral for corporate clients.

Writing Millie! A Love Story, the couple’s first book, has been a cathartic journey of emotional discovery, finding words to express their gratitude for the love and companionship of their beautiful Yorkshire Terrier.