Barchelle (“Chelly”) Bolger Wathen has always loved dogs, her own family dogs as well as shelter dogs she has worked with. Then one day her world changed forever when Chelly and her husband George were blessed to welcome one very special dog into their family – Shayla from Ukraine. This remarkable shepherd/wolfdog overcame abandonment in a harsh world as a young puppy. She chose to love and trust in new friends who raised her at the Christian orphanage Otchiy Dim (Father’s House) in Ukraine and brought her to America to her own forever family.
Chelly was very inspired by Shayla’s life, the faith of friends Roman Korniyko and his family who operate Father’s House, their special children, and the courage of the Ukrainian people despite the turmoil of war. She wrote Shayla and Friends to share their true story. Shayla’s Adventure was written to inspire kids who have also experienced challenges to trust in love and friendship again. God has been at work in all of their lives, and in this story.
Chelly grew up and lived in San Diego, California, and worked almost 30 years as a government Senior Paralegal. She earned her Masters degree in Public Admin. She moved to Prescott, Arizona, in 2021. She now enjoys working as an Ombudsman, volunteering with senior dogs at DogTree Pines Senior Dog Sanctuary, and operating Wathen Custom Woodcrafts business with George. In her spare time she enjoys writing Shayla's books. But her favorite activity is enjoying God’s creation with family and friends – kayaking, ziplining, and hiking mountain trails, especially with Shayla.
