Simon has recovered from most of his wounds and ailments, but his front legs remain twisted, almost certainly painful and sore, despite the great care from our farrier, Ken Norman. He lies down often, much more than Lulu and Fanny, I think to rest his legs. His suffering has never affected his disposition, he is a sweet creature.

My book about Simon, “Saving Simon,” will be out in a few weeks – October 7. I will open the book tour at Battenkill Books, my local bookstore. We are giving away a signed “Saving Simon” postcard to everyone who pre-orders or orders a book from Battenkill – we are shooting for 2,000 books sold there. You can call the store at 518 677-2515, or e-mail Connie Brooks at [email protected]. They take Paypal and ship anywhere in the world.

In buying a book through Battenkill, you are not only supporting me and Simon, but the idea of the independent bookstore as well, the idea of shopping local and preserving individuality and scale. People who pre-order the Simon book will also have a chance at winning a potholder from Maria, some free Fromm Family Food, the food my dogs eat, and signed photographs and notecards.