“The moon on June 26, 1996, the day Bunker came into my life, was 68 percent full and waxing. Moment by moment, it grew bigger and brighter. Bunker and I found each other when the moon was half full, the light half returned. We would begin the process of growing and healing together alongside the moon: brighter each day, little by little.” –Excerpted from Dog Medicine
Today is the launch day for the Penguin edition of Dog Medicine, How My Dog Saved Me From Myself. The publisher chose the launch date: July 19th, 2016.
July 19th, 2016 is a full moon. I didn’t realize this until I looked at a lunar calendar last week. I gasped, of course, because it’s the brightest night of the month. There’s light in the darkness tonight.
There are only twelve full moons a year. The fact that Dog Medicine is being launched on one of them is, to me, another sign that this story matters, that it can help some people, that the natural world knows more than we ever could, and she’s on our side. It’s also my beautiful Bunker saying, “Go mama!” Even the skeptic in me can’t overlook this one.
Some Native American tribes believe that wolves howled the moon into existence. Isn’t that a beautiful idea? That the wolf howl–that mournful cry brimming with sorrow, hope, longing, and connection–birthed this incredible lunar life force.
Go out and look at the moon tonight and take a long, deep breath. And remember– just like my mom always says, no matter where we live or who we are, we’re all looking up at the same moon. Even when the world seems so crazy and disconnected, we are all deeply connected.
Always.
Julie Barton 
Julie–I saw you speak in St. Louis last week, bought two books (even though I went with a strapped budget and apparently nonexistent willpower despite me telling myself, ‘I won’t buy a book.’) and blogged about your book yesterday.
Here’s the link: siouxspage.blogspot.com/2016/07/dog-medicine.html
Congratulations, and best wishes on your travels as you crisscross the country to tell everyone about you and Bunker. You wrote a wonderful book.
I LOVE this Sioux. Thank you so much. It makes this road weary traveler smile. Thank you.
The moon has always been a factor in our family events. Your youngest was born on a full moon. When you were in Australia we looked at the moon from our opposite hemispheres and felt a connection. Our dogs get hyper on full moons and probably family humans do too! I love that your beautiful memoir was launched on a full moon. To me it is a serendipitous occasion and full of good luck. Love, Mama
This brings tears of joy, my dear.
Congratulations Julie. Absolutely loved your book! Much success and look forward to more of your writing.
Love this, and you. Mega congrats on your most fabulous gift of a book.