Featured Writer of the Week: Debra J. White
Debra J. White had the unthinkable happened on January 6, 1994. A walk with her two dogs ended unexpectedly when a driver ran her over. White landed in a pile of snow, bleeding and unconscious. She came home two months later to a different world. Self pity wasn’t on White’s agenda so after a long recovery, she transformed herself.
With hard work, devouring writing magazines, support groups and a stack of rejection letters large to stretch from Phoenix to Philadelphia (well maybe not that far), White molded myself into an award winning and published writer. She is the author of several books, including Emmy's Angels, Best of Lost Souls: Found, and Lifelong Care For Your Dog: Chihuahua.
In 1999 White adopted Luke and became a pet therapist since the healing power of pets aided in her recovery. Seven years as therapy team through Gabriel’s Angels were memorable and rewarding. White volunteered in former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano’s office for four and a half years by answering the phone and sorting mail.
She volunteers for the Sierra Club helping with office work and serves on the board of the Phoenix Animal Care Coalition, an umbrella organization that hosts pet adoptions in our cooler winter months. White founded the children’s creative writing and art contest called Breaking the Chain that teaches kindness and compassion. Last year she started as a volunteer Navigator at Sky Harbor Airport assisting passengers with questions about flights, ground transportation and airport services.
If January 6, 1994, continued as an uneventful day, White claims her life would never have grown deep. The accident cracked open a door with many rewards and she hopes they continue.
White recently received the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) Distinguished Service Award, sponsored by the American Kennel Club.
Connect with Debra J. White at www.debrajwhite.com.
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