It is no secret the impact animals make on our lives. The unspoken connection, the unwavering loyalty and the dedicated companionship we share with our pets is one of the most inexplicable joys of life. For local children’s book author and illustrator Brittany Petish, this nuanced relationship manifests twofold as she continues to develop life-changing bonds with both wild and domestic animals while also extending this gift to her readers.
Becoming an author has been a surprise for Petish, who began her career in design and marketing and just recently added children’s book creator to her resume. Employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health in graphic design as well as ICF Next, Petish also has worked to develop a church program that establishes a safe place for special-needs children. Her work in each of these areas has given her an artist’s eye for design, a businesswoman’s attention to detail and a teacher’s empathy for her students. Petish’s original goal to “enhance the quality of life for various special-needs and autistic groups” has been surpassed, as her writing life has provided even more opportunities to this end.
From Grief to Inspiration
Just over a year ago, Petish faced the unexpected passing of her beloved border collie, Annabelle. The grief she encountered felt insurmountable. As she began the long journey of healing, she searched for ways to give her life meaning anew. While visiting a friend’s home in Ellijay, Petish saw an unusual deer whose identifying features were a torn ear and an obvious limp.
“Sally,” as Petish named her, had been injured. Observing Sally with her herd, Petish noticed that Sally was often being bullied out of her share of the food supply.
“She wasn’t a newborn when I met her,” she recalls. “She was already walking – limping bravely – and being pushed aside by the other deer. But there was something in her eyes that said, ‘Don’t count me out.’”
This demonstration of resilience brought Petish back to visit time and again. Calling for Sally would bring the deer to her, and a bond developed between the two that lifted Petish’s spirits. Through Sally, Petish was encouraged to step back into life once again, and this encounter marked a new path for her.
“Sally wasn’t going away,” she explains. “Her story demanded to be written, and once I got started, the story told itself.”
Meet Sally the Brave and Her Friends
“Sally the Brave” is the story that grew out of this chance encounter between a woman and a deer. It is a story of both resilience and triumph. Petish describes the ease in which the story was developed. “The story comes to life when you love the subject,” she says. The illustrations also are part of Petish’s creation and are the enthusiastic designs of a “lived experience.”
The surprise of creating a story about Sally has only been enhanced as Petish continues to experience unique connections with various animals. A moment shared with a blue heron eventually became the book “Goodbye Blue,” which also is a further tribute to Annabelle. “Daisy Mae” is the story of Petish’s unlikely friendship with a rabbit. And “Tate the Wonder Doodle” features her new service dog, Tate.
Along with “Sally the Brave,” these books are now part of the True Heart Tails series. Each book is a stand-alone story that might feature cameo appearances by other animals. “In this way, the books connect, yet can be read in any order the reader chooses,” Petish says.
The necessary catalyst for Petish’s method of storytelling is the requirement of a unique connection with an animal. Once this occurs, she processes and records the interaction, using words as her medium. Next, the images begin to reveal themselves as she works diligently to bring both elements to life. She wants to share her experience with her readers as authentically as possible.
“I want these stories to be accessible,” she explains. “I want readers to connect with the animals, and I want to share the important lessons animals have taught me.”
Through Storytelling Comes Healing and More
An unexpected result of her newest form of creativity, Petish’s work as a writer weaves her connection with her beloved Annabelle even tighter. Through her passing, Annabelle is becoming a legacy whose memory is becoming the trailblazer for a new path in Perish’s journey. And through book events and readings, Petish is connecting with others who also understand the joy and sadness of falling in love with our pets and also need help with holding on and letting go.
“Annabelle’s life is touching so many people, not just mine,” she explains.
Petish is looking forward to 2026 and the stories and animals it will include. Partnering with McKenna Farms in Paulding County, Georgia, Petish will feature a story about a therapy horse, McKenna, in honor of the farm’s 25th anniversary. She also is working on a story about Stormie, a Highland cow from Blessing Creek Farms in Lafayette, Georgia.
Petish is excited to greet the animals and stories that become part of her future. Trusting they will appear exactly when they should — just like Sally — enhances her life with a new texture of anticipation. The gift of connection is Petish’s inspiration. “When I’m creating, I’m happy,” she shares.
With hopefulness and reverence, Petish will continue to honor the mystical connection between humans and animals as she establishes this significance through both illustrations and words.
For more information or to purchase her books, visit truehearttails.com.
