Rick Yost sent me a copy of his children’s book The Sheepdog in exchange for an honest review.

So this is where you get to see into my inner world. For those of you who don’t walk through my front door on a regular basis you aren’t privileged to the giggles of seeing the pile of unfolded laundry or the overflowing dirty dishes that stand in contrast to my 2015 Fort Bliss Military Spouse of the Year. I know the two don’t relate. One is about my outreach in the military community and the other is about housekeeping, but when you put spouse in the title I immediately think of the 1950 version.

Rick Yost sent me his book sometime back in April or May, around the time I was packing up the house and moving. I received the book, read it, thought “oh this is cute”…. then put it on my desk and it disappeared into a box.

Fast forward to the USAADigiMil Conference where I met a number of influential military spouses and veterans. Rick Yost was one of the people I met there.

It went something like this as we stood in line at the bar.

“I’ve written a book as well. It’s called The Sheepdog and it’s a children’s book.”

“I think I’ve heard of your book… Actually, I’m pretty sure I’ve read it.”

To which he pulls it up on his phone, “I’ve definitely read that book, in fact I’m pretty sure I own a copy.” Suddenly realization begins to wash over me and I realize yep I said I’d review that book and I never did.

In all his graciousness Rick just smiled and teasingly said, “I remember sending it to you.”

Ok the conversation isn’t exact, it’s muddled by two glasses of wine and a large dose of embarrassment, but it’s close.

The Sheepdog is about exactly that, a sheepdog. It is a metaphor for the men and women who stand to protect us, the ones we aren’t grateful for but do it anyway. It is beautifully illustrated and simply told. It is a great conversation starter to explain the role of the police officer to a young child. With so much negativity towards these men and women who serve us, this book is a perfect tool to simplify their passion to protect and encourage the child’s trust.

This is only the first in a series of children’s books that use dogs to teach us about those who serve us. Volume 2, The Firedog, is already available. And there are more to come!

In addition to writing and publishing these children’s books, Rick Yost is the co-founder of Veterans List. Be sure to read The Idea Behind Veterans List . If you are a veteran who owns a business be sure to list yours. If you are looking to hire a veteran simply type in the service you are looking for with your zip code.

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