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A touching and heartfelt tribute for anyone who’s ever forged a life-changing connection with a pet, Dear Ted is a collection of reflective letters addressed to Ted Williams, a Black Lab–Weimaraner mix who has imparted some of life’s most profound lessons on his owner.

In each letter, author Melissa “Missi” Bunker reflects on personal memories, reflections, and the bond she shares with Ted. Transcending beyond simple musings addressed to a beloved pet, these letters track personal revelations about how pet companionship can provide guidance for anyone seeking to improve their life by finding peace in the present and learning to share their love unconditionally.

Accentuated by lovingly curated photographs of the one and only Ted, this book reminds us of the simple power of a pet’s influence as we navigate an overwhelming and complicated world, and the roadmap it provides for surmounting life’s biggest challenges.

Pub Date: Apr 7, 2026

9781612548241, 1612548245

Hardcover

$29.95 USD

BISAC

• Pets / Essays & Narratives

• Photography / Subjects & Themes / Plants & Animals

120 pages

11.000 in W | 8.5.000 in H

“Dear Ted beautifully captures the moral and emotional depth of our relationships with the animals who share our lives. Bunker’s tender letters to her Ted remind us that loving and learning from another species are among the most profound forms of ethical and spiritual growth we can experience.”

—Jessica Pierce, PhD, Bioethicist, Author of Who’s a Good Dog? And How to Be a Better Human

“Our dogs are often our wisest and most patient teachers . . . Bunker has created a beautiful and deeply moving tribute to this truth . . . revealing how Ted’s simple, profound example taught her to live with more joy, courage, and love.”

—Mat Ward, Animal Behaviorist, Author of What Dogs Want

“Dear Ted is a heartfelt tribute that captures the deep bonds between a pet and their human. Missi Bunker’s reflective letters . . . are beautifully emotional and filled with sweet life lessons. A must-have for every animal lover.”

—Alex Cearns, O.A.M., Award-Winning Pet Photographer, Founder of Houndstooth Studio, Author of Zen Dogs

“Imagine if we all had a dog by our side! . . . Ted teaches us: how to love life, how to love ourselves, how to love others when we just don’t know how to . . . and Melissa tells us: Our dogs will love us through. Through it all.”

—Lisa Smith Putnam, CEO, Simply Pets Lifestyle, Publisher of Simply Pets Magazine