I absolutely love your idea of skipping across the backs of the beasts in the water, and your determination to escape the fate of drowning. I know you can do it, and am constantly amazed by what you accomplish despite the odds. One breath at a time, one day at a time, and you'll be on that plane before you know it.
On behalf of those who care about animals, thank you for all you've done to serve the furry ones, and for all you've given to help improve the human side of things. You can't save them all, but you've given so many animals a new chance at life. And then your book can continue to do the work. Keep going. You're almost there.
Katrina, that means soooo much. And yes...I hope the book, and my writing in general, will take it from here. There's a lot to write about.