The Doughnut Tree: A young girl comes of age with the help of three dogs, two cats, a horse and a fox

Each chapter in this beautifully illustrated book depicts a variety of turning points in the life of a young girl named Cindy. Opening with a chapter on her Dad's dog, Midge, subsequent episodes concern the neighbor's cat, Mouse, an imaginary fox, a mysterious Lilac Lady, a magical doughnut tree, a sad cat named Mew, and an unpredictable puppy with two names and two families. As a variety of pets come and go, Cindy learns some life lessons both sad and joyful. Searching for her one true animal companion, Cindy finds Sam, the most important dog in her life, with whom she can share both her joys and sorrows and "the perfect understanding of silence." Real-life photographs of many of the characters that inspired this story are included: the author Patricia Hagood's parents, the first dog Midge, and the final devoted Sam.