A Special Shout-Out, King Copper reviews, and Precious Artwork of Copper 🧡

To begin with, I want to offer a SHOUT-OUT to my dear friend, Maggie Watson. She was voted Spillwords Author of the Month for August! You can find her on the Spillwords sidebar for the month of September. But she is not new to Spillwords. She has been awarded Publication of the Month as well, and had several pieces of her beautiful and evocative writing published. Congratulations, Maggie! You deserve this high honor! 🎉🎉🎉

Secondly, I can’t help but share some fabulous King Copper reviews from friends who have posted them on their blogs. I’m combining all into this one post by including an excerpt and the link to their beautiful blogs. So, I invite you to visit their sites to read the rest of their lovely reviews – and to learn more about these amazing author friends. 💖

Image credit to Dr. Vicki Atkinson

‘King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry’ is a heartwarming tribute to a pet whose love shines through Scott’s poems. This handsome guy looks stunning in the pictures that the poet has shared. I am not a dog lover, but I can understand how much love and understanding these furry friends hold in their hearts. Copper’s unconditional love has been beautifully expressed in memorable poetry by his mom.

No less than a celebrity, the poet tells us that Copper was a show-stopper, a hugger, and a kisser. His graceful gait, his charming smile, his slobbery kisses, and his dedication to guard his loving family made him an adorable golden boy. The warmth that radiates from his amber eyes reaches your heart if you look at his pictures. Most of the poems celebrate Scott’s love for Copper, but there are a few that tug at my heart as they bring out the poet’s grief when she hears “a dog barking in the distance” or misses the sounds like “nails clicking on the kitchen floor.”

‘Loss is Loss’ perfectly captures the emotions of those who grieve, a feeling which can only be understood by those who know that mourning seeps into our skin, a constant reminder that our loved one will never return. However, ‘Rainbow Bridge’ breathes positivity and encourages acceptance…

Lauren has put together this tender collection in memory of her family’s Labrador, Copper. Each and every poem in this book feels like a precious gem and a keepsake, Lauren’s verse carrying along the joy of companionship, the ache of farewell and the warmth of cherished memories. The poems are also accompanied by cute photos, elegant too… of sweet handsome Copper, photogenically posing or playing with family and friends.

There are the funny and playful moments, the gentle ones, the nostalgia and the love, the warmth and the togetherness… all captured wonderfully by Lauren in her poems,so sweet… as is this endearingly cute memory she shares in “Copper Boy”,
“When he smiles, his white choppers
shine as if they’ve never caused
any commotion…never mind
the afternoon when he attempted
to eat the barbecue!”
or a reminder of the purity of unconditional love, and the way it can transform our life…

Anyone who’s ever loved a dog (or another furred or feathered family member) will be able to relate to this lovely collection of poetry about the author’s Chocolate Lab named Copper.

Copper’s transition over the Rainbow Bridge and the author’s immense grief provided the inspiration to chronicle the lab’s personality, relationships, and life in poetry. The poems are heartwarming, joyous, funny, loving, and sad. A few of them are written from Copper’s point of view. The style of poetry ranges from silly limericks to deeply emotional free-form pieces.

The collection is written in two parts, each beginning with a short section of prose. The first piece of prose describes adopting Copper, the love-at-first-sight experience of meeting the perfect pet. The second describes losing Copper after 13 years and the author’s devastating grief…

Lauren Scott’s beautiful new book, “King Copper – Our Dog’s Life in Poetry” stole my heart. Sadly, one of the common denominators in life is loss. When those I care about – friends, family, clients, former students – reach out and share their grief about losing a pet, there’s often a sense of shame about the depth and capacity of the torment. “After all,” (a dear one said recently, speaking about the unexpected passing of her cat), “she was just a pet”.

I saw what she was doing – attempting to minimize her pain with a reductive explanation. Self-talk intended to soothe, with words borrowed from a thoughtless one who used the phrase “just a pet” to offer consolation. For many of us, our pets embody the qualities we long for in humans, especially those who disappoint us. Caring, loyal and loving, they ask only for those qualities in return – delighted by belly rubs and extra kibble now and then.

I was excited/nervous to read Lauren’s tribute to her beloved Copper. Excited because I know it was a labor of utmost love for Lauren. Nervous because I knew “King Copper” would prompt tears. Lauren writes with powerful poignancy. I embraced every word…

King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry is a beautiful tribute that deeply touched my heart. The words brought back memories I had of losing our sweet dog a couple of years back and of remembering the joy she brought us too. Our pets are such a gift, and this collection not only shows that but also offers comfort to all of us who have known the loss of a beloved pet. Here is an example of the depth of emotions: “A dog barks in the distance causing me to pause,/it sounds like Copper’s/ wild imagination longing for one more moment”—One More Moment. I can highly recommend this for all those who have loved and lost a pet family member.

Lastly, some friends years ago offered to draw or paint Copper using photos I provided, and I continue to be in awe of their extraordinary talent:

Barbara Soby
DM Denton
DM Denton
Resa McConaghy
Resa McConaghy

Hugs to you all! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡

Highlights to Showcase!

Photo by rovenimages.com on Pexels.com

There is so much happening that gives reason for celebrating in the midst of still missing Copper. I don’t normally remember my dreams, but I dreamed about him the other night and it was vivid. Just an ordinary day with him trotting around the house, “nails clicking on the floor.” Anyway, I am so grateful and humbled by the beautiful reviews that are flowing in for King Copper. Thank you to those who have shared your heartwarming thoughts. ❤️

I also want to share the great news that my dear friend, Maggie, at Ephemeral Encounters, has been nominated for Author of the Month by Spillwords! And my good friend, Ernie, at The Dawghouse, has been nominated for Publication of the Month for his poem, “Little Mouse.” Way to go, Maggie and Ernie! 🎉

I encourage you to cast your vote for these two amazing writers at https://spillwords.com/vote/ and voting will conclude on August 29th. 🗳️

On another note, writing reviews seems to be a slow process for me. I should get in the habit of writing the review right after finishing a book. But no…I can’t stop reading, therefore, the books pile up and so do the reviews waiting to be written. That’s currently where I’m at. But having an abundance of books to read is the best problem, right?

So next month, I’ll share my reviews! In the meantime, I hope you’ll check these fabulous books out!

Let’s keep those TBRs towering! 😂

And let’s not forget my TBR:

Processing Loss in poetic form
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2025
Verified Purchase

I shed more than a tear or two as I read this beautiful tribute to King Copper, a chocolate lab that gave so much love and joy to the author’s family. The poetry is heartfelt and poignant. Some of the poems speak of the happy times and some of the deep sadness at Copper’s passing. He came to their home in March with youthful spirit and left in March gaining angel wings with 13 years in between. This is a touching story of unconditional love. Here is an example of poems that touched me deeply…

Young Lab

There once was a friendly, young lab
With energy delightfully fab
He loved belly rubs
Hated baths in the tub
He gave big, toothy smiles, never sad!


My Shadow

Feeling empty in my bones
walking from room to room,
where is my shadow?

Those are just two very short examples of the deep heartfelt poetry in this book. The photos of the deeply cherished Copper and his family are an added bonus. If you’ve ever experienced the pain of loss and struggled to find a way to carry on, I recommend this short read to help you process. It touches on the reality of grieving and how hard it can be to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Yet, we do, as the author shows us.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com
Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡



#BlogTourLastStop – I’m at Marsha’s today as she ends the tour for King Copper in a spectacular way and one that tugs at my heart.

The blog tour train has reached its final destination at Marsha’s blog, Always Write, and what a post she created! I told her that I thought the tears had begun to dry up, but they keep finding me. Though my family is beginning to revel in the joyful memories of Copper, we still him so much. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that he won’t greet me one day when I walk through the door. This is life. There is a beginning and an end. I also told Marsha that I guess I wanted others to know Copper like his family did. So far, the reviews are beyond touching. Adjectives are being repeated, but I think you know what I mean and how I feel.

So, please visit Marsha and her wonderful blog, to learn something different about this special poetry collection. And to get to know her if you haven’t already met her! I have to be honest, if you’re a dog parent or even a cat parent, my poetic sentiments will resonate because all of our hearts have been melted by our furry family members. ❤️

And now, click on the link below that will transport you to Marsha’s beautiful blog.
Comments are turned off.

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡

Carol Anne shares her review of King Copper!

Copper came into our family a month after Mom passed.
But Dad was able to meet him, and they loved each other.

Another wonderful surprise was finding Carol Anne’s stunning review of King Copper on her blog. Carol Anne writes brilliant poetry, so if you haven’t met her yet, please take the time to get to know her. She’s a beautiful soul, very kind and supportive. Enjoy this peek into her review:

Here’s the touching cover of King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry by Lauren Scott—a poignant tribute rendered in rich, chocolatey tones that mirror the gentle, soulful nature of Copper the Labrador. Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author+1.

King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry is a heartfelt poetry collection published on August 6, 2025, by Baydreamer Writes. The collection is a loving homage to Copper, the author’s cherished chocolate Labrador-mix. Part memoir in verse, part exploration of grief and healing, it captures the bond between a family and their beloved canine companion.

Spanning 66 pages, the book offers both paperback ($14.99) and e-book ($5.99) editions, with the e-book available for pre-order across platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

What sets this collection apart is its variety of poetic forms—freestyle, tanka, limericks, micro-poetry, and haiku—all interwoven with color photographs that bring visual warmth to the written words. It begins with light-hearted, joyful verses celebrating Copper’s life and transitions into more reflective, grief-colored poems following his passing.

Short samples from the book carry profound emotional weight:

  • Tour De Force
    A vivid limerick:

Prancing on the left like a well-bred horse / … His character is a tour de force!” Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author

  • Showstopper
    A playful yet affectionate limerick:

“There once was a dog named Copper … Bit with love comes lots of slobber!” Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author

Thank you for stopping by today, and I hope your day is
peaceful, as well as the new week ahead!
❤️

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡

Maggie shares her review of King Copper!

A young Copper loving the beauty that life brings.

I’m thrilled to be featured at Maggie’s beautiful blog again. If you recall, she kicked off the tour on August 4th. What a wild two weeks it has been! She was also the first to review my book, and she shares her review today. Here’s a peek into her lovely words:

Anyone who has ever owned a pet knows
how heartbreaking it is when we lose them.
As Lauren so correctly says, “loss is loss, hearts still break,
tears fall until there are no more stages of grief”.
I smiled and I cried while reading this beautiful collection of poetry
written in tribute to Lauren’s Labrador, Copper.
I loved all the poems, particularly the ones signed ‘Love Copper’ and ‘Your Copper Boy.’
Lauren also included many lovely photographs of this handsome boy, on his own, and with members of her family.
..

To read Maggie’s full excellent review, please head over to her beautiful site.
I’ve turned off comments here, so she hopes to see you soon!

Before I close, I want to highlight Maggie’s recent book, Pieces of Me. Below is what Amazon says:

For more than a decade, I lived in a toxic/abusive environment.

I survived by learning when to keep my mouth shut.

Now, I have a voice by writing about my experience through poetry.

This is my story, no longer silenced.

I hope it gives you the courage to do the same!From the ashes, I rise.
Emerging from the dust and ruins
of the carnage you left behind,
wiping away the dirt from the words that
once left me unable to breathe.
As I lay gasping for air, you did not care.
You could have been my downfall, but I refused to die.
Now watch as I climb to the summit of my life,
no longer caught in your riptide.

I highly recommend this evocative poetry collection that I gladly gave 5 stars.

So, now you have two book ideas: Pieces of Me and King Copper. Please visit Maggie to read her full review, and to learn more about the collection of books she has published.

Thank you so much for stopping by!
I wish you a lovely weekend full of laughter,
love, and peace! I appreciate you very much! ❤️🙏

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡

Cora’s Quest is featured at Sally’s Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair 2025!

I was delightfully surprised to find Cora’s Quest included in Sally’s post with Sue Wickstead’s, Bus Rhymes and Playtimes, and Pamela S. Wight’s, Petey Wants Wings. I’m honored to be in the great company of these two talented children’s book authors! Thank you, Sally, for your generous heart that enjoys showcasing your fellow writers! You’re a rock star! 🌟

Comments are closed to nudge you over to Sally’s beautiful blog. Please give her some love while learning about these recommended children’s books. 🙏

Also, I don’t like to ask, but sometimes we have to do things that feel uncomfortable. So, if you enjoyed Cora’s Quest or King Copper, I hope you’ll consider leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Thank you! ☺️

Lastly, what can I say? The last two weeks have been wild in a wonderful way! Like Balroop and Dawn said, Copper has become the darling of blogland, an overnight celebrity. Aww, Copper Boy, I’m teary-eyed as I type. I know he is romping around with pure joy, knowing that he is loved, and that other pet parents are relating to the sentiments in ‘his book.’ Thanks again to all of you who have offered your loving support throughout this journey, and also from the beginning after that fateful day in March. ❤️🤎❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Top image credit to Sally Cronin.

Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡

#BlogTour – I’m at Dawn’s today as she continues the blog tour for King Copper!

I’m excited to spend time with Dawn today as the blog tour train moves forward. And I am touched that King Copper has achieved #1 Amazon New Release status! I’ve mentioned before, each post offers something different. If you’re a dog or cat parent, I’m sure my book will resonate with you. Dawn has already read it and shared her 5-star review as well. I’m so glad my poems touched her heart, which is my hope as others read through the collection. Comments will be turned off so you can head over to Dawn’s to learn more about the book and about what’s going on in her life. She’s a fabulous poet and writer of short stories, so acquaint yourself if you haven’t already. Thanks again, Dawn! ❤️

By the way, I am delighted to see 4 five-star reviews on Amazon with 3 five-star ratings! Knowing my poems about Copper are touching the hearts of everyone who picks up a copy is my wish come true. Thank you to those who have read about our love for Copper or who plan to read. And to those who have left beautiful reviews. Your words and support warm my heart. And I know as Copper romps around in green meadows with his friends, he’s smiling because of all the love he has received. 🤎🧡🤎

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Hugs, Lauren ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡

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News about Cora and King Copper!

Photo by CC

I woke up this morning to a message from Carol Anne that her review for Cora’s Quest is live. What a surprise and an exciting way to begin my Sunday. Her review is amazing and so in depth that has me over the moon (again)! Please click on the link below to read the full review. Carol Anne is a fabulous writer at Therapy Bits, so I hope you take the time to get to know her if you haven’t already had the pleasure. I am thrilled with the positive feedback I’ve received about Cora’s Quest, especially since this story about a sweet fawn was my first children’s book. 🙏

Photo by George Dolgikh on Pexels.com

A Huge Thanks to Carol Anne! ❤️

And now a little heads up about King Copper: a blog tour is rapidly unfolding, and I am so grateful to my friends who have offered to host my new special poetry collection. Below is a rough schedule subject to changes. So, I’ll reblog their posts with my comments turned off (hopefully, I’ll remember to do this), so that you’ll softly be nudged to visit their blogs.

Maggie at https://poetrybymaggiewatson.uk/ – Monday, August 4th
Mike at silentpariah.com Tuesday, August 5th
Me on Wednesday, August 6th – official day for book release
Jacqui at https://worddreams.wordpress.com/ – Friday, August 8th
Ernie at dawgdaddyresponds – Sunday, August 10th
Sally at smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com – Tuesday, August 12th
Dawn at dawnpisturino.wordpress.com Thursday, August 14th
Marsha at alwayswrite.blog Monday, August 18th

I apologize in advance if these repeated blog posts become redundant, but unfortunately, marketing our own books is the nature of the game for Indie Authors. However, each blog post will include different poems to (hopefully) hold your interest. 🥰

Anyway, thank you for your support and time spent here in my world. And if you read about Cora and/or Copper, I hope you take away Cora’s vital message about ‘discovering your courage’, and that you find comfort reading about Copper if you’re a dog or furry pet parent. I wish you a wonderful week ahead. ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Wednesday, August 6th is the official
release day, but click on the image
to pre-order your copy!
🧡