Why I Wrote "Luna, My Superhero Sidekick"

In my life, heroes don’t wear capes; they wear service vests.

My name is Dr. Rod West, and I have a special helper who supports me every day. Her name is Luna, and she’s an amazing working-line German Shepherd. I wrote "Luna, My Superhero Sidekick" to share our adventures and show children ages 3 to 7 all the wonderful things a service dog can do.

My Everyday Partner. Luna is more than a pet—she’s my sidekick. As soon as her vest goes on, she knows it’s time to work.

I want young readers to see what our teamwork looks like each day.

• Cleanup Captain: When my hands aren’t steady, and I drop my keys or something else, Luna quickly picks them up for me.
• Superhero Shield: Crowds can be overwhelming for me because of my PTSD. Luna stands between me and everyone else, helping me feel safe.
• Comfort Provider: Luna lies quietly behind me when I preach or comforts people in my counseling office. She helps people feel better without saying anything at all.

Lessons from the Heart. This book means a lot to me. It includes my wonderful wife, Teresa, and my good friend, John. It also shares how my former doctor, Dr. Milanak, helped me find Luna years ago.

But this book also teaches an important lesson. I want kids to know that when they see a dog like Luna working, the best thing to do is pretend she isn’t there. This helps her stay focused and do her job well.

A Gift from Above. I often say that Luna’s greatest gift is her friendship. I believe she is a blessing from God, and I look forward to sharing our story with your family.

So find a comfortable spot, open your copy of "Luna, My Superhero Sidekick," and enjoy special moments with your child or grandchild as you join Luna and me on our adventures. Start your journey with us today!

"Luna, My Superhero Sidekick" is more than just a story. It invites you to see the world through the eyes of a man and the dog who changed his life.

"Luna, My Superhero Sidekick" will be available now on Amazon. I hope you enjoy meeting my best friend! Get your copy here!