Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of courage, compassion, and the unbreakable bond between humans and dogs—meet Susannah Charleson! A New York Times bestselling author, Charleson’s journey from a seasoned writer to a K9 search-and-rescue specialist has captivated readers worldwide. Her books, brimming with heart and insight, shine a light on the extraordinary work of rescue dogs and the lives they touch.
Inspired by a haunting image from the Oklahoma City bombing—a weary handler leaning into his dog—Charleson found her calling. With a background as a pilot and a lifelong dog lover, she dove into the world of canine search-and-rescue, blending her storytelling prowess with her passion for saving lives. Her memoirs invite readers into this high-stakes, heartfelt world, where every search is a story of hope.
The Making of Susannah Charleson
Born with a knack for words, Susannah Charleson began her writing career in 1981, crafting everything from radio scripts to serial fiction. A Dallas native, she hosted an arts and entertainment TV program for over a decade, sharpening her narrative skills. But it was the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that reshaped her path. Moved by a newspaper photo of a search-and-rescue dog and its handler, she volunteered with a local K9 team, discovering a purpose that would define her life and work.
Charleson’s diverse background as a commercial pilot and flight instructor gave her a unique perspective on precision and teamwork—skills she brought to her K9 training. Her love for animals, nurtured through years of rescuing shelter dogs, fueled her dedication to this grueling yet rewarding field.
Susannah Charleson’s Unforgettable Stories
Charleson’s debut, Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog (2010), is a gripping memoir that follows her journey training Puzzle, a spirited Golden Retriever. From searching for a lost teen to combing through the debris of the Columbia space shuttle disaster, the book captures the intensity of search-and-rescue work and the profound human-canine bond. Critics, including Temple Grandin, praised its vivid storytelling and emotional depth.
In The Possibility Dogs: What a Handful of 'Unadoptables' Taught Me About Service, Hope, and Healing (2013), Charleson explores the world of psychiatric service dogs. Inspired by her own struggle with PTSD after a harrowing search, she began rescuing and training shelter dogs to aid those with invisible disabilities. The book is a testament to second chances, showcasing dogs like Merlin, a Lab puppy saved from a garbage bag, who became a lifeline for his human.
Where the Lost Dogs Go: A Story of Love, Search, and the Power of Reunion (2019) dives into the heart-wrenching world of lost pets. Featuring Ace, a plucky Maltese mix Charleson rescued, this memoir blends practical search tactics with poignant stories of reunited families. Her writing—warm, witty, and deeply empathetic—brings each dog’s personality to life, making readers laugh and cry in equal measure.
Why Susannah Charleson Matters
Susannah Charleson’s work transcends the page, illuminating the vital role of working dogs in society. Through her nonprofit, Possibility Dogs, Inc., she transformed countless lives by training shelter dogs for service and therapy roles. Her books have inspired dog lovers, search-and-rescue enthusiasts, and readers seeking stories of resilience and connection. Charleson’s ability to capture the emotional nuances of the human-canine bond has cemented her as a unique voice in memoir and animal literature.
Her legacy lies in her dual impact: as a writer who crafts compelling narratives and as a rescuer who gives voice to the unsung heroes of the canine world. Her stories remind us that love, trust, and a wagging tail can heal even the deepest wounds.
- Key Works: Scent of the Missing (2010), The Possibility Dogs (2013), Where the Lost Dogs Go (2019)
- Occupation: Author, K9 search-and-rescue handler, pilot, service dog trainer
- Notable Achievement: Founded Possibility Dogs, Inc., a nonprofit for training service dogs
About Susannah Charleson
Ready to be inspired? Snag Scent of the Missing and dive into Susannah Charleson’s world of heart, heroism, and happy tails!