In the Shadow of the Family Dog
I am thrilled to announce that my memoir, In the Shadow of the Family Dog: A Story of Trauma, Betrayal, and Transformation, is now LIVE and available to the public.
This book is my raw, unfiltered journey through childhood abuse, family betrayal, deep grief, and the long, painful road toward healing and faith. It is for every survivor who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or blamed for simply telling the truth.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to grow up inside a “picture perfect” family while silently carrying trauma, or how it’s possible to rebuild a life and identity from the ashes, this story is for you.
What you’ll find inside:Honest, vulnerable storytelling about complex family dynamics and abuse
The impact of trauma on mental health, identity, and relationships.
A testament to resilience, faith, and choosing to fight for your own life.
Reader Testimonials
"From the first word to the last, I was caught up in Dena’s story. I could feel her pain when she felt unloved and unwanted by the family who previously adored her. I suffered with her as she struggled to make it on her own. I cried when her girls finally had grandparents who loved them, even though they were not related by blood; but related by their hearts. Dena’s story is a story of abandonment, abuse, suffering, struggle, but God… God was with Dena through it all and He rescued her when all seemed hopeless. Dena did not allow herself to wallow in her pain and suffering. Instead, she worked hard through debilitating illness to make a better life for her daughters. Against all odds, she earned a Bachelor’s degree, two Master’s degrees and is currently a Doctoral candidate in Criminal Justice. Dena is using her experiences to help others who may be in the same situation. She has turned her story into a story of forgiveness, redemption and hope. Hope that can only come through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Once I started reading her book, I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day."
~Carol Y
"This book is a deeply moving and courageously honest memoir that traces one woman’s journey from the darkness of maternal abuse to the healing light of truth and faith. It is not a gentle book—it is a necessary one, exposing a dark side of a famous family.
The author writes with a rawness that refuses to sanitize trauma, yet with a tenderness that shows how survival can coexist with hope and faith.
At its core, this story is about the devastating power of a mother’s lies and manipulation. The emotional and psychological wounds inflicted in childhood echo through every chapter, shaping the author’s sense of self, her relationships, and her understanding of love. But what makes this book unforgettable is not the pain—it’s the resilience. Page by page, the author peels back the layers of deception she was raised under, confronting the shadows that once defined her. ** A MUST READ**
~ Bill K
"I could not put this book down! It’s a brutally honest story of being born into privilege as Dena’s beloved grandfather was famed cartoonist Charles Schulz. Her story is tumultuous as a young girl growing up, being raised by an abusive mother whose mental illness and lies almost destroyed Dena. But God was always there, sending her exactly what she needed at the right time. Although it is a harrowing account of physical and emotional abuse, there are some very funny parts that lighten things up for the reader! Thank you to Dena and to Wendy for having the courage to write this book. I think a lot of people can relate to different things in this book. You won’t be able to put it down."
~Karyn P