Another Amazing Speaker - Joan Lownds

  Before that tragic day on November 22, 1963, the Kennedy years were filled with hope and promise. As the White House gardener put it, they were also filled with children and dogs. The Dogs of Camelot illuminates the inside story of the Kennedys’ lifelong love of dogs and the unparalleled canine corps they brought to the White House, with as many as nine dogs before JFK was killed. The American public only saw glimpses of the many Kennedy pets because of the zealous way Jackie Kennedy guarded her family’s privacy. Through cooperation with the Kennedy Library, we have obtained access to rare and previously unpublished photos and stories that present a fascinating new angle about the Kennedys that is deeply revealing about their character and compassion. 

 

Because the Kennedy pets were so intertwined with their lives, they were inextricably linked to the history of the Kennedy presidency. For example, JFK called for Charlie, his beloved Welsh terrier, before making a decision on the Cuban Missile Crisis. Also, Jacqueline Kennedy so thoroughly charmed Soviet Premier Nikita Krushchev at the height of the Cold War, that he sent the Kennedys a puppy named Pushinka, who was the daughter of Strelka, the Soviet space dog. (one of the first creatures sent into space) This was an act of true diplomacy at a time of extreme tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Pushinka and Charlie had a bit of a Cold War romance and produced a litter of puppies, who also lived at the White House. These are just two examples of the many fascinating stories in the book. Our foreword was written by Clint Hill, the Kennedys' Secret Service agent. 

 

I wrote this book with Dr. Margaret Reed, a nationally acclaimed animal training professional.  I have attached the book jacket, and will also send you an email with some of our stunning rare and previously unpublished photos. 

 

 We have been getting a lot of publicity for the book, including local Connecticut TV appearances on the ABC affiliate's "Good Morning Connecticut," and an appearance on the CBS affiliate's "Better Connecticut." Fortunately, we also received a favorable review from Publisher's Weekly. (link below) Parade.com also featured a story about the book. We are doing major upcoming events at the JFK Hyannis Museum and the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston. 

 

Joan Keyes Lownds

 

 

 

 

 

“You don't need to be a dog lover or a history aficionado to enjoy The Dogs of Camelot: Stories of the Kennedy Canines. But be warned.  Reading this charming, well-researched, and fascinating book by Dr. Margaret Reed and Joan Lownds might transform you into both.” – Mary Sharnick, author of Orla’s Canvas

“An interesting treasury of anecdotal stories that will captivate the reader.” – Nancy Tuckerman, former Kennedy White House social secretary

“The Dogs of Camelot is a miraculous book, providing an unlikely yet endearing portrait of an almost mythic family whose humanity might be best shown through their profound connections with their beloved animals.” – Tommy Hays, author of The Pleasure Was Mine

“The authors' appreciation for the boundless enthusiasm and unselfish love that dogs ---no matter their personality or pedigree ---can provide to a family --- no matter its station in life ---is captured in this historic compilation of tender stories of the several animals that befriended John Kennedy and his family during his presidency and of the deep affection the pets were given in return” – Senator Paul G. Kirk, (MA – Ret.)

About the Authors:

Dr. Margaret Reed, a nationally acclaimed animal training professional, met President Kennedy and his dogs when she was a little girl on vacation in Hyannis Port. After her moving and unforgettable encounter with them, Dr. Reed found her calling. She also sits on the board of the Kennedy Library.

Joan Lownds is the author of Man Overboard: Inside the Honeymoon Cruise Murder. She has been an award-winning writer and reporter for several Connecticut newspapers and magazines, including The Waterbury Republican-American, The New Haven Advocate, The Wilton Bulletin, Wilton Magazine and Fairfield Magazine.