I Loved Them First

About the Book

“These poems celebrate a sacred connection. They are proof that the unconditional love of animals can sustain the human heart through all life’s seasons.”
- Lorraine Ash
Life Touches Life: A Mother’s Story of Stillbirth and Healing

“The emotional themes are poignant and powerful throughout this heart-warming anthology. Karen gives voice to the devotional ties between people and their companion pets. I enjoyed reading and savoring every single poem.”
-Karen Rippstein,
Creative Writing Teacher, Hawthorne, NY

About the Author

KAREN PHELPS, MA, is a, award-winning writer, editor, photographer, and quilter. Karenthia, her kennel, has won many awards in the four decades breeding and showing pure-bred collies. She is a native of Westchester County, New York where she lives with her two dogs and cat, Ginger.