Patricia has created a breakthrough guide to help caregivers connect with their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. She takes us on her journey with her mother Kay who's in the late stages of Alzheimer's, dependent on others for her most basic needs, and no longer able to communicate verbally, just after her horse Dream, entered Patricia's life. Dream had been severely abused by a previous owner and where others would have given up, Patricia was determined to heal her. In this book, Patricia describes her dual struggles with her mother's steady decline and persistent issues with care facilities while she's going through the slow process of learning her horse's body language. Eventually Dream teaches Patricia communication by "watching and listening" with her senses which she translates to non-verbal "conversations" with her mother. Patricia's straightforward account of her own frailties, doubts, and eventual success should be recommended reading for anyone who strugges to relate to a person who has lost verbal communication. Jytte Lokvig, PH.D., author of 4 books on Alzheimer's including Alzheimer's A to Z, Secrets to Successful Caregiving

I've spent my career as a Clinical Psychologist and have treated a fair number of dementia patients. Patricia's descriptions of their issues are spot on and illuminate the challenges these individuals and their caregivers face on a daily basis. Her observations regarding similarities communicating with her horse, Dream and her mother are quite touching and insightful and her techniques are practical; further, they provide a nice template for others who face similar challenges. The appendices are very informative and suggestions quite helpful. Thank you, Patricia, for this story, a loving tribute to your parents and also to Dream! Vito DonGiovanni, PsyD.