Suzanne Kline

An experienced children’s book author, Suzanne Kline is proof positive that older dogs can learn new tricks – even after the age of 60.

A former mortgage company vice president, Kline’s transformation to author has its origins in the inspirational life lessons learned from firsthand experiences. After suffering a traumatic brain injury in a near-fatal automobile accident in 2004, Kline realized the injury had forever changed the way her brain functions. Gone were many of the “left brain” cognitive, technical skills that contributed to business success. In their place, Kline discovered a creative, “right brain” flourish that gave life to colorful stories and visuals.

It also was about this time that Kline adopted Cosmo, her first service dog. Not only did Cosmo help her recover from the accident, he served as inspiration for a series of children’s books – Cosmo’s Great Adventures. During this period, Kline gained valuable personal experience volunteering with children in hospitals and schools. Cementing her passion for helping children cope with their own traumas, she shared her life lessons and mindfulness tricks through the fictional adventures of her real-life service dog…and kids responded.

Today, Cosmo has handed over his leash to Gizmo, a young Norfolk terrier who recently began his real-life mission as Kline’s new service dog.

Naturally, the author has given Gizmo his own persona as a fun-loving, surfing dog who teaches kids how to use their imaginations to surf the challenging, big waves that could otherwise upset their days. Gizmo is becoming the star of his own series of books, beginning with Surf’s Up, Gizmo!

Gizmo – via Kline – reminds kids to pause, breathe, become more aware of themselves and those around them, and use their innate skills and resilience to manage life’s ups and downs right in the moment. With Gizmo as their guide, they are able to ride out their own “unexpected waves.”

Kline resides in Delray Beach, FL, where she continues to create fun stories about her new furry buddy that are designed to promote positive life messages for children everywhere. Kline volunteers with Pet Partners, the national leader in demonstrating and promoting animal-assisted therapy, activities and education. She also served as a long-time pet therapy volunteer with children in oncology clinics, hospitals and schools.