A memoir of thirty-five years on the frontlines of the quiet revolution in animal care.
A tribute to the fearful ones, the forgotten ones, and the delicate, unseen work of saving lives.
Note From Sunny
Few people I have known in our world of loving animals have as many, as diverse, as long-time involvement as I have folded into the years of my life. I am not outstanding in any one aspect. I am not famous. I am not rich. I am not a celebrity. I am like the majority of folks who work with animals. We share a common, quiet mission. We do what we can.
Looking back at the years of my work, I have seen a steady evolution of compassion. I have seen humans who privately do the work. I have seen all the little animal lives that have benefited from each person’s efforts.
There is hope for the human species. I am proud to have been part of the evolution.
My Career: What Happened
1990-2025
Veterinary care exploded in scientific advancements. Nutritional knowledge grew. The fact of sentience in animals was no longer laughed at. Animal emotions were acknowledged and studied. Cruelty, abuse, and neglect was increasingly punished by legislation. Laws were passed for minimal quality of life treatment of animals who were under human dominion. Environmental impact on the life of wild animals resulted in action to preserve habitats and educate about our fellow planetary inhabitants. I had to write about all the positive, hard-won victories I was witness to.
Amazon International Best Seller!
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#1 in Animal Care & Pet Essays
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#1 in Biographies of Social Activists
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#1 in Animal Care & Pets
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#1 in Crafts, Hobbies & Home
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#1 in Biographies about Notable People
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#1 in Biographies and Memoirs
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Professional Book Reviewers are RAVING!
Weber narrates such events with a steady hand, guiding readers through the animals' trials and her own tribulations...Animal lovers will find a trusted voice in these pages—one that calls to mind that of the late, great veterinarian/storyteller James Herriot.
--Kirkus Reviews
FIVE STARS: "Sunny Weber writes in a conversational tone that mirrors oral storytelling...The language is clear and grounded, making complex emotional situations easy to follow through specific actions and observations. Its steady account of real moments gives the book credibility and purpose.
--Readers Favorite
Readers will find an almost encyclopedic knowledge of animal behavior, balanced by the joy and sorrow that comes from the loving relationship with an animal.
--Blue Ink Reviews
The moving memoir of an animal activist, Skookumchoocher exemplifies meeting dogs where they are and extending compassion to all animals in need of care.
--Clarion Review
Available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, audio book
Endorsements
Fearful and overlooked animals are too often misunderstood before anyone takes the time to truly see them. In Skookumchoocher, Sunny Weber offers a moving and deeply honest testament to what becomes possible when compassion, patience, and belief replace fear, and animals are finally given the safety they deserve.
--Cyrus Mejia, Co-founder of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab, UT
Brillo’s story beautifully reflected what so many animals face. His motivation and partnership proved invaluable to helping Sunny save others, while Sunny expertly shows how many good-hearted people there are working together to save animals.
--Dixie Loosi, Editor-In-Chief of Companion Animal Magazine, Salt Lake City, UT
Sunny's books are an expression of her desire to elevate the lives of animals AND people. I loved hearing these stories.
--Matthew Chavkin, Medical Director, Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists, Greenwood Village, CO
Sunny is a tremendous writer! Excellent story after story after story...
--Ann Howie, Human/Animal Solutions, PLLC, Olympia, WA
I shared your book and I've had a number of people message and comment in regard to being happy about the book suggestion because they are fostering or currently have a fearful dog they are struggling with. You think you can just love the fear out of them, but sadly it doesn't work that way exactly. I never truly understood the level of trauma a dog could have until I volunteered to foster Opal, who they referred to as the most shut down dog the rescue ever took in. Thank you for what you do and the help you gave me and Opal.
--Dana Martini, Reader
Skookumchoocher is not just a memoir about animals. It is a masterclass in compassion, resilience, and what it means to stay when fear, loss, and inconvenience would make most people walk away. Sunny Weber writes with honesty, humor, and a depth of love that stays with you long after the final page.
--Paula Andersen, Owner of Living Deliberately LLC
I wanted to thank you for the dedication and advocacy to the human animal bond. All the work and publications about our furry and feathered friends is truly amazing and inspiring. I love your mantra "be the kind of person your dog thinks you are".
--Jerry Labonde, DVM, Centennial, CO
What a beautiful testimony to your amazing life's work. The stories you share in this book are incredibly heart-warming.
--Judy Carlson, CPA, Judy Carlson Financial Group, Lone Tree, CO
I cried, I smiled, and I hugged my dogs a little tighter after every chapter.
--Sierra Craig, Vet Tech. Greenwood Village, CO
I admire the people who, like the author, have devoted their lives to making the world more humane. A wonderful read from a beautiful woman.
--Bernie Garland, Personal Banker/First Bank, Aurora, CO
A tribute to the writer, with such inspirational and profound learning stories. Thank you, Sunny as you continue to do such good work in the world.
--Dorianna Schrader, Reader, Aurora, CO
We loved Skookumchoocher! The adventures of the author with her beloved furry and feathered family are equally joyful and heartbreaking. Her devotion to our animal companions through personal experiences and with various advocacy organizations is amazing. A book you will find insightful and inspiring.