Jill Schilp lives in Richardson with her husband, George and her golden retriever, Junior.
When I was growing up, I wanted three things beside me: a book, a dog and a journal. Today I have all three.
I write about the human-animal bond, mental health, second chances and second acts. I find these everywhere in Richardson. My family and I moved to Richardson in the 70s. I have been working, reading, writing and talking to dogs here ever since.
A master level registered nurse, my background in psychiatric nursing informs my writing about the benefits of animals on the mental health and well being of humans. My rescued golden retriever, Junior, and I are a Pet Partners registered therapy dog team and a registered Reading Education Assistance Dog team (R.E.A.D.).
I speak and write about humane education, animal-assisted therapy and the mental health benefits of the human-animal connection. I am the Volunteer Coordinator for A New Leash on Life Therapy Dog Group and a member of The Dog Writers Association of America and the Association of Professional Humane Educators. I also volunteer with several Dallas-Fort Worth area animal rescues.
I am newly retired, so I am still figuring out my second act. Now I wish I could write like Hemingway, move like Jagger and had legs like Tina Turner.
I see humor everywhere. I inhale peanut butter and ice cream, especially when all this second act self improvement overwhelms me. While I am busy learning all the right moves and working on getting my Tina Turner legs, I observe life here in Richardson and write about people, places and second chances.
So instead of moving like Jagger, and having legs like Tina, I will tell you stories of the people, places and animals of Richardson, their connections, second acts and second chances.
Pass the peanut butter.