Books Create Hope After 2012 Newtown Shootings

On December 14, 2012, nearly three years ago, the horrific shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT took place. It’s one of those moments that is etched in our minds and on our hearts forever. For Bacon family, their world was turned upside down that day: their spirited, sweet, fun, dog-loving daughter, Charlotte, was one of the young victims.

In the span of time since the tragedy, the Bacons have found a special way to honor their daughter and her passions while offering help to others – an effort that has also helped them through their own grieving process. Charlotte’s Litter was formed after the Bacons witnessed the immense healing that therapy/comfort dogs provided to children and teachers in the school after the attack, one of the children being Guy Bacon, their son and Charlotte’s older brother. Charlotte’s Litter advocates for and supports therapy dog programs in educational and societal settings by connecting resources and experienced people. The Bacons’ goal is to get therapy dogs into ALL schools to assist with emotional support, as well as literacy (dogs make the best listeners, after all!).

In addition to Charlotte’s Litter, the Bacons (along with award-winning author Renata Bowers) have penned Good Dogs, Great Listeners: The Story of Charlotte, Lily and the Litter, which follows Charlotte, Lily and her faithful litter of stuffed animals on adventures sparked by Charlotte’s curiosity and lively imagination. The beautifully illustrated children’s book is based almost entirely on Charlotte’s actual adventures, with true-to-life pictures and a touching message. Guy Bacon has also published The Dogs of Newtown, a genuine and uplifting book profiling the therapy dogs that came into school after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Joel, JoAnn and Guy Bacon are the parents and brother of Charlotte Bacon, who died as a result of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Charlotte was just 6 years old but left a bold impression on everyone she met. 

Both books, Good Dogs, Great Listeners and The Dogs of Newtown, are able to stand alone, but are also used as tools for the Charlotte’s Litter Program. Charlotte Bacon’s bold story, the things she loved, and the Bacon family’s own grief process have contributed to a brand that is unique to their family.

The Bacon family lives in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. They will always be a family of four. 

For more information, visit www.gooddogsgreatlisteners.com and www.charlotteslitter.org, and connect with Charlotte’s Litter and Good Dogs, Great Listeners on Facebook and Twitter.

Good Dogs, Great Listeners can be purchased from www.amazon.com.

The Dogs of Newtown can be purchased from www.amazon.com.