The intersection of animal behavior science and compelling narrative fiction has yielded a powerful new voice in contemporary literature. Renowned applied animal behaviorist, author, and acclaimed expert on canine psychology Patricia McConnell has officially announced the arrival of physical author copies for her debut novel, Away To Me. Set for official publication on February 24, the book is described by its author with characteristic succinctness: "A story of a woman who risks everything to save a dog. Really, that’s all you need to know."
However, beneath this premise lies a richly layered exploration of human-canine bonds, rural dynamics, and high-stakes working dog competitions. Drawing deeply from decades of professional expertise in animal behavior, McConnell brings an authentic, pulse-pounding realism to her fiction. To celebrate the milestone of receiving her physical advance copies, McConnell has shared exclusive excerpts from the novel with her readers. These previews plunge audiences directly into the high-octane world of sheepdog trials—where a single split-second determines victory or disaster—and the quiet, heartbreaking confines of an animal shelter quarantine ward.
Beyond the literary launch, McConnell’s update offers a charming glimpse into her rural homestead, bridging the tension of her fictional narrative with the tranquil, mud-streaked reality of farm life, seasonal transitions, and the simple comforts of dogs sleeping on the couch.
Detailed Chronology: Excerpts from Away To Me
To understand the emotional and psychological depth of Away To Me, one must examine the narrative touchpoints McConnell has curated for her readers. The novel balances the adrenaline-fueled arena of competitive dog handling with the profound, delicate rehabilitation of a broken animal.
Chapter One: The High-Stakes World of Sheepdog Trials
In the opening chapter, protagonist Maddie McGowan—an applied animal behaviorist whose career mirrors McConnell’s own professional background—is immersed in the electric atmosphere of a sheepdog trial. McConnell’s prose brilliantly captures the kinetic artistry of the sport:
"What is more beautiful than watching a dog, all muscle and mind and heart, run free across a field of green to gather a flock of sheep? My heart swells up every time I see it. Every time. And I see it a lot. Being an applied animal behaviorist is my career, but working sheepdogs is my passion. It’s an addictive sport—imagine playing chess with all the pieces alive and full of their own opinions, moving at twenty miles an hour. It’s like Through the Looking Glass, except for real."
The narrative immediately establishes tension through Jess, a seasoned working dog executing a delicate maneuver. Creeping toward the flock like a lion on the hunt, Jess exerts controlled authority, guiding the sheep toward handler George. Suddenly, the dynamic shifts. The lead ewe—a formidable, hundred-and-thirty-pound animal with a speckled face and an anvil-like forehead—decides to stand her ground. Stomping her hoof, the ewe issues a direct challenge to the thirty-five-pound border collie.
The standoff electrifies the spectators:
"Many a dog, especially a young one, would give in to the pressure by backing away, or by panicking and biting, an automatic disqualification. What happened next would make or break the run and let us know if Jess had the chops to be a top competitor."
With absolute silence reigning over the grounds, Jess leans forward an inch. The ewe counters with a mock charge. Jess holds her ground, locking eyes with the sheep until the ewe relents, turning to trot obediently in the correct direction.
Maddie exhales, sharing a quiet moment with her own dog, Jack: "See that? That’s how you do it, bud."
Yet, the peaceful triumph of the trial is instantly shattered. An explosive, air-splitting rifle crack rips through the spring air—an anomaly in a season where hunting gunfire is rare. Before the spectators can process the sound, fellow competitor Stephanie screams in horror: "Oh God. George!"
Maddie turns to find George sprawled across the grass, a rapidly expanding pool of blood beneath him, his blue eyes wide with surprise and his leg bent at an unnatural angle. In a fraction of a second, a celebration of canine athleticism transforms into a chilling mystery.
Chapter Six: The Quarantine Ward and Cisco’s Silence
Shifting from the outdoor expanse of the sheepdog trial, Chapter Six plunges the reader into the sterile, tense atmosphere of a local animal shelter. Maddie is called in to evaluate a dog sequestered deep within the quarantine wing—far from the hopeful eyes of adoptable pets in the public areas.
The dog, a German Shepherd named Cisco, is a picture of profound trauma:
"The shepherd was in an attached building, curled up in the far corner of a kennel, his head on his back legs. His black eyes were open but flat. The skin on his face was hollowed out… His ears, the semaphore flags of a healthy shepherd, flopped to the side, like soggy, black tissues. A sign on his kennel door said CISCO. DO NOT ENTER."
Shelter staff member Catherine provides the grim context: Cisco arrived with no owner, no tags, and no microchip. Though revived with intravenous fluids, he has completely shut down, refusing all food, water, chicken, and toys. Staff members fear he is simply wasting away from psychological collapse.
Recognizing that coercion will only inflict further damage, Maddie opts for patience:
"Okay, I said. How about I just hang out with him for a while? I’ve cleared the afternoon, and we can’t force anything here."
Sinking down onto the cold concrete floor, Maddie pulls out a neglected book and establishes a quiet, non-threatening presence, hoping Cisco will slowly habituate to her. Hours pass amid the sore strain of the hard floor, tired eyes, and the persistent hum of a dying fluorescent light. Eventually, Cisco relaxes enough to drift into sleep—a microscopic victory in the war against trauma.
The fragile peace is interrupted by the arrival of Chris, a tall, tattooed shelter volunteer whose gentle, quiet demeanor consistently eases shy dogs. As Chris speaks, Cisco reacts:
"Out of the corner of my eye I saw Cisco’s head rise a few inches and his ears twitch as Chris spoke. I motioned for Chris to stop, moving my hand in such a way that Cisco couldn’t see it."
What follows is a masterclass in behavioral observation. Cisco rises slowly—not by lunging, but as though hoisted by invisible strings. His hindquarters wobble, yet he maintains his stance. His head swivels toward Maddie with a newfound spark of light in his eyes. Shifting back into a seated position with agonizing slowness, he looks between Chris and Maddie.
It is a moment charged with intent—a profound signal that the dog is beginning to communicate, setting the stage for the emotional core of the novel.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Science Behind the Fiction
While Away To Me is a work of fiction, its roots are firmly planted in empirical science and real-world animal behavior. Patricia McConnell’s extensive academic and professional background informs every page of her writing, elevating the narrative above standard genre fiction.
The Expertise of Patricia McConnell
Professional Credentials: McConnell holds a Ph.D. in zoology, specializing in animal behavior. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB).
Literary History: As an author, McConnell is celebrated for non-fiction masterworks such as The Other End of the Leash, For the Love of a Dog, and The Coking Edge. Her transition to fiction with Away To Me represents a natural evolution of her career, translating scientific insights into narrative emotional truths.
The Canine-Human Bond: McConnell’s writing consistently emphasizes the cognitive complexity of dogs. Her depiction of working sheepdogs as "chess players moving at twenty miles an hour" aligns with modern ethological studies regarding working dog intelligence, problem-solving capabilities, and emotional resilience.
Publishing Metrics and Milestones
Official Release Date: February 24.
Fulfillment Timeline: Pre-ordered copies began shipping directly to readers following the arrival of author copies in late February.
Promotional Engagement: McConnell is coupling her book launch with a series of public speaking engagements, allowing fans to interact directly with the author and gain deeper insights into the creation of Away To Me.
Official Statements and Author Insights
In her recent communications regarding the release of Away To Me, Patricia McConnell has maintained an intimate, transparent dialogue with her community of readers and animal lovers.
Reflecting on the core thesis of the book, McConnell summarizes the sweeping narrative arc with disarming simplicity:
"Away To Me is a story of a woman who risks everything to save a dog. Really, that’s all you need to know. But I thought you might enjoy reading a few excerpts from the book, just to tickle your fancy."
This sentiment underscores McConnell’s philosophy as both a scientist and a storyteller: beneath complex behavioral frameworks, veterinary challenges, and rural mysteries lies the fundamental, universal motivation of empathy between humans and animals.
In discussing her writing process and the inclusion of scenes like Maddie’s marathon patience session with Cisco, McConnell draws directly from her professional experiences in shelter environments and behavioral consultations. The patience required to sit on a cold concrete floor, waiting for an traumatized animal to take its first tentative step toward trust, is a reality familiar to anyone working in animal rescue. By embedding these authentic realities into a gripping narrative, McConnell ensures that Away To Me resonates with genuine emotional authority.
Future Outlook: Farm Life, Seasonal Shifts, and Beyond
Even as she steps into the spotlight of a major novel launch, Patricia McConnell remains anchored to the rhythms of her farm, her daily life with her dogs, and the changing seasons.
In her recent updates to readers, McConnell offered a delightful peek behind the scenes of her domestic life:
Life on the Farm: Sharing heartwarming photographs of her dogs—including a cozy nap shared with Skip—McConnell captures the quiet moments of companionship that balance the dramatic tension of her fiction.
The Transition of Seasons: Chronicling the abrupt shift from brutal winter cold to an early, muddy spring, McConnell notes the landscape’s transformation into a "study in brown."
Bringing Color Indoors: To combat the monochromatic winter landscape, McConnell highlights the vibrant bloom of her indoor amaryllis plants, offering a poignant metaphor for renewal and hope: "Here’s hoping there is a lot of color in your life too, because color is a wonderful thing. In so many ways."
What’s Next for Readers?
With Away To Me hitting shelves on February 24, readers and canine enthusiasts alike have much to look forward to. Beyond diving into Maddie McGowan’s gripping journey to save a dog—and unraveling the mystery behind the tragic shooting at the sheepdog trial—fans can track McConnell’s upcoming tour dates.
Whether through her groundbreaking non-fiction guides or her exciting new foray into fiction, Patricia McConnell continues to deepen our understanding of the animals we love, proving that whether on the farm, in the shelter, or across the pages of a novel, the bond between humans and dogs remains one of the most powerful forces in the natural world.
