Wendy Lyons Sunshine is author of TENDER PAWS: How Science-Based Parenting Can Transform Our Relationship with Dogs (HCI Books), a multiple award-winning book that introduces the HEARTS framework for supporting emotional safety, physical well-being, and resilience in every dog.
TENDER PAWS grew out of Wendy’s personal challenge with a rescue puppy and her collaboration on two parenting books: THE CONNECTED CHILD: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family (ASJA Outstanding Book of the Year; 350,000+ copies sold) and RAISING THE CHALLENGING CHILD: How to Minimize Meltdowns, Reduce Conflict, and Increase Cooperation.
Wendy has contributed articles and essays to national media including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Psychology Today, and Scientific American, as well as specialized publications such as AORN Journal (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) and Practical Pain Management.
When Wendy isn’t at her desk, she’s assisting the local humane society or wandering leafy neighborhoods with a dog.
AWARDS
♦ Winner, 2025 ASJA Book Award, Service/Self-Help, American Society of Journalists & Authors
♦ Winner, 2024 Maxwell Medallion, Rescue/Adoption Books, Dog Writers Association of America
♦ Finalist, 2024 IAN Book of the Year, Animals/Pets/Nature
♦ Winner, 2008 ASJA Book Award, Service/Self-Help, American Society of Journalists & Authors
♦ First Place, Outstanding Small Market Reporting, Print, Society of Environmental Journalists
♦ First Amendment Award, Society of Professional Journalists, Fort Worth
♦ Second Place, Business Reporting, Lone Star Award, Houston Press Club
♦ Certificate of Excellence, Press Club of Dallas
EDUCATION
♦ Masters of Arts in Professional and Technical Communication, environmental science cognate, University of North Texas; Teaching Fellow; Research Fellow.
♦ Bachelor of Arts in English, phi beta kappa, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
♦ FDM®, L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Professional
APPEARANCES
Wendy is an invited media guest and workshop teacher, speaking on topics such as:
- Can we really parent a dog?
- Can you read a dog’s mind?
- How does trauma affect the human-dog relationship?
Past appearances include:
