Wendy Lyons Sunshine is the author of TENDER PAWS: How science-based parenting can transform our relationship with dogs (HCI Books, 2024). Endorsed by Temple Grandin and other professionals, this uniquely interdisciplinary and practical book has been called a “compassionate manifesto” and named a finalist for the Dog Writers Association of America award.

Tender Paws grew out of Wendy’s work on parenting books: The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family (named ASJA Outstanding Book of the Year; 350,000+ copies sold) and Raising the Challenging Child.

An experienced writer and editor with a master’s degree in technical communication, Wendy combines fact-based rigor with engaging storytelling. Her credits include The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Psychology Today, and Scientific American; she also develops content and provides communication services for select organizations, including IFAW and Positively/VS Academy.

Wendy and Bernie. Photograph by Nancy Guth.

AWARDS

♦ Outstanding Book of the Year, 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
♦ Finalist (Category 36, Books – Rescue or Adoption), Dog Writers Association of America (winners to be announced 2/10/25)

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