A story that teaches young minds the beauty of rescue and the power of compassion
Meet Annette Lesh McGraw author, advocate, and lifelong animal lover. Her passion for children and rescued pets shines through every page of Harleiboo’s story, which is inspired by her own real-life journey with a little Bichon Frise in need of a home.
From a young age, Annette felt a deep connection to animals and an instinct to protect those who couldn’t speak for themselves. That calling first led her into the classroom as a preschool teacher, where she saw firsthand how stories shape young hearts and minds. She believed in the power of simple, meaningful words to spark hope, kindness, and curiosity in children.
Annette later transitioned into a role as a paralegal in local government, where she has spent over 20 years advocating for children who need stability, safety, and forever homes. Along the way, she also walked the painful road of infertility and explored fostering and adoption, experiences that deepened her empathy and strengthened her desire to help kids and families heal.
Her path took an unexpected turn when she met a frightened little Bichon who had been used for breeding and then discarded. Annette welcomed this dog, Harlei (lovingly nicknamed Harleiboo), into her home and watched her transform from a scared, clay-covered pup with a tucked tail into a joyful, confident companion. That transformation became the heart of Harleiboo’s story and inspired Annette to write a book that would help children understand the importance of rescue and adoption.
Today, Annette balances her work as a paralegal with her creative pursuits as a singer/songwriter and children’s author. The Adventures of Harleiboo is just the beginning of the Books by Annette Lesh McGraw that aim to nurture compassion for both two-legged and four-legged friends. Through her writing, she invites readers to open their hearts, consider adoption, and experience the powerful bond that forms when we welcome a rescue animal into our lives.
Annette can be reached at harleiboosadventure@outlook.com.
From a young age, Annette has had a love for animals. Though she never quite knew it, she also had a passion for storytelling. This affection blossomed as she took a brief career change as a preschool teacher for 3-year-old inquiring minds. As she taught children, Annette always believed in the magic and power of words; knowing they had the power to stir up hope, as she witnessed as young minds were being developed.
Annette left teaching preschool; fate would have it that she would become a paralegal for her local government, bringing hope to children needing a forever home. When Annette learned that a struggling little bichon dog needed help because she was retired, she immediately brought her into their home.
Annette wanted to tell Harlei’s story from a dog’s view and help educate as to adoption of throw away dogs; wherever they may be; and hopefully a desire to rescue, love and extend grace to those needing help.
Join her, as she promises to nurture the seeds of compassion for the four-legged companions that want to offer us unconditional love.
Annette can be reached at harleiboosadventure@outlook.com.
With a heart as expansive as her boundless imagination, Annette Lesh McGraw has been a lifelong advocate for the children and bringing hope to children needing a forever home.
Her journey into the realms of compassion and creativity began from the tender age of curiosity, fostering a deep-seated love for animals. Annette’s professional path took an early detour when she embraced the role of a preschool teacher, igniting young minds with the magic and power of words.
Transitioning from shaping young minds to advocating for children in need, Annette embarked on a 20-year tenure as a paralegal in local government. Her resolve to bring hope to children seeking forever homes only grew stronger with time.
Annette could not have children of her own and started down the road to foster and adopt a child. That road took a sharp turn when Annette found herself embracing a struggling little bichon dog that needed her help So, she did just that, with grace and charm.
This experience, marked by grace and charm, would propel her into a new avenue of advocacy—championing the cause of animal rescue and adoption.
Today, balancing her roles as a singer/songwriter and paralegal, Annette channels over two decades of advocacy into her creative expression. The dream of penning a children’s book that mirrored her affection for animals and commitment to adoption finally materialized with “The Adventures of Harleiboo.”
Through this enchanting tale, Annette invites readers on a heartfelt journey to stir their souls and awaken a fervent desire to open their lives to furry friends in need of love and a forever home.
Annette Lesh McGraw’s life is a compelling narrative of love, loss, and the transformative power of storytelling. Through her words, she nurtures the seeds of compassion for our four-legged companions, encouraging us to extend unconditional love to those waiting to enrich our lives in ways we can only imagine.
Annette’s mission is to inspire children, fostering compassion & hope in their lives. Her work as a paralegal & her passion for animals drive her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she helps.
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