INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Author Shelly Fraser-Mickle, known for her humorous stories on NPR’s Morning Edition, has released a new book titled ‘Itching to Love the Story of a Dog.’

The book, inspired by a dog named Buddy, explores themes of humor and mental health. Fraser-Mickle wrote the book as a response to the nation’s division and the struggles with depression and loneliness following the pandemic.

“I want us to all get back to laughing together and understanding that we have an effect on our mental health and other people’s mental health,” Fraser-Mickle said.

Fraser-Mickle described the writing process as a simple pleasure, often composing parts of the book in her head during the early hours of the morning. “I wrote most of it in my head at 1.30 in the morning, and then I would get up and write down what I had rehearsed in my head,” she shared.

Having dedicated her life to writing, Fraser-Mickle has been publishing books for 50 years. The book is not only a memoir but also a witty exploration of motherhood and the enduring nature of love, which extends even to pets. “A mother is like a button. They hold everything together,” she noted, explaining how these nurturing skills often transfer to caring for pets.

Fraser-Mickle emphasized the healing power of laughter, citing studies that show how humor can boost the immune system. “The brain can actually release 30-some-odd secretions that increase our good-feeling chemicals,” she explained.

Fraser-Mickle’s book aims to bring joy and laughter to readers, encouraging them to find humor even in challenging times. ‘Itching to Love the Story of a Dog’ is available now, inviting readers to share in the laughter and love that inspired its creation.