Ivar's Mackinac Weekend (Cats in the Mirror)

Discover the fascinating history and sights of Mackinac Island, Michigan, with adorable Ivar as only a working service dog can experience it. Based on a real-life adventure!

Hello, new friends! My name is Ivar, and I’m a specially trained anxiety service dog. It’s the best job ever. I can’t wait to tell you the story of how I kept my Mama Mindy safe and secure.

We went on a special trip: a family visit to Mackinac Island, Michigan. But exploring new places can be stressful and lead to anxiety spikes for Mindy. That’s where my job comes in, to support Mindy and help her manage her anxiety. But being a service dog in a totally new environment brings its own worries for me. Strange sights, smells, sounds, and bustling crowds keep my on my toes. And where are all the cars? How can I help Mama Mindy enjoy our adventures while overcoming my own fears during ferry rides, horse-drawn carriage tours, and island adventures?

Ivar’s Mackinac Weekend is the third companion book to the award-winning, best-selling Cats in the Mirror series—a heartfelt, empowering story for young readers that celebrates service dogs, mental health awareness, and the power of partnership.

Meg Dendler has considered herself a writer since she was honored in a picture book contest in 5th grade. Beginning serious work as a freelancer in the '90s while teaching elementary and middle school, Meg has over one hundred articles in print, including interviews with Kirk Douglas, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. She has won contests with her short stories and poetry, along with multiple awards for her best-selling Cats in the Mirror alien rescue cat children's book series, including a Bronze Moonbeam Children's Book Award and Silver Mom's Choice Awards. "Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess" was honored as Best Juvenile Book of 2018 by the Oklahoma Writers' Federation, and "Snickerdoodle's Shenanigans" won the same honor in 2024. Meg holds a BA in Journalism/Public Relations, an MA in Early Childhood Education, and has been a certified teacher in three states. Meg is also an editor and proofreader for indie publishers, as well as indie and self-publishing authors, with over 100 books completed since 2015.