~About Susan Chernak McElroy
Teacher, master storyteller, and author of the classic New York Times Bestseller, Animals as Teachers and Healers: True Stories and Reflections, Susan Chernak McElroy’s writings are published in more than twenty languages worldwide. She is a nationally recognized, passionate, and original voice on the subject of our emotional, biological, and sacred relationships with animals and wild nature.
Susan is a dynamic and gifted presenter, and a powerful catalyst for personal growth and change. A long term-survivor of advanced cancer, She speaks from a rich body of lived experience, reminding us that our evolutionary journey toward becoming more fully human beings has included thousands of years of intimate connection with animals and the living Earth.
BOOKS
- Why Buffalo Dance (NewWorld Library, Fall,2006)
- All My Relations (NewWorld Library, Fall, 2004)
- Heart in the Wild (Ballantine Books, 2002)
- Animals as Guides for the Soul (Ballantine Books, 1998)
- Animals as Teachers and Healers (Ballantine Books, 1997)
ANTHOLOGIES
- Kinship with the Animals, edited by Michael Tobias and Kate Solisti-Mattelon (Beyond Words Publishing, 1998)
- Intimate Nature: The Bond Between Women and Animals, edited by Linda Hogan, Deena Metzger, and Brenda Peterson (Ballantine Books, (1998)
- Wounded Healers, edited by Rachel Naomi Remen (1991)
TAPES
- Cancer as a Turning Point: Volume II (Sounds True Audio, 2004)
- Animal Wisdom: True Stories of the Animals Who Change Our Lives (Sounds True, 1997)
- Animals as Teachers and Healers: True Stories and Reflections (Random House, 1997)
MAGAZINE CREDITS
- Vegetarian Times
- Yoga Journal
- Kindred Spirit
- Magical Blend
- Light of Consciousness
- Common Ground—Reflections
- Coping
- Dog Fancy
- Science of Mind Magazine
I write books and tell stories. But more important, I'm still an awestruck child when it comes to animals, nature, and spirit. I love to ponder the place where these intersect. In my experience, that place is holy ground, healing ground. Thank you for spending some moments here. I hope you'll return again and again. 
Susan McElroy
April 17, 2013 at 12:21 am
Barb, back then Ann Parker and I were writing serial westerns to each other. Now, we are both authors. Go figure!
Barbara Huffman Fleming
April 16, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Sue – I had NO idea of your path since we parted 43 years ago. Amazing writings – now if I can just find you again in the future! Who knew SLHS could turn out such talent! We are very different people now, but then again, maybe not so much. Love ya girl!!!
Susan McElroy
February 23, 2013 at 4:31 am
ZuZi, radio is such a fun way to share stories, and Paul Messing (producer) is so gifted with his production. He is a total animal lover, and I think his heart shows in his programs.
Zuzi
February 23, 2013 at 3:38 am
Dear Susan,
I have just listened audio production For Kindred Spirit and was so delighted, moved and heartbroken by so many amazing stories about relationships between human being and their animals. Especially the story about the one elephant!
http://www.prx.org/pieces/17425-for-kindred-spirits#description
Thank you for being such an amazing host and sharing these wonderful stories with us on Earth. You are such an inspiration! I’m looking forward to reading some of your books. I’m so grateful that I found you!
Many blessings,
Zuzi
Susan McElroy
March 30, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Barbara, it is good to be found!
Barbara Hill
March 30, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Susan, it is good to find you again.
Susan McElroy
September 22, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Yvette, may your winter be a season of rest and stillness. I’m so sorry for your loss. Blessings to you for your very kind words.
Yvette Thompson
September 22, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Susan,
I’ve done much reading, talking, searching, finding and healing over the years. Two of your books, All My Relations and Why Buffalo Dance have greatly impacted my peace of mind. My mother lost her battle with cancer last year in December. Although I’m not looking forward to the winter, I will (again) read the prayers and stories when it’s time and find some solace. Mom truly loved your books also, and in your words, I feel another connection with her and All Our Relations. Sincere gratefulness to you for sharing your gifts!
Best Blessings of Love, Light, Laughter,
Yvette D. Thompson
Susan McElroy
October 8, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Cassandra, thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you’ll come visit us often here in virtual land!
Cassandra GIlmore
October 8, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Dear Susan,
I recently checked out Why Buffalo Dance from the library and wanted to share with you how much it has cheered me up.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, my family is stationed in Florida. For the last three years I have sorely missed the change and renewal of four distinct seasons.
Your stories and reflections have chased away my melancholy. Your description of hearing Elk bugle brought back wonderful memories and helped me renew my purpose this morning.
I can’t wait to purchase this book, so that when spring come around I can experience the season through your writings and my memories. Thank you so much for putting nature and animal medicine into words. It will be a treasured addition to our library.
Very Warm Regards,
Cassandra Gilmore
Susan McElroy
August 21, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Krys, welcome aboard—so glad to have you here!
krys
August 21, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Dear Susan,
WOW, you are a beautiful writer! I too am a lover of all life, especially the wild! From the time I was little, I have been a rescuer of everything (humans, plants, animals, etc. etc.)!!!
Dian from WDA gave me your site and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I look forward to reading lots more! Thank YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!