Alexis Leona
Writer-in-residence at Historic Joy Kogawa House in July 2021
Alexis Leona is a writer and photographer with a passion for animals working on a memoir about rebuilding self-esteem after an abusive relationship as illustrated through her experience raising a puppy to be a guide dog. Growing Up Gouda, a middle-grade novel inspired by her experience as a guide dog puppy raiser.
Alexis served 10 years as director of communications for New Leash on Life Animal Rescue of Newhall, California. She was a founding contributor to the Rescue’s very popular Nuts for Mutts Dog Show aired on Animal Planet and its Lend a Paw Therapy Dog program. She also collaborated on the rescue of more than 500 cats and dogs displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
During her residency at Historic Joy Kogawa House, Alexis presented a public program Puppies! Lessons on dog training and life with a service dog, a fun and informative workshop for individuals and families with children ages 8 and above, presented in partnership with the children’s program of the Marpole branch of the Vancouver Public Library.
Latest Blog Postings about Alexis Leona
Ukulele Players Delight at Holiday Open House
On the last night of Hanukkah, it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Historic Joy Kogawa House. The home was trimmed in white holiday lights and candles flickered in the windows…
Guide Dog Puppy Back Garden Gathering
Guest post by Alexis Leona There is no better way to mark a new phase in the coronavirus pandemic than an in-person puppy meeting in the back garden. Puppies! Lessons learned from raising a puppy with a purpose was a meeting of community guests, guide dog puppy...
Puppies! Lessons learned from raising a puppy with a purpose
A fun and informative workshop about dog training and service dogs, for individuals and families with children ages 8 and above. Presented in partnership with the children’s program of the Marpole branch of the Vancouver Public Library.