If someone had told Deborah in 2020—while she was scouring the shelves of a Brisbane supermarket for a roll of toilet paper—that she would one day become a published author, she admits she would have laughed her mask right off. Writing a book was never on her “bucket list.” She had no desire, training, or even thought of becoming an author. But God had a very different plan—one she could not yet see.
Born in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia and later raised on a dairy farm near Gympie, Deborah grew up exploring the land on horseback and by foot. After her family moved to Brisbane, she gave her life to Christ as a teenager, a decision that would shape her journey forever. She went on to study Dentistry at the University of Queensland, graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery while also pursuing her love of dance, earning a Teacher’s Diploma in Tap.
Though accomplished academically and artistically, Deborah often felt like she didn’t belong. Her strong Christian faith set her apart from peers and family. True and faithful friendships were difficult to find. She frequently wrestled with feelings of rejection, invisibility, and being a “square peg in a round hole.” Through it all, one truth remained—she could always trust her Heavenly Father.
What Deborah didn’t know was that God would use an unlikely companion to reveal the depths of His love: an unwanted rescue dog named Candy. Like Deborah, Candy carried scars from her past and often resisted confinement. Their bond became a mirror through which God showed Deborah His unconditional, personal love. When Candy passed away in 2021, Deborah received a profound heart revelation of God’s enduring love and was prompted to share the lessons she had learned.
The words “Write a book about it” would not leave her mind. To Deborah, the idea felt absurd—English was her weakest subject, and she had never been taught how to structure a sentence, let alone write an entire book. But just as God sent Aaron to help Moses, He placed an experienced writer in Deborah’s path to encourage, guide, and equip her. Over 18 months, with God’s constant provision and the Spirit’s guidance, Deborah completed Candy the Rescue Dog.
Through the frustrating yet transformative relationship with her four-legged friend, Deborah discovered profound truths about God’s character, faithfulness, and love. And as she wrote, she realized these lessons were not just for her—they were meant for anyone who has struggled with rejection, loneliness, or feelings of unworthiness.
Though initially content to keep the finished manuscript hidden away on her computer, Deborah once again heard God’s challenge: If you don’t even try to publish it, have you truly been obedient? Stepping out in faith, she pursued publishing—and today, her book is available for all who need encouragement and hope.
Away from writing, Deborah is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, and gardener. Married to her husband Paul since 1983, she delights in family life, line dancing, sewing, Mahjong, and bird photography. Together, they have four daughters and five grandchildren.
Candy the Rescue Dog is more than a story about a pet—it is a testimony of God’s unwavering love, guidance, and the unexpected ways He reveals His heart.
