Bridgewater Author's 6th Chuckie Book Explores Holiday Traditions

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater author Amy Jensen is at it again. She recently launched a Kickstarter for her sixth book in the Chuckie the Chocolate Lab series.

The book called Chuckie Celebrates December and features Bridgewater local Stacey Friedlander and her family in a full-spread Hanukkah illustration "because her dog Gunner and my dog Chuckie were best friends and we often celebrated holidays together," said Jensen.

"Our dog Gunner, who passed away in November, was one of Chuckie‘s friends! We have had Amy, Roger and their dogs over to celebrate holidays with us in the past. And the dogs even participated in little gift exchanges! So when Amy said she wanted to include our tradition in her book, it was absolutely heartwarming!," said Friedlander to Patch.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be able to represent our holiday, Hanukkah, in the book. We love sharing our holidays & traditions with friends, and our family always hosts friends on one or two nights so that others can experience celebrating how light always wins over darkness. I hope all families will buy the book to add to their collection," continued Friedlander.

In the latest book, Chuckie joyfully explores all the wonderful things that make December special: from festive parties with friends and family, to beloved holiday songs, twinkling decorations, fluffy snowflakes, going to his friend's house to celebrate Hanukah, and the much-anticipated visit from Santa Paws himself.

The book is open for preorders now and readers have an opportunity to be a part of Chuckie's world.

"I'm really excited!" Jensen said about the book. "I think my illustrator [Ulana Zahajkewycz] did am amazing job at capturing the holiday spirit with her adorable and detailed illustrations. Chuckie absolutely loved the holidays: the food (especially turkey) and he loved opening his presents himself. I also am glad we added his best friend, Gunner into this story because they truly were so excited to see each other anytime they had the chance."

Additionally, Jensen said "this may be the last Chuckie book in the series because I plan to start a new series about my 2-year-old rescue dog Nosy Norvin in the future."

Chuckie previously died in April 2022 after just celebrating his 14 and 3/4 birthday the week prior.

Chuckie was well known in the township and is also an internet sensation with more than 11,000 followers on Instagram, 4,500 fans on Facebook, and 2,800 on Tiktok around the globe.

Jensen started posting about Chuckie after he had an eye procedure and was fitted with a cone. He smashed it to pieces and instantly became a social media hit.

Chuckie is the inspiration behind Jensen's book series. To learn more about the sixth book or to make a pledge visit kickstarter.com.

For more information on Jensen and her books visit chuckiethechocolatelabbooks.com or facebook.com/TeamChuckietheChocolateLab.

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