The Leading Lady

More about the book

Emmy award-winning actress Betty White, known for her role in The Golden Girls, and bestselling author Tom Sullivan, celebrated for If You Could See What I Hear, share a heartwarming story centered around an extraordinary golden retriever named Dinah. For nine years, Dinah was Tom's best friend and guide, providing him, a man blind since birth, with independence and unwavering loyalty. Trained by the Leader Dog Foundation for the Blind, Dinah led Tom safely through countless travels and challenges, becoming an integral part of the Sullivan family. However, as Dinah aged, her abilities began to decline, leading to Tom's difficult decision to work with a new guide dog, a black Labrador named Nelson. This change devastated Dinah, who withdrew and stopped eating, unable to accept her new reality. The story takes a turn when Betty White, a close friend of Tom's, steps in to help. In The Leading Lady, Tom and Betty recount Dinah's journey, from her initial training and the bond she formed with Tom to her struggles and eventual rescue by Betty, who welcomed her into her family with a new purpose. At its core, this narrative highlights the profound impact Dinah had on everyone she encountered.