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Befriending Betsy: A Memoir
For readers who loved Marley & Me, a poignant memoir about cats, dogs, and what it means to forge a friendship—in life and in death—with a person you can never meet.
Betsy Pauly died five years before Jen Braaksma knew she had even lived. Betsy was an artist and writer hailing from Minnesota, Texas, Missouri, and Florida. Jen is an author and book coach from Ottawa, Canada. Yet, improbably, Betsy became Jen’s friend.
When Betsy died, she left behind a heartbroken husband, a hole in the hearts of her family and friends, and a half-finished manuscript. To honor his wife, Chips wanted to publish her animal stories—Betsy was a dedicated animal welfare advocate who could never say no to a stray dog or cat (or dozens!).
Turning manuscripts around is Jen’s job. But as she worked, she never expected to form a friendship with the woman on the page. How was that even possible? Readers might feel they “know” an author by their writing, but Jen’s experience went further. She got to see Betsy’s drafts and her process. She got to see Betsy’s mind. And in doing so, she got to know this extraordinary woman. This may be Jen’s journey, but it’s Betsy’s story. A story about dedication, passion, and the connection that comes from sharing your authentic self—even between two people who can never meet.
Betsy Pauly died five years before Jen Braaksma knew she had even lived. Betsy was an artist and writer hailing from Minnesota, Texas, Missouri, and Florida. Jen is an author and book coach from Ottawa, Canada. Yet, improbably, Betsy became Jen’s friend.
When Betsy died, she left behind a heartbroken husband, a hole in the hearts of her family and friends, and a half-finished manuscript. To honor his wife, Chips wanted to publish her animal stories—Betsy was a dedicated animal welfare advocate who could never say no to a stray dog or cat (or dozens!).
Turning manuscripts around is Jen’s job. But as she worked, she never expected to form a friendship with the woman on the page. How was that even possible? Readers might feel they “know” an author by their writing, but Jen’s experience went further. She got to see Betsy’s drafts and her process. She got to see Betsy’s mind. And in doing so, she got to know this extraordinary woman. This may be Jen’s journey, but it’s Betsy’s story. A story about dedication, passion, and the connection that comes from sharing your authentic self—even between two people who can never meet.
- GenresAnimalsNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 28, 2025
When Betsy Pauly passed away, her husband wanted to do something special to honor his wife for being such a kindhearted and loving person. So, he decided to reach out to author Jen Braaksma and ask if she would consider writing this endearing memoir, Befriending Betsy, about his wife. At that time, the had never written anything such as a memoir about a person who had passed on, but once reading all the notes given to her and hearing the beautiful stories from her husband, she couldn’t pass up this unique opportunity to honor Betsy, a woman she never met.
Within these pages, you learn of Betsy Pauly, an animal lover at heart, who would do anything to help an animal in need. Turning the pages, you feel the true love she shared with animals, no matter their size or species, and how she genuinely cared for every animal that crossed her path. The love and connection she shared with the animals mentioned will have readers falling in love with not only all the animals spoken of, but with Betsy herself for being so openhearted to these animals in their desperate time of need.
Jen Braaksma, working closely with Betsy’s husband, was able to pen this enjoyable read not only through her eyes, but as the words were recounted through Betsy’s direct words in the journals she kept of all her animal escapades. As a reviewer, I have never come across another memoir written in such a fashion as this one. It must have been a feat to recount stories and details when all she had were written words and the stories being retold by her husband. Braaksma did a wonderful job retelling the stories as if she herself were present, watching Betsy’s escapades happen before her own eyes.
Being an animal lover, it was easy to find humor in these stories, especially the one where Betsy decided to take her pantyhose off in the middle of busy downtown Dallas, to use them to wrangle a pony-sized dog to safety. The visuals of this retelling were so funny that I literally laughed out loud. Readers will find a story or two, or even more, displaying the true loving and caring nature that Betsy displayed every day, sometimes just during her normal routine. If there was an animal in need, Betsy was sure to find it and help it when it needed it the most.
Another thing worth mentioning about this endearing memoir is the creativity that Braaksma used in penning this book. After telling Betsy’s story, the author would add her own commentary about the situation and how Betsy might have reacted as if the author were presently there in the situation. The interchanging of the storytelling and commentary was refreshingly different than other memoirs on the market in the animal category.
Befriending Betsy, by Jen Braaksma and Betsy Pauly, is one memoir animal lovers will stop and take notice of because of the unique presentation of these stories. Readers will not only enjoy the stories within these pages, they’ll also get to meet a woman who had sass, integrity, and compassion for any animal or human she met in her life.
Within these pages, you learn of Betsy Pauly, an animal lover at heart, who would do anything to help an animal in need. Turning the pages, you feel the true love she shared with animals, no matter their size or species, and how she genuinely cared for every animal that crossed her path. The love and connection she shared with the animals mentioned will have readers falling in love with not only all the animals spoken of, but with Betsy herself for being so openhearted to these animals in their desperate time of need.
Jen Braaksma, working closely with Betsy’s husband, was able to pen this enjoyable read not only through her eyes, but as the words were recounted through Betsy’s direct words in the journals she kept of all her animal escapades. As a reviewer, I have never come across another memoir written in such a fashion as this one. It must have been a feat to recount stories and details when all she had were written words and the stories being retold by her husband. Braaksma did a wonderful job retelling the stories as if she herself were present, watching Betsy’s escapades happen before her own eyes.
Being an animal lover, it was easy to find humor in these stories, especially the one where Betsy decided to take her pantyhose off in the middle of busy downtown Dallas, to use them to wrangle a pony-sized dog to safety. The visuals of this retelling were so funny that I literally laughed out loud. Readers will find a story or two, or even more, displaying the true loving and caring nature that Betsy displayed every day, sometimes just during her normal routine. If there was an animal in need, Betsy was sure to find it and help it when it needed it the most.
Another thing worth mentioning about this endearing memoir is the creativity that Braaksma used in penning this book. After telling Betsy’s story, the author would add her own commentary about the situation and how Betsy might have reacted as if the author were presently there in the situation. The interchanging of the storytelling and commentary was refreshingly different than other memoirs on the market in the animal category.
Befriending Betsy, by Jen Braaksma and Betsy Pauly, is one memoir animal lovers will stop and take notice of because of the unique presentation of these stories. Readers will not only enjoy the stories within these pages, they’ll also get to meet a woman who had sass, integrity, and compassion for any animal or human she met in her life.
February 20, 2026
Befriending Betsy: A Memoir is a deeply heartfelt and reflective story about connection, legacy, and the unexpected ways friendship can transcend time and circumstance. What begins as a professional editing project unfolds into something far more intimate — a profound bond between two women who never had the chance to meet.
Jen Braaksma writes with honesty and tenderness as she shares the experience of stepping into Betsy Pauly’s unfinished manuscript. Through drafts, revisions, and the quiet details left behind on the page, readers witness not just the completion of a book, but the unfolding of a remarkable human connection. Betsy’s passion for animal welfare, her devotion to every stray dog and cat she encountered, and her authentic spirit shine vividly throughout the memoir.
The narrative beautifully balances grief and gratitude. Chips’ determination to honor his wife’s legacy adds emotional depth, while Jen’s reflections on creativity, authorship, and what it means to truly “know” someone elevate the memoir beyond a simple publishing journey. It becomes a meditation on art, memory, and the way stories keep us connected even in death.
For readers who appreciate memoirs centered on animals, compassion, and the enduring power of storytelling, this book offers both warmth and quiet inspiration. A touching and meaningful read that lingers long after the final page.
Jen Braaksma writes with honesty and tenderness as she shares the experience of stepping into Betsy Pauly’s unfinished manuscript. Through drafts, revisions, and the quiet details left behind on the page, readers witness not just the completion of a book, but the unfolding of a remarkable human connection. Betsy’s passion for animal welfare, her devotion to every stray dog and cat she encountered, and her authentic spirit shine vividly throughout the memoir.
The narrative beautifully balances grief and gratitude. Chips’ determination to honor his wife’s legacy adds emotional depth, while Jen’s reflections on creativity, authorship, and what it means to truly “know” someone elevate the memoir beyond a simple publishing journey. It becomes a meditation on art, memory, and the way stories keep us connected even in death.
For readers who appreciate memoirs centered on animals, compassion, and the enduring power of storytelling, this book offers both warmth and quiet inspiration. A touching and meaningful read that lingers long after the final page.
January 22, 2026
Animal rescuing is a tireless effort and so often under appreciated. Betsy’s story needed to be told and I’m glad her husband wanted to share stories via author. As Bob Barker always said, “Don’t forget to spay and neuter your pets”
December 20, 2025
One of the most heartwarming reads that I’ve read this year a good way to end 2025 😀
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews