When artist and writer Betsy Pauley died in 2016 at the age of 58, she left behind her heartbroken husband Chips, a hole in the hearts of her family and friends, and a half-finished manuscript. To honor his wife, Chips wanted to publish the manuscript—about Betsy’s experiences as a dedicated animal welfare advocate who could never say no to a stray dog or cat (or dozens!).

Author and book coach Jen Braaksma had never met or even heard of Betsy. Yet, after Chips asked her to turn Betsy’s manuscript into a book, she came to know her.  Betsy became Jen’s friend.  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? 

In her new book Befriending Betsy (She Writes Press, December 9, 2025), Braaksma weaves together Betsy’s unfinished manuscript and her own story of forging a deep connection with Betsy through her words.  

Readers might feel they “know” an author by their writing, Braaksma says, but her experience went further. By seeing Betsy’s drafts and her process, she got to see Betsy’s heart, and her 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.

In this unique joint memoir completed after an author’s death, Braaksma brings us this timeless story of the power of compassion and how laughter and love can transcend loss.

PRAISE FOR BEFRIENDING BETSY

“Purr-fectly endearing and paws-itively charming—this interwoven tale of two women who never met yet are kindred spirits invites animal lovers to befriend Jen as she befriends Betsy. Full of heart, humor, and a touch of tail-wagging mischief, it will appeal to anyone who adores furry friendships.”

— Jude Berman, author of The Vow, a 2024 Kirkus Best Indie Book

“Do you love animals? Do you love love? Here are vignettes of uplifting, inspiring, well-told stories of two women who saved distressed animals. Braaksma honors Betsy, who passed too soon, by publishing her funny, heartwarming stories and reflecting back her own stories. Laugh out loud in parts and wipe a tear away in others. Betsy’s laughter and fun in rescuing animals moved me profoundly and is infectious.”

— Leslie Johansen Nack, author of award-winning Fourteen, A Daughter’s Memoir

“A story about a camaraderie based on the desire to make the lives of others a bit easier… Betsy’s compassionate life will live forever in her words, a series of quirky break-your-heart vignettes with happy endings.”

— Lola Reid Allin, author of Highway to the Sky: An Aviator’s Journey

“If you have ever rescued a pet, you will love and appreciate Betsy Pauly’s determination to never give up on finding forever homes for the four-legged homeless. As a veterinarian, I connected with this animal lover, as did Jen Braaksma, who took on the challenge of bringing to print this posthumous memoir. Filled with entertaining alliterations and verbal gymnastics, this book is a fun read that warms the heart.”

— Dr. Dawn Filos, author of Tales of a Pet Vet: Stories from the Clinic and House Calls