In January, Chicken Soup for the Soul published its latest issue, titled "Lessons Learned From My Dog." The book compiles many true stories centered around people's pets and how animal companions have affected the owners' lives. One of the featured stories, which is titled "War Dog," was written by James Hugh Comey of Willow Street.

In his story, Comey tells the tale of a dog his family adopted many years ago. The dog had accompanied its previous owner on a deployment overseas during the Korean War. When the previous owner moved into an apartment with his wife and child, he was forced to put the dog up for adoption. After being adopted by Comey's family, the faithful dog ran away and located its former owner in an effort to be reunited with him. Like many of the stories featured by Chicken Soup for the Soul, "War Dog" explores themes of loyalty, courage and love.

Comey was first inspired to share his story with Chicken Soup for the Soul after he saw that a story written by a former co-worker was featured in the series. Chicken Soup for the Soul accepts anyone's submissions and only requests that the stories are fewer than 1,200 words, have a positive message and are rooted in truth. Comey reworked "War Dog," which had been posted to his blog, and submitted it to be considered. A couple months ago, the organization contacted Comey about publishing his story.

Comey, a native of Delaware County, moved to Lancaster last year to live at Willow Valley Communities. Comey is a retired educator and has worked as a freelance writer for many years. "I'm a motorcycle rider. I used to come out (to Lancaster) with other riders," Comey said. "I started thinking about 55-plus communities and decided to move out here."

Comey has written two novels. In 2020, he published "The Wild World," a post-apocalyptic fiction novel that takes place in southeast Pennsylvania. In 2011, Comey published "Uncommon Glory," a coming-of-age story set in suburban Philadelphia. In "Uncommon Glory," Comey tells the tale of a boy who awakens after being beaten unconscious and realizes that he can now converse with the crucifix of Christ. The book employs magical realism and explores themes of youth, loneliness and hope.

In addition to teaching and writing novels, Comey helped found a children's theater company in 1989. The company, called Stages of Imagination, created productions for kids that covered important topics such as bullying and loss. Stages of Imagination offered plays for over 20 years, and more than 100,000 children attended the shows until the company went on hiatus. "We didn't have any money, actors, costumes or a theater at first, but we had a desire to get original plays out there for kids," Comey said.

For more information about Comey and his work, visit https://about.me/jcomey. "Lessons Learned From My Dog" is available to be purchased on http://www.amazon.com.