Professor Golden is an Associate Professor of Psychology. She has written her own textbook, scientific journal articles, and training materials throughout the years. She has developed curriculum for educational courses as well as marketing materials for fundraisers. This is her first children's book in her series "A girl and her dog" based on her own adventures with her dog, Lightning. The little girl in the stories is representative of the author but the name "Lily" is from her grandmother. Professor Golden lives in California at the southern tip of the Sequoia National Forest with her three dogs (Lightning, Max, and Nix).  Lightning and Prof G in the photo.