'Barney the Farm Dog' Connects Kids to Agriculture

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When he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Vic Swiderski reminisced with his wife, Mary Lynn, about his time as a farmer and the animals he cared for on the farm near Brewer, as well as their special relationship with a St. Bernard named Barney.

They decided to write a book together, “Barney and the Farm Dog, A True Story,” but Vic died before it could be published. His widow fulfilled their promise to each other and now the book is available for purchase.

In the book, Barney is introduced to all of the farm animals, makes friends with them and finds various adventures.

“This is a true story about my husband, Vic, and his farm dog, Barney,” said Swiderski, who retired in 2014 as a 4-H, health and nutrition educator with Michigan State University Extension.

“All of the animals in the book are real and most of the pictures in the book are actual pictures taken on the farm,” the author said.

As a former educator and her husband a farmer and business owner, the Swiderskis made the perfect duo for this lighthearted children’s book. Hoping to provide understanding about multiple sclerosis, Swiderski is optimistic that her book will open up conversation about the disease.

“I wanted to tell Vic’s life story as he struggled with multiple sclerosis and to make more people aware of this disease,” Swiderski said.

The book not only increases the understanding of children increasingly disconnected from agriculture about farming and animals, but it also financially supports the Michigan Multiple Sclerosis Society, which will receive a donation from partial proceeds from the sale of the book.

More information is found here.