Confessions of a Streetwalker

In 2005 my wife, Jan, and I moved into a condo along the shores of Lake Washington. Even though I had served as President of Seattle Pacific University back in the 1970s, I was unknown on the streets of the resort-like village of Kirkland, Washington. Each morning Molly, our Maltese puppy, and I went across the street for her ""potty break"" and exercise. Soon, with Molly as the introducer, I discovered a new world where strangers became friends through the connection of our dogs. Later, after two back surgeries, Jan joined us on our daily walk down the street, through the village, and around the park by using a doggie stroller as a substitute for a walker. The sight of the three of us walking down the street, with Molly peering forward from her seat at the helm of the stroller, became a phenomenon of its own on the streets of Kirkland. Together, we walked through an open door of learning and found that friendship based upon listening, caring, and giving is a grace that God reserves for plain people who walk daily and serve joyfully in common places.

""Confessions of a Streetwalker . . . is a truly inspirational story of how a dog opened up the lives of Dave and Jan as they moved to a new community. . . .  The simple truths that Dave brings out can not only save your community, but the world if we apply them to our own lives. May it be a blessing to all.""
--Carol James, Dawgmother of University of Washington football

""Dave McKenna demonstrates how the simple act of walking the family dog can unleash the power of friendship. While walking his dog Molly on the main street of his resort-like community, this gifted communicator also 'walks his talk' as a Christ-follower. Through personal vignettes Dave models what it means to translate the Gospel into the language of the street.""
--Greg Asimakoupoulos, Poet Laureate of Covenant Shores

""I observed Dave, his wife Jan, and dog Molly take to the street from my balcony next to his. I never did more than watch. Maybe now I can walk my life's streets with a new motivation, for I have a new perspective.""
--Frank Haas, Godfather of C-3 leaders

""How delightful to view Kirkland, Washington, my hometown of 72 years, through the eyes, ears and 'smells' of Dr. and Mrs. David McKenna and their beloved little dog, Molly.""
--Ginny Johnson, Equine Champion of the Lee Johnson Auto Family

""Confessions of a Streetwalker had me laughing and pondering the 'streetwalkers' in everyone's life. My wish for all who read Dave's book, is that they will find the magic in his words and be inspired to lace up those shoes, put on a raincoat if needed, and get up and out and find their street, their boulevard and their sacred connections just waiting to be found.""
--Carlene Sandstrom, Cheerleader of Windemere Real Estate

David L. McKenna is retired as President of Seattle Pacific University, Spring Arbor University, and Asbury Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Janet, live in a condo on the shores of Lake Washington and walk daily through the village of Kirkland. McKenna is an author of forty books, including When God Laughs with Us: The Lighter Side of Leadership.