Hi, I’m Margarita, I was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and was raised in Santa Barbara, California. I have traveled extensively to different parts of the world, 25 countries, and consider myself a global citizen. I lived in France for a number of years and am trilingual in English, Spanish and French.
I was able to experience the contrasts in different cultures and am inspired by the universal truths of the human spirit. This, coupled with a life-long passion for animals, motivated me to create The Love Bunny book series, based on my own pet bunny, named Valentino. Animals have long been regarded as having therapeutic qualities for humans and it is my belief that there is a great deal to be learned from them.
Through my special relationship with Valentino, I imagined a world that would embrace the magic of a soft black and white bunny with hearts on his face and a remarkable capacity to generate love and comfort in people. The stories are based upon this phenomenon and Valentino’s real life adventures. My vision is to use the book series as a platform to effect change and bring back traditional values that are sorely needed in today’s society.
I have adored animals my whole life. “The Animal Lady” character in this book series is based on that love and the amazing relationship I’ve had with all my pets, but especially Valentino. I was exceptionally blessed to have a mother who recognized, understood and nurtured my passion for animals, which defines a large part of who I am today and why I relate to animals as I do. Some of my greatest memories are of bringing home lost pets, and instead of being told “NO,” I was told “YES!” This brought with it such affirmation and a sense of well-being that has followed me my entire life. When I think of how many children may have brought home a stray kitten and been told NO, a puppy and told NO, a FISH and told NO, NO, NO... it brings tears to my eyes. Animals, and especially pets, are a gift from God. Animals live in the moment and are loyal beyond words. They are pure love and they are healing which is why there are so many animal groups that minister to the sick, the elderly and the suffering.
I have always had cats and dogs, and today I have three dogs named Max, Cooper and Jojo. I also have two beautiful horses called Pandereto, which means “Tambourine” in Spanish and Guapo which means “Handsome.” However, I always wanted a bunny. I also had a beta fish named “Poisson,” which means “fish” in French. When he died, I was heartbroken. I went to the pet shop to see about finding a new fish, and it was there that I laid eyes on Valentino for the first time. If ever there was destiny, then this was it! The minute I held him, I knew we were meant for each other. I felt a sense of peace and Valentino let me know he felt the same way by gently licking my finger.
