The heart behind the stories

A little hello from R. L. Sarwen.

Sarge and Arwen playing together on an alpine trail in the Sierra mountains

Hi there! I’m R. L. Sarwen. After years of leading teams, I was looking for something fun to do, and I wanted to write and publish something meaningful. I could have written a leadership book for adults. Instead, I chose to share the same lessons (leadership, teamwork, friendship, and helping one another) with the people who shape the future most: children, and the parents and educators who guide them.

Command & Cuddles is my way of giving back. My hope is that these stories give you a cozy moment together and an easy way to talk about kindness, courage, and being a great teammate. Thank you for letting Sarge and Arwen into your home.

The real Sarge & Arwen

Where the two pups came from

Here’s a secret: Sarge and Arwen are REAL dogs! They’re our family pets. Sarge really is the brave, goofy one, and Arwen really is the smart, caring planner. Every adventure in the books starts with something our two pups would actually do.

The real Sarge, a golden Labrador standing on the grass
The real Sarge
The real Arwen, a gray dog with a white chest and pink collar sitting on the grass
The real Arwen

Favorite snack

Peanut M&M’s! (Sorry, pups, these are people treats only.)

Sarge or Arwen?

A little of both! I plan and practice for big events like Arwen, but I can be a goofball just like Sarge.

Best choice I ever made

Marrying my wife.

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Coming Nov 27: the Command & Cuddles Christmas book!

“Everything is a choice we choose to make.”

R. L. Sarwen

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