A beloved alum from The Young and the Restless is opening up about a deeply personal chapter of her life—one marked by grief, love, and ultimately, healing. Actress Jessica Collins, who soap fans fondly remember as the sharp and compassionate attorney Avery Clark, has revealed that a painful loss inspired her to create a heartfelt new project aimed at helping others navigate similar emotions.

Collins recently announced that she has written a children’s book titled Where’s Big Dog? A Story of Love and Loss, a deeply personal work born from the emotional experience of saying goodbye to a beloved companion. The actress shared the news with fans through social media, explaining that the story carries profound meaning for her and reflects a chapter of her life that changed her in ways she never expected.

For longtime viewers of The Young and the Restless, Collins’ return to the spotlight—even in literary form—has sparked an outpouring of warmth and support. During her run on the iconic CBS daytime drama from 2011 to 2015, Collins became a fan favorite thanks to her portrayal of Avery Clark, a fiercely intelligent lawyer who often found herself entangled in the complicated emotional and romantic web of Genoa City. Avery’s relationships with key characters like Nick Newman and Dylan McAvoy made her a central figure in several memorable storylines, blending professional determination with vulnerability and emotional depth.

Though Collins eventually stepped away from the series, her connection with the soap’s devoted fanbase has never faded. Now, years later, she is sharing a different kind of story—one that draws not from fictional drama but from her own life.

According to Collins, the inspiration for Where’s Big Dog? came from the loss of her cherished dog, Lucy, who had been by her side for more than fourteen years. To many followers of the actress, Lucy was already something of a familiar presence. Collins frequently posted photos and videos of her loyal companion on social media, giving fans glimpses of the joyful bond they shared.

Lucy wasn’t just a pet; she was a constant presence through some of the most significant moments of Collins’ life and career. For over a decade, the dog appeared in countless snapshots and candid videos, becoming a quiet but beloved member of Collins’ extended online family.

When Lucy passed away in February 2023, the loss hit Collins hard.

At the time, the actress shared an emotional tribute that resonated deeply with fans and fellow pet lovers. In a heartfelt video montage, Collins reflected on the 14 and a half years she spent with Lucy, describing them as “beautiful years” filled with unconditional love and companionship.

The tribute revealed the depth of the bond they shared—and the emptiness that followed Lucy’s passing.

For many people, losing a pet can feel like losing a family member. Collins discovered that the grief that followed Lucy’s death was profound, but it also sparked a creative and emotional journey she hadn’t anticipated.

Instead of allowing the sadness to remain an unspoken pain, Collins decided to transform it into something meaningful.

That decision eventually led to the creation of Where’s Big Dog? A Story of Love and Loss.

The book was co-written with Collins’ close friend Lisa Melamed, and together the two set out to craft a story that could help families—especially young children—process the difficult emotions that accompany the loss of a beloved pet.

Collins explained that the book is meant to gently guide readers through the confusing feelings of grief, offering comfort and understanding during what can be a deeply emotional experience.

For many children, the death of a pet may be their first encounter with loss. Collins hopes the story can provide a compassionate way for families to talk about those feelings together.

In her announcement to fans, the actress emphasized just how personal the project is.

“This story is deeply personal to me,” Collins shared, explaining that the narrative grew directly from her experience with Lucy and the love they shared for more than a decade.

At its heart, Where’s Big Dog? explores themes of memory, love, and the enduring connection that remains even after someone—or something—we cherish is gone.

While the story is written with children in mind, Collins believes its message can resonate with readers of all ages. After all, the bond between humans and animals often transcends words, leaving a lasting emotional imprint that continues long after a pet is gone.

For fans who followed Collins during her time in Genoa City, the project represents a different side of the actress—one that blends vulnerability with creativity.

It also highlights the way artists often channel their personal experiences into meaningful work.

In many ways, Collins’ new book reflects the same emotional authenticity that made her portrayal of Avery Clark so compelling. Just as Avery navigated complex relationships and personal struggles on screen, Collins is now sharing her own emotional journey in a way that may help others feel less alone.

The response from fans has already been overwhelmingly positive.

Supporters of the actress have flooded her social media pages with messages of encouragement, sharing their own stories of beloved pets and expressing gratitude for a book that acknowledges the powerful bond between humans and animals.

For Collins, that reaction reinforces why the project matters.

She hopes that Where’s Big Dog? will become a source of comfort for families facing the heartbreak of losing a cherished pet—offering reassurance that grief, while painful, is also a reflection of deep love.

And in transforming her own loss into a story of compassion and healing, Collins has found a way to honor Lucy’s memory while helping others navigate one of life’s most difficult goodbyes.

For fans who first discovered her through The Young and the Restless, this new chapter reveals something even more powerful than a dramatic storyline: the courage to turn personal heartbreak into a message of hope.