Reaching publication next month, the honest tale is described by reviewers as heart-warming and funny, and depicts a moving and inspirational career that has included training animals for film and television, studying herbalism, appearing as an animal adviser on TV One's Good Morning programme, and winning two New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Awards.
Having grown up in a family that treated animals as "important members of the family", Carolyn's natural pull towards working with animals was strengthened during her studies as a young veterinary nurse.
"It wasn't until then I truly understood that each animal's happiness comes down to the luck of the draw.
"They can't control the actions of the humans in their lives and yet those actions can impact their lives, safety and happiness so severely.
"As I watched and learned, I started to intervene and educate."
Following her studies, Carolyn began rescuing farm animals from her five acres and house bus in Peka Peka, before she met her husband Jim and shifted to Kaitoke, where she went on to open her first HUHA division.
Living alongside Jim and her stepchildren Shaun, 23, and Leah, 18, at the Kaitoke sanctuary, the dedicated animal lover followed with a second and larger sanctuary in Otaki.
"I've always loved the coast so when I met Waikanae local Claire Thornton, who was hugely passionate about HUHA and extremely driven and capable, I jumped at the opportunity to open the shelter in Otaki.
"Claire and I share the load with an amazing and growing team of volunteers and I spend a lot of time between the shelters."
Living on-site at the Kaitoke shelter with about 100 animals, ranging from zoo animals and native wildlife to domestic and farm animals, Carolyn said her aim is to "infuse the country with our philosophies and knowledge".
HUHA, which currently homes hundreds of animals across its two premises, sees as many as 1000 phone calls per month, on top of road rescues and hundreds of emails and messages.
"For us the greatest challenge is keeping up with demand.
"On the flip side we couldn't be prouder."
Striving to ensure a sustainable future for HUHA, and help relieve financial pressure, her future plans include a purpose-built shelter and line of animal products.
"We try to think outside the square and approach things differently.
"Animals are amazing creatures, so we work hard behind the scenes."
For Carolyn, her latest writing feat is a world away from her school days growing up in Eastbourne, Wellington.
"The funny thing is I'm dyslexic, so I did terribly at school.
"I'm sure my old high school teachers will fall off their chairs when they read the book."
Planning to write a second follow-on book, Carolyn's step into nonfiction has allowed her to share truths she hopes readers will learn from.
"My favourite thing about writing the book was allowing myself to be so honest.
"I write about my mistakes as well as my successes, which to me are both important.
"I'm really looking forward to starting the next book soon, there is so much more share."
