My Team Kindness website has an all stars page highlighting individuals or groups who have read the JJ books or participated in a Team Kindness program. While all of the photos are special, here’s why the one of Zoey reading to a service dog at the Boulder Library’s “Pages and Paws” program is special to me.

Zoey is the daughter of my college buddy, Rich, and we reconnected a few years ago via Facebook. We saw each other at a concert last year and again last week when my daughter and I were visiting colleges (wow, that went fast!) in Colorado.

Rich and his wife Nancy have been involved in animal rescue for years including working and volunteering at the SPCA in upstate New York. They have passed down their love of animals to Zoey as well as compassion toward all animals- not just pets.

While in Colorado, I got to meet Zoey in person! We had dinner together (nope- I totally forgot to get a photo) and she told me all about the birthday party she has planned.

She is turning 8 in a couple of weeks and is hosting a puppy party! But instead of having live puppies, each one of her attending friends will get their own stuffed doggy upon arrival. Each friend will go to “stations” where they will make a collar, an article of clothing and then decorate a carrier. When they leave, she will sign an adoption paper. How sweet!

Plus, as an added bonus, they will all go home with a copy of JJ The American Street Dog and How He Came to Live in Our House.

Thanks, Rich and Nancy for being great examples for the next generation. Zoey has a huge heart and you are helping to instill humane values in her and her friends. Sounds like an awesome party too. Have fun and Happy Birthday Zoey!

For more information about the JJ the American Street Dog books, click HERE. These books appeal to children five to nine years old with their colorful illustrations and engaging story. They follow the story of JJ, a dog who went from living on the street to living a happy life with a new family. The books teach that adopting a rescue animal is a win-win for everyone involved and help pet loving families teach their children about patience, consistency, kindness, responsibility and unconditional love – just some of the important values parents and educators endeavor to impart in school age children.