New Children’s Book Supports Senior and Special-Needs Pets
ELEVA, Wis. (WEAU) – An animal rescue in Western Wisconsin has teamed up with local author Jessica Schoettle to create a children’s book aimed at supporting senior and special-needs pets.
The book, titled “Bob’s Pawprints: Charlie’s Journey Home,” marks the second release from Books with Purpose, a fundraising initiative by Schoettle. For its inaugural year, all proceeds from the book will directly benefit Bob’s House for Dogs + Cats, a cage-free shelter in Eleva.
Founded in 2010 by Amy Quella and her husband Travis, Bob’s House has long envisioned creating a children’s book but faced challenges in conveying the story of their late dog, Bob. Quella expressed her gratitude for Schoettle’s work, saying it felt like a miracle, as the book captures Bob’s spirit and his guiding presence.
The narrative follows an elderly dog named Charlie—inspired by Schoettle’s childhood pet—as he is guided to Bob’s House through Bob’s spectral pawprints. There, Charlie discovers comfort, care, and companionship, imparting the lesson that “old dogs need love too.”
Schoettle emphasized her commitment to community service through her work, stating, “I am an avid animal lover, and the difference that I can make by helping, that means the world to me.”
Since its release in August, the partnership has already raised nearly $670 for Bob’s House through online sales. Additionally, the shelter has ordered 125 copies to sell at an upcoming event.
Bob’s House will host an open house on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., inviting the public to tour their facility, including a new space designed for senior cats.
Quella mentioned the organization’s successful experience with senior dogs in an open environment and acknowledged the need for similar care for senior cats, which often struggle in shelters.
Schoettle plans to partner with new nonprofits every three months and invites those interested to apply through her website. “Bob’s Pawprints” is available in both standard and coloring book formats on Amazon and Schoettle’s website.
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