ELEVA, Wis. (WEAU) – A Western Wisconsin animal rescue has partnered with a local author to turn a piece of its story into a children’s book that supports senior and special-needs pets.
“Bob’s Pawprints: Charlie’s Journey Home” is the second publication from Books with Purpose, a fundraising initiative created by Eau Claire author Jessica Schoettle. For its first year, 100% of the book’s proceeds will go directly to Bob’s House for Dogs + Cats, a cage-free shelter located in Eleva.
Amy Quella, who co-founded Bob’s House in 2010 with her husband Travis, said the organization has always wanted to write a children’s book, but struggled with how to address the tragic passing of their namesake dog, Bob.
“What Jessica was able to do, it was like a miracle,” Quella said. “The story throughout, you get the understanding, for adults especially, that Bob is here. His spirit is here, and he is what helps guide the animals to help them feel safe and secure.”
The story follows an elderly dog named Charlie — based on Schoettle’s childhood pet — who is guided into Bob’s House by Bob’s spectral pawprints. There, Charlie discovers cozy beds, caring humans, and new friends, teaching young readers that “old dogs need love too.”
“Books with Purpose is my way of giving back to the community,” Schoettle said. “I am an avid animal lover, and the difference that I can make by helping, that means the world to me.”
During the book’s first month on sale in August, the partnership raised nearly $670 for the nonprofit through online sales. In addition, Bob’s House purchased 125 copies at cost, which they plan to sell during an upcoming public event.
The shelter is currently preparing for an open house on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will allow the public to tour the main facility and its newly completed expansion, which was designed to house senior cats in addition to dogs.
“We found out how successful we were with having senior dogs in an open environment, and there was always that in the back of our head: ‘Can we do more?’” Quella said. “Our rescue partners at Wisconsin shelters said they would love to have a place for senior cats. They have the most difficult time in a shelter.”
Schoettle, who selects a new nonprofit partner every three months, hopes to help other organizations bring their missions to life. “If there are any other nonprofits out there that are interested, I do have an application on my website,” she said.
“Bob’s Pawprints” is currently available in standard and coloring book formats on Amazon and Schoettle’s website.
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