Jo Jo is a little dog with a crooked body and a big heart.
Lost, scared, and without a home, Jo Jo the dachshund waits and hopes, just like so many other dogs—until kindness changes everything. When a young boy named Kelly chooses Jo Jo, a beautiful friendship begins. But when an unexpected accident tests their bond, love, patience, and care become more important than ever.
The Crooked Dog is a gentle, illustrated children’s story about rescue, adoption, friendship, and learning how to take care of someone you love.
Perfect for young readers, dog lovers, and families who believe every animal deserves a second chance.
The Story Behind This Book
Jo Jo, the little dog in the book, was inspired by a real dachshund who came into my life on Mother’s Day in 2011. A rescue group called me about a frightened little dog who needed a home, and from that moment, he became part of our family. Jo Jo had a difficult beginning. He had been found running loose on a golf course, scared, skinny, and without a tag or microchip. No one came looking for him. A few months after we adopted him, he broke his back. With love, patience, and care, he slowly healed, but he walked a little crooked afterward. That is how The Crooked Dog got its name. I wrote this story to share an important message with children and families: every animal deserves love, kindness, and a second chance. Pets are not temporary. When we bring them into our homes, they become family forever. As a grandmother, I also wanted to create a gentle children’s book that families could read together. My grandsons helped inspire my love for children’s books, and Jo Jo inspired the heart of this story. The Crooked Dog is about rescue, friendship, healing, and the special bond between a child and a dog.
