Odessa resident releases children’s book

Kathy Taylor, a resident of Odessa, received a life changing gift in January 2010, a dog named Rocky, who was delivered across two states from Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Trinidad, Colo.

Rocky, a Schipperke mix was found on petfinder.com and was listed as available for adoption. Since Taylor’s boyfriend had a female of the same breed she had been looking for a male playmate and knew that this dog was a perfect fit for her home.

Considering it was the middle of winter and over a twenty-hour drive to the shelter, Taylor put out a call on the internet to help get Rocky home. Within a couple of weeks Taylor was put in touch with an organization called Operation Roger, who attempts to match up transports for shelter dogs going to forever homes. A husband and wife trucking team from Laveta, Colo., agreed to pick up the dog and deliver him as far as Spokane where Taylor could then take him home.

Taylor was inspired by this journey and compiled their story into a new children’s book, “Rocky’s Road Home.” A short story written by Taylor and illustrated by a local artist, Lexi Watkins.

“Rocky’s Road Home” is a heartwarming and inspiring story about this dog’s journey with the truck drivers, and their two cats, as well as a humorous look at everyday life from a dog’s perspective. Taylor wrote this story with the hope that others will open their hearts and homes to an adoptive animal in need.

The book, which retails for $10, is now available to purchase at www.createspace.com/3598282. Taylor says that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to local animal welfare groups.