Oregon Educator and Illustrator Team Up For Children’s Book

The true story of a rescued bulldog aims to help children understand trauma, hope, recovery and love.

Story by Dr. Hope Walter | Illustrations by Susi B. Davis

The Triumphant Tails of Rescue Dogs: Punk's Plight Punk Watercolor

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From the Author: Dr. Hope Walter
As an educator for over 25 years, I identified a need for books that discussed adverse childhood experiences (ACE) for young children and adolescents. By discussing the difficult topics of trauma, abuse and neglect through the relatable stories of rescued dogs, children will relate to the concepts of hope and healing, recovery and resilience.

“We need more teacher and child friendly books that discuss trauma, neglect and abuse. I want teachers to have the tools they need to tackle difficult conversations. Using Punk as the character helps deflect the harshness of these conversations with beautiful watercolor pictures and the silly and sassy ways of Pumpkin. My hope is she helps children learn and possibly detect if they are in a neglectful situation.”

Dr. Hope Walter
Author

The Triumphant Tails of Rescue Dogs Book Series

MCMINNVILLE, OREGON – Inspired by her rescued bulldog (Punk), Dr. Hope Walter has authored a children’s book she hopes will help children who have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse understand that those experiences don’t define them and that they can recover, heal and learn to love again.

“Punk’s Plight is a “triumphant tail” filled with touching and teachable moments. It is an important story that every child needs to hear. One that offers hope to those who are neglected and sound advice to those who are in a position to help. A book like this can help change many lives for the better.”

Jerry Stueber aka Bubba’s Dad
Author, Bubba Heard a Mouse (Calling for Help)

Hope. It’s what gets us through the worst of times. It’s the belief that we will get to a better place, see another side, come out of the darkness into the light. It’s hard to find hope when you are faced with trauma, abuse or neglect. That’s something that Pumpkin, a rescued bulldog, knows all too well. She shares her story of physical and emotional neglect to provide support and understanding to children of neglect and their allies. Her story shows that those that suffer from adverse childhood (or puppyhood) experiences can recover, heal, and learn to love and prosper.

Punk’s Plight is the first of a series of triumphant tails of rescue dogs, each depicting a true story of trauma, hope, recovery and love. Seeing the world through Punk’s eyes is a powerful tool.

Punk needs support to share her story with those that need to hear it the most, so a Kickstarter campaign has been started to help fund the publication of the book. The Kickstarter campaign is now live and will run until October 1st.

About the Author
Dr. Hope Walter resides in McMinnville, Oregon with her husband, 3 sons, 3 dogs and 2 cats. When she’s not educating future teachers, she and her family can be found exploring the beauty of Oregon.

About the Illustrator
Susi B. Davis lives in Oregon, is married with 3 nearly grown creative children and 1 dog. She has been painting and creating her entire life.

For More Information
If you’d like more information to schedule an interview with Dr. Hope Walter, please call Stacie at (610) 216-3935 or email stacie@ssmcreative.com.

“Punk’s Plight provides a relatable story to help children understand what it is like to feel unloved, but also the joy and hope to find a family that finally loves her. If you work with children that have experienced traumatic transitions, I highly recommend adding this book to your collection.”

Tony Lai, LPC

Child and Adolescent Therapist