The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy

The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy is an illustrated children’s book about a pair of older puppies. Pee Wee is a dachshund corgi mix. He’s black with touches of brown and loves belly rubs and handouts. Buddy is a three-legged beagle basset hound mix who loves to howl. Both dogs are senior rescue dogs. Pee Wee’s new best friend is Buddy’s best friend’s brother. Sometimes Pee Wee’s best friend doesn’t feel well, but Pee Wee is still happy to sit with him. Other times Pee Wee and Buddy explore together in the backyard, on walks, or at the dog park. While out, other dogs often bullied them, calling them “Shorty” and “Tripod.” But the two dogs learned to stick together and ignore the bullies.

This heartwarming tale was written and illustrated by Casey Gent and her father, Todd. Pee Wee and Buddy were based on family pets. The creative father and daughter team uses the pair of dogs to teach acceptance, befriending others, and sticking together in the face of adversity. These are great lessons for both young and old readers. The story is easy to read and understand for transitional readers or all audiences as a read-aloud. The artwork is fun and adds to the story’s conception. Many dog best friends will see similarities in their pets, helping them relate to the story.

Pee Wee’s best friend was based on Casey’s brother and Todd’s son, Cody. Cody suffered from cystic fibrosis, but the family remained close-knit in the face of his illness. Pets are really great role models for teaching unconditional love. Pee Wee was content being by his best friend’s side no matter how he felt. All people have their difficulties, and our pets love us regardless. Anyone who has ever had a rescue dog knows this lesson thoroughly. As a volunteer at my local animal shelter and a best friend to many adopted dogs, I don’t express this lightly. This book could teach that shelter pets are just as good if not better than those from a pet shop.

Regardless of reading level, this story is straightforward for a broad audience to relate to. Many people get bullied for a wide variety of reasons. Just as the canine heroes in this book, people who are not the right size, have a disability, or were adopted or fostered still deserve love and acceptance. Readers with an easier life can take the same lessons in learning not to bully. Join the adventure with these two friends in The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy.