Karl the Grateful Dog: A Story of Rescue

The beginning of a series, Karl the Grateful Dog takes you into the mind of a pet that has been dumped by his owner. This abandoned yellow lab thinks he's too big and that no one will want him.

Karl was found tied to a fence near the river. Lonely and afraid, he barked and barked until he finally gave up. A local businessman named Carl, notices the depressed lab and brings him to a nearby animal shelter. Silently, staring out from his wire cage, Karl remembers the hunger and hurts from his previous owner, but that doesn't seem as bad as being alone.

A kind man named Jeff reads an email showing Karl's picture with the urgent message that the lab must be adopted soon or he will be euthanized. Jeff is mesmerized by the picture of the big, handsome dog! Driving thirty miles to the shelter, he intends to foster the dog until a permanent home can be found for him.

Something special happens on the drive from the shelter that leaves readers wondering: Who is really rescuing whom?

Penny Wagner loves to walk on the beach and to take Karl and Klydee, two boisterous boy labs, to the dog park. This school teacher-turned-writer has written three books and has worked on numerous writing projects. The last endeavor with Jeff, her friend and writing partner, Karl in Koncert, is set to delight many varied audiences. After all, says Penny, "Who wouldn't fall in love with Karl and Jeff, the two 'yellow dawgs.'" Besides my family and all the kids I have taught and loved through the years, Karl and Jeff have swept my heart away. We will always be friends!

Enough good words can't be said about Jeff. He has worked 30+ years in music and many years as the guitar tech for the Wilson sisters of Heart. Jeff has worked for a score of other artists as well. He is loved in his touring travels on the road, but, most importantly, he is one great dog dad. Jeff and Karl live in St. Augustine Beach, Florida-a short shout from his parents and an easy walk to Ms. Penny's where they have found friendship and have stories to tell about and write about. Jeff continues to tour, but Karl delights in each new homecoming. And for Jeff, "home" is Karl.