Dexter is a sassy and stubborn miniature dachshund whose colorful, fluffy coat makes him special. But when he finds out it isn't special enough for him to be a fancy show dog, Dexter sets out to prove he's blue-ribbon worthy.

Dexter knows he is adorable. After all, isn't that why Shelby chose to adopt him over other dachshunds? But when his new veterinarian says he doesn't have what it takes to be a show dog in a magazine, Dexter sets out to prove Dr. Rosie is wrong.

From toy mishaps to play dates gone bad, Dexter's adventures get him into bigger and bigger trouble. When a scuffle costs him an eye, he begins to lose faith in his show dog dream—until Shelby's love helps him realize there's more to being a show dog than how he looks.

Dexter the Dachshund is a heartwarming true story of resilience, unconditional love, and the power of our imperfections that perfectly captures the dachshund spirit for young readers.

After three decades in the corporate world, Jen followed her heart back to the magic of storytelling. A lifelong lover of picture books and her hometown library in Coronado, California, she found inspiration in the unpredictable journey of her daughter Shelby and their dachshund, Dexter. Throughout her career, Jen witnessed how resilience shapes success in adulthood, inspiring her to help children build this crucial skill through the real-life example of one determined little dachshund. She lives in metro Atlanta, where she brings passion projects like Dexter the Dachshund to life.

Shelby is Dexter's best friend and the heart behind this project. She holds degrees in Animal Sciences (University of Florida) and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (University of Georgia) and is currently pursuing veterinary school. Her love for animal science, curiosity about behavior, and big heart for helping others drives everything she does. When not studying or working in clinics, she enjoys drawing, yoga, and reading. She lives in Atlanta—with Dexter close by, of course.

Liv is an Art Director and Creative Designer who brings big ideas to life with color, charm, and heart. Based in Chicago, she's always dreaming up new ways to create—whether she's painting, crocheting, drawing, or whipping up treats for her one-woman vegan ice cream company, Liv a Little. A graduate of Marquette University and the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Liv lives with her husband and their sweet pup, Crumb.