On a small island in the middle of the Salish Sea, a dog named Quigley Lopez is waiting to be your friend.

Quigley Lopez trusts her Person. And her Person trusts her back. But when Quigley suddenly finds herself on the green and white ferry and then in hands of a doctor at the pet hospital, her trust is tested like never before. A finalist for the 2023 Chanticleer International Children's Book Award, Quigley Lopez, A Friend for Life, offers readers, young and old, a timeless lesson in what it means to love. Both gentle and kind, this is the first in a series of coming of age stories sure to warm the heart of anyone who has ever loved a dog and is destined to become a faithful companion for years to come.

Dave O'Hare grew up in Northern California and spent 40 years as an award-winning advertising writer and creative director. That's 280 years if he was a dog. So a book series, his first, about a dog makes perfect sense. And like Quigley, he now lives on an island off the coast of Washington with his wife. They've been married 217 years.

Liesbeth Heikens is a Dutch artist living in Utrecht. Her friendship with Dave originates from the 23 years she lived with her family in San Francisco. After graduating from the Royal Academy in Amsterdam, she quickly moved to making her own art inspired by nature. Her paintings often combine animals with a personal experience. For illustrations she prefers to use watercolors. The movement and spontaneity of the brush appeal to her and bring a freshness fitting for a children's story. She's looking forward to more Quigley adventures.

"As a parent who loves dogs, loves to read to young kids, and is himself a big kid at heart, I can guarantee you that Quigley Lopez will be a hit with young kids. The story is engaging and sweet, with subtle but important messages about friendship and trust. And the illustrations are a perfect match for the text, conveying the same warmth and positivity." - Reasoned Opinions

"Oh my! Beautifully written and illustrated story of love. I cried! A few times. And it's a short book!" - Travelmaven

"A book for the young and those who want to recapture their childhood faith in others, Quigley Lopez is a gem." - Shari

"Something so simple as a great story, beautifully told and illustrated. You'll be touched and feel it well after reading. Clearly the author is steeped in his world of Lopez island and Quigley is a real and meaningful relationship. Given the commotion all around us, this is a moment of peace and tranquility!" - D.F.

"Mom and Dad, sit down with your kids, say hello to Quigley Lopez, and enjoy." - Mike