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Meet the Characters

Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books
Toby

A plucky Schnauzer mix who shares his journey through puppyhood and beyond

The name Schnauzer comes from the German word schnauze, meaning a snout or muzzle — a perfect name for this dog with its cute, square face. The Miniature Schnauzer originated in the mid- to late-19th century in Germany, where farmers bred it to create the perfect dog to hunt vermin such as rats.

Toby's loving mother and his playful younger sister

Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books
Mama
Betts

Full names: Lilly and Bettina

Personalities: Protective, caring, loyal, supportive, gentle and proud

Cool fact: When puppies are born, their mother licks and cleans them to stimulate breathing and to encourage nursing. As her newborns knead and suckle, she curls her body around them for protection and warmth — hearts beating in unison. Every lick, which is a doggie kiss, reinforces the mother-puppy bond. 

Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books
Sam

Full name: Sam 

Personality: Friendly, happy, even-tempered, inquisitive, determined and focused on food

Cool fact: Beagles have such super nose power that they’re used to sniff out unauthorized agricultural items that are tucked away in passengers’ luggage and carry-ons when they arrive on international flights. The “Beagle Brigade” works at nearly 90 airports across the United States.

A sweet old beagle who becomes Toby’s first and best friend 

Full name: Fei-Fei Ying-Ming Gu Niang, which means Beautiful Wise Girl 

Personality: Intelligent, sensible, strong-minded, loyal, dignified and insightful

Cool fact: Pekingese were originally bred as companion dogs to the ancient Chinese imperial family and their name refers to the city of Peking, where the Forbidden City is located. According to one legend, they are lions that were shrunk to miniature size by the Buddha.

Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books
Fei-Fei

A Confucius-spouting Pekingese who often offers Toby some wise words of advice

Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books
Rosemary

This Irish Setter’s support and encouragement help Toby survive the animal shelter

Full name: Brandy (after adoption)

Personality:  Gentle, fun-loving, playful, graceful, sociable and sensitive

Cool fact: At least three U.S. presidents owned Irish Setters when they were in the White House. Harry Truman owned Mike, Ronald Reagan had one named Peggy and Richard Nixon’s beloved Irish Setter, who learned to shake paws on command and provided a popular photo opportunity for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, was named King Timahoe.  

An Old English Sheepdog whose wicked sense of humor buoys Toby’s spirits

Full name: Bentley Alistair Berkshire III

Personality: Witty, entertaining, happy-go-lucky, affectionate, independent and charming 

Cool fact: The Old English Sheepdog has long been one of the most-loved breeds in Britain. Paul McCartney wrote “Martha My Dear,” a song about his three-year-old sheepdog Martha, for the Beatles’ White Album. Old English Sheepdogs now face extinction, because this iconic breed requires extensive grooming and exercise.

Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books
Bentley
Thurman 
Evan
Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books

A young college student who rescues and adopts Toby

Full name: Evan Christopher Maxwell

Personality: Easy-going, responsible, compassionate, industrious, athletic and driven

Sad fact: There are around 70 million stray dogs and cats in the United States and only 10% of all dogs find a permanent home. Cruelty and neglect aside, this may be the biggest issue to be tackled in the companion animal world that can actually be solved by neutering, adopting animals from shelters and rescues instead of pet stores, “pet for sale” ads or puppy farms, and enacting change at all levels of society.

Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books
Joe

A homeless man who becomes Toby’s first human friend

Full name: Joseph Anthony Staples

Personality: Kind, good-hearted, worried, sickly,  dispirited and generous

Sad fact: Well over a half-million men, women and children in the United States have no home. About 61% of homeless people are men and boys, 40% are African-Americans and 20% are children. The average life expectancy of a homeless person is just 50 years. While homelessness had been declining in some U.S. states, the number of homeless deaths in many cities has doubled since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mom
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Evan’s mother, affectionately known as Mrs. M.

Full name: Heather Rose Maxwell
Personality: Caring, patient, selfless, protective, responsible
Cool fact: The word for “mother” in almost every language starts with the letter “m” or is a variation of the “ma” sound. This is because “ma” is the first sound a baby can make.

Ray
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Toby’s four-legged travel buddy who turns their road trip into an unpredictable adventure

Full name: Ray-Ray Barkley Hopkins
Personality: Loving, silly, affectionate, protective and just plain sweet!
Cool fact: Rat Terriers burst onto the scene in the 1800s as tiny, turbocharged pest-control machines, purpose-bred to rid farms of all things creepy and crawly. These fearless little dynamos tackled rats, moles, snakes and just about anything else threatening the homestead, livestock or crops. And get this: legend tells of one legendary Rat Terrier who went full superhero mode, taking down more than 2,500 rats in just seven hours. Talk about a rat race!

Zack
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Evan’s best friend and Ray’s dog parent

Full name: Zachary Jaden Hopkins
Personality: Supportive, reliable, trustworthy, cheerful, adventurous
Cool fact: Scientific research shows that having good friends greatly reduces stress and improves well-being. When you see a close friend, your brain releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” creating a feeling of happiness and connection. True friendship isn’t about how long you’ve known someone; it’s about those who step into your life, say, “I’m here for you” and consistently prove it. 

Amber
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A laid back cat who helps Toby and teaches him that dogs and cats can be friends

Full name: Amber
Personality:
Carefree, confident, sociable, humorous, clever
Cool fact: The ancient Egyptians were the first to domesticate cats around 3000 BC. Cats were worshipped as magical creatures with mystical powers and seen as symbols of divine protection. When a beloved pet cat died, family members would shave off their eyebrows in mourning.

Maddy
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An abandoned elderly Shorkie who, with Toby’s help, finds her way back to her loving home

Full name: Maddy
Personality: Gentle, uncertain, anxious, courageous, grateful
Sad fact: Some people abandon dogs as they age, often due to rising medical costs, reduced mobility, lifestyle changes such as moving to pet-restricted housing or an unwillingness to meet the extra care needs of a senior dog. This is both unethical and irresponsible pet ownership.

Kanika
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The love of Toby’s life and the mother of three playful pups

Full name: Kanika, which means black in some African cultures and symbolizes beauty and strength
Personality: Gentle, intelligent, caring, protective, alert
Sad fact: Every year, more than 3 million dogs in the United States are surrendered, dumped or abandoned – like Kanika – at veterinarian offices, shelters or other facilities. Only about 2.2 million of these dogs find homes. Studies and shelter data reveal that black dogs are often overlooked for adoption, a phenomenon called “black dog syndrome,” likely due to stereotypes linking them to aggression or an unfriendly appearance.

Alexis
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Evan’s girlfriend and a student of marine biology

Full name:  Alexis Paige Beaumont
Personality: Bubbly, supportive, passionate, artistic, independent 
Cool fact: Marine biologists are like detectives, unraveling the mysteries of natural systems. Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and are vital to human survival, providing food, natural resources, a stable atmosphere, transportation and endless enjoyment. Sustaining these essential ecosystems requires deep biological understanding. Marine biologists contribute to the knowledge needed to protect and responsibly use our oceans for future generations.

Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books

The brutal animal control officer who is Toby's arch-enemy

Full name: Thurman Cecil Snipe

Personality: Cruel, spiteful, intimidating, foul-smelling, macho and arrogant

Cool fact: Very few animal control offers are like Thurman. Most of these “animal cops” are dedicated to protecting public health and safety and promoting the general welfare of animals and the community.  Some of them have even put their lives on the line when dealing with stray animals, injured wildlife or animal owners.

Coming soon
Toby’s Triplets: Fun, Mischief and Mayhem

Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books
Jennifer Freedman Books
Jennifer Freedman Books, children's books, illustrated children's books
Jennifer Freedman Books

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