Deborah C. Zourdos finds inspiration in places most people might overlook — a wagging tail on a rainy afternoon, a neighbor waving from across the street, or the hush of a family settling in for the night. These small pieces of daily life became the heartbeat of Pupples the Cavalier: Pupples Meets His New Family.

She has always felt that animals, especially dogs, speak a language of love and trust that children understand right away. Watching them, she learned that leaving what you know can be scary, but kindness always helps you feel safe.

When Deborah sat down to write, she wanted children to feel Pupples’ worry as the truck rumbled by, to hear the siren of the fire engine, and to share the relief when friendly faces smiled back. Every page carries that sense of discovery.

Outside of writing, Deborah notices the little things that give life meaning — a dog waiting by the door, a shared meal, a quiet evening that ends with everyone a little closer than before. Her book is more than a puppy’s adventure. It is a gentle reminder that love travels with us, no matter how far we go or how loud the world becomes.