Dakota's mom, Julie Horan, started a dog day care business in 2020 as a bit of extra income. Soon they were not only surrounded by dogs and really enjoying the work. Julie says Dakota got very involved, playing with the dogs and helping to care for them. 'I call her the dog whisperer.' laughed Julie. The benefits were mutual however, Julie says that caring for the animals taught Dakota responsibility, hard work, compassion, and commitment.
Dakota was also inspired by the different dogs in their care. The closer they were to the dogs the more they grew to learn each personality. 'Each one has their own character.' says Julie. They soon came up with the idea to create stories around each dog, showcasing their distinct identities. Dakota was further inspired when Julie shared a book that she had written when she was a kid. Excited to do the same, the second grader was soon writing about their 2 year old sheepadoodle, Hampton, or a 3 year old german shepherd named Zera.
Together, they put together each story, using AI to illustrate them, and then self-published on Amazon. They have managed to sell a few copies after only starting earlier this year. Dakota admitted that at first she thought writing would be really hard, but the stories flowed since she knew the dogs so well. They currently have four books out, the first one The Adventures of D's Dog House, followed by three more that focus on three dogs: Loki, Prince, and Phoenix.
Dakota says she has more books planned for the future too. However, becoming a full time author is not her ultimate goal. 'I'd like to be a veterinarian or a doctor.' she says, but she hasn't decided between them so far. Yet the experience of writing and publishing has clearly taught Dakota creativity and follow through. Dakota says she hopes her readers have fun when they pick up her books. Julie, meanwhile, says she hopes that the love and joy they get from the dogs shines through the books.
www.dsdoghouse.org