BLOG POST #25 – Welcome to the World, Little Ruby

September 7, 2025
by KAREN LEE STEVENS

I’m absolutely bursting with excitement to share some news that’s been doing a joyful little jig in my heart for some time now. My new children’s book, Little Ruby’s Big Dream, is officially here! This story is very near and dear to me, and it all started with two of my favorite things: therapy dogs and mindfulness.

Many of you are familiar with the joy our therapy dogs bring to the community, but what you may not know is how they connect to my other passion. As a mindfulness teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these techniques are in helping kids reduce anxiety and increase focus. My students aren’t necessarily anxious all the time; they’re often just, you know, kids—full of energy, a little distracted, and sometimes bouncing off the walls. I’ve found that teaching them to be present in the moment is the one thing that can calm them down—besides, of course, the promise of a therapy dog visit! It was from observing these magical moments in the classroom that the idea for a sweet, slightly scattered little pup was born.

I see a lot of myself in Little Ruby. In fact, her story is an autobiography of sorts. Yep, I was that kid who had big dreams, but felt weighed down by my nervous nature. I was the one who fretted and fumed, convinced the sky would inevitably fall. I startled easily and, well, let’s just say I earned my MBA (Master of Baseless Anxiety) from the University of Perpetual Panic.

Like me, Little Ruby needed extra time to feel safe in the world. She needed to learn how to quiet her mind and body before she could pursue her big dream of becoming a therapy dog. Thankfully, she gets a little help from her wise animal friends because, who better to teach a worried pup than a wise old owl with a penchant for deep, calming breaths, and a relaxed cat who knows a thing or two about inner peace?

Through their guidance, Little Ruby learns how to quiet her mind and body and turn her once-wobbly nerves into a beautiful gift she can share with the world. It’s a heartwarming tale that inspires young readers to embrace their unique qualities and believe in themselves.

Writing this book has been incredibly therapeutic for me, too. It’s a reminder that we all have our own little gremlins of anxiety, and that’s okay. Growth often comes from inviting them in for a cup of tea. Imagining Ruby’s journey from a worried pup to a confident therapy dog and seeing it as a reflection of my students’ own success has been a great joy for me. It has also given me a renewed sense of purpose: to share her story and inspire young readers to view their unique qualities not as weaknesses, but as strengths.

Let’s take a page from Little Ruby’s story and give a nervous child a gentle nudge with this book, helping them take the first step toward becoming their own brave warrior.

SAVE THE DATE: I’m so excited to share Little Ruby’s story with you, and what better way to do it than with some real-life stories and snuggles? We’re celebrating the book’s release with not one, but two special storytime events at the wonderful Godmothers Bookstore in Summerland, California on Saturday, September 27. Come by at 11 am or 12 pm to hear Little Ruby’s story, cuddle with some of our pawsome therapy dogs, and pick up an autographed (and pawtographed!) copy of the book. I can’t wait to see you there!

Can’t attend the storytime at Godmothers? Not to worry! Little Ruby’s Big Dream is now available on Amazon.com.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. Send me a note at karen@therapydogsamerica.org. You can also read past issues of Unleashing Happiness at therapydogsamerica.org/blog.