Big Al

Was his new life to be one dog short?

It hadn't been long since R.D. Welch had lost his dear feline friend, Button. For the better part of a year, he moped, fretted, and wandered around memory lane. But as the pain faded, he started thinking. It's not like he could replace her, but maybe there was room in his life for another pet. You can't live in the past forever.

The Wheels Turn

It was a different time. He could actually plan and prepare, research and ask questions and make a choice. What he "chose" was a Chihuahua, a palm sized puppy orphaned at the shelter. R.D.'s first impression: This pooch had serious, pound-for-pound personality. Better call him Big Al. From Big Al's perspective, this guy had huge red canvas feet, a huge yard with big trees, and soon thereafter, a huge new motor-home complete with co-pilot's chair. ROAD TRIP!

Big Al & the Red Canvas Feet soon headed to the American Southwest for a little adventure. A little too much, as it turned out. Big Al was lost and the clock was ticking. The desert was far from deserted, and danger lurked around every cactus. Would the heat or dehydration or the dangerous critters of the desert do him in?  Or would Juan, the local guide and scout, be able to find him in time?

Big Al & the Red Canvas Feet recounts this dog-gone adventure from six inches - and over six feet - off the ground. For animal lovers of all shapes and sizes, it's a heartfelt confirmation of what's possible when we make room in our lives for another creature.

R.D. Welch received a Paws of Appreciation Award from the Northwoods Humane Society for his work on his first book, Button, A Forever Friend.  Big Al & the Red Canvas Feet is his second book.