Earlier this year, Dave Osborn, a business leader turned author, published the first book in The Adventures of Piper series, called Piper’s Journey Home continued by its sequel that was published later this year. In a profound turn from his corporate career as a Chief Executive Officer of the VTX1 Companies in South Texas, he is now known for his compelling storytelling and his efforts to shine a light on the power of animal adoption, training, and service.
The inspiration for the series began in March 2023, when Osborn and his wife, Marilyn, decided to adopt a stray puppy that had wandered into a friend’s yard. The couple, who had lost their beloved dachshund after 12½ years, had discussed getting another dog for some time, but hadn’t acted on it due to Dave’s business travels. When Piper, a small, scruffy puppy, entered their lives, everything changed. She was dirty, starving, and in need of care, but her gentle nature won Osborn’s heart immediately. Little did he know, Piper’s journey would become the catalyst for a much larger project.
The first book in the series, Piper’s Journey Home, was published on January 2, 2024, by Adriel Publishing. It tells the story of how Piper, once a frightened and homeless puppy, was rescued, nursed back to health, and integrated into the Osborn family. Written in Piper’s voice, the book takes young readers through her fears of survival on the streets to the joys of being adopted into a loving home. Osborn’s decision to write the book was influenced by his recent involvement with the Texas board of the American Dog Society, where he learned that over 35% of rescue dogs are returned to shelters within just a few months. His goal with the book is simple yet impactful: to help prospective dog owners understand the true commitment of adopting a pet and to reduce the alarming rate of dog returns.
The second installment of the series, Piper Learns to Serve, released on September 1, 2024, continues Piper’s journey, this time focusing on her training as a therapy dog. After observing how sweet and gentle Piper had become, Osborn and Marilyn decided to pursue the process of making Piper a certified therapy dog. In Piper Learns to Serve, Piper recounts the challenges and insecurities she faced during her therapy animal training, particularly while working alongside much larger dogs training to become U.S. Border Patrol drug dogs. Piper gains confidence, passes her evaluation, and begins her work as a therapy dog.
Both books in The Adventures of Piper series are available in English, Spanish, and French in paperback, hardback, and eBook formats. A companion coloring book for Piper’s Journey Home has also been released, providing young readers with an engaging way to interact with the story.
Reflecting on his motivations, Osborn says, “I wanted to share her journey because, too often, people underestimate the power of rescued animals to change lives. I’ve seen it firsthand with Piper—how much healing and joy she brings to others, especially as a therapy dog. I hope that by sharing her story, I can inspire others to consider adopting and training a dog, or just showing more compassion to the animals in their lives.”
Alongside his work on The Adventures of Piper, Osborn also published a business memoir in 2024. Taking Charge!: 52½ Years of Anecdotes and Advice on Leadership for Aspiring Executives reflects his extensive career in the business world with valuable insights on leadership, mentorship, and the corporate landscape.
Looking ahead, Osborn is already hard at work on the third book in the Piper series, titled Piper On the Job, expected in the first quarter of 2025. The upcoming book will follow Piper as she embarks on her therapy animal visits to a veteran’s clinic and a rehabilitation facility, where her work will continue to inspire and comfort those in need.
For those interested in following Piper’s journey, The Adventures of Piper series is available on all major platforms, including Amazon. In the meantime, readers can look forward to what Osborn has in store for Piper—and for the future of children’s literature, animal rescue, and service dog advocacy.