Dave Osborn’s The Adventures of Piper series gained significant recognition from critics nationwide soon after the books were released. The books, inspired by the life of Piper, a stray puppy the Osborns rescued in 2023, tell the touching story of her transformation from a malnourished pup to a certified therapy dog. In this exclusive interview, Osborn discusses the motivations behind writing the series, the challenges he faced during the process, and the impact he hopes the books will have on readers.
Q: Why did you decide to write The Adventures of Piper series, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Dave Osborn: The inspiration for the series came when Marilyn and I adopted Piper. We had recently lost our miniature dachshund of 12½ years, and for a while, we weren’t sure we were ready to adopt another dog. But when we met Piper—who had wandered into a friend’s yard, dirty, starving, and alone—we couldn’t say no. Watching her recover, seeing how she blossomed into such a loving and gentle dog, made me want to share her story.
Q: Why was writing this book at this particular moment important to you?
Dave Osborn: At the time, I was already working on another book, Taking Charge!, but when Piper came into our lives, I felt this urgent need to put that aside and focus on her story. I had joined the Texas board of the American Dog Society in late 2023, and during that time, I learned some staggering statistics—over 35% of rescue dogs are returned to shelters within months of adoption. Many never get adopted again. That deeply disturbed me, and it made me more committed to helping people understand the responsibility that comes with adopting a dog.
Q: What was your favorite part of the process of writing this book?
Dave Osborn: My favorite part of writing the first book was capturing Piper’s transformation through photos. I took all the photos myself, and each one told part of her story.
Q: Can you talk a little more about your motivations for including the dog adoption journey in the book?
Dave Osborn: One of my primary motivations was to help people understand the commitment involved in adopting a rescue dog. I also wanted to raise awareness about the high rate of returns in animal shelters. Many people think they’re ready for the responsibility of a dog, but they’re not prepared for the time, patience, and emotional investment required. I hope I can help potential dog owners approach adoption with the right expectations.
Q: In the second book, Piper Learns to Serve, you document Piper’s journey to becoming a therapy dog. What made you decide to take this step with her?
Dave Osborn: From the very beginning, we saw how gentle and affectionate Piper was. She has a natural ability to connect with people, and we felt she could do something even greater than just being a family dog. We decided to pursue therapy dog training because we wanted to give back to others, especially those who might need emotional support. In late August 2023, Piper and I passed the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Team Evaluation, which was a huge milestone. The process of training and certifying her was fascinating, and I thought it would be interesting for readers—especially dog lovers—to see the steps involved in preparing a dog for therapy work. It was a beautiful experience for both of us, and I wanted to share that with others.
Q: What has been the response to Piper’s therapy visits so far?
Dave Osborn: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Piper has a calming effect on everyone she meets, and we’ve had the privilege of visiting various places, including a Veterans Clinic and a rehabilitation facility with a memory care unit.
Q: What are your plans for the next book in the series?
Dave Osborn: The Adventures of Piper, Book 3: Piper On the Job is currently in the works, and I’m excited to document the next chapter in Piper’s therapy journey. I expect the book to be released in the first quarter of 2025.
Through the Adventures of Piper series, Dave Osborn has created a touching tribute to the power of animal rescue, therapy, and the deep connections that can form between humans and their four-legged companions. As Piper continues to heal and serve others, Osborn’s story is a reminder of the profound impact a pet can have on our lives—and the lives of those in need.