ISLAND HEIGHTS – Bear has a best friend named Ziggy. But one day, Ziggy had to go away because his leg was hurt. What was Bear to do?
This is the story of a cockapoo named Bear and a Sato named Ziggy. Ken Stauffer’s dog is Bear and his son Kyle has Ziggy. They are inseparable and had so much character – especially when they were together. Both dogs came from the same adoption center, but they didn’t know each other until much later.
Everyone wonders what’s going on in their pet’s head. What are they thinking? Why are they so goofy sometimes?
“My dog, Bear, has a little bit of whimsey,” Ken said. He thought that the pooch did so many funny things that he should write a book about him. Finally, he did. That’s how “Bear Learns To Play Alone” was born.
Bear was sad that Ziggy couldn’t come over to play for a while, and this is the story of how he coped. Of course, it should be a children’s book. It’s so accessible and it’s the type of story that a child would love. But how do you get Bear’s effervescent charisma to pop off the page?
A friend is a teacher at the Ocean County Artists’ Guild, located in Island Heights. She put him in touch with her student, Emily O’Shea, who is studying to be an art teacher.
“She did exactly what was needed on every page,” he said. “She captured the dogs’ personalities.”
“I met Bear a few times,” Emily said. “He’s really playful, and super sweet.”
They were together at the Guild to do a signing. When she was asked to sign the book, she sketched Bear on the inside cover as well.
Kim Skillman is the cofounder of Best Friends Fur Ever in Brick where the dogs came from. She attended the signing as well, to help find new fosters. She said Ziggy was originally fostered before being adopted. Bear had been surrendered to them by the owner. As soon as a picture was posted on social media, Kyle Stauffer saw him and told his dad about him.
The group is always looking for foster parents for pets – someone to take care of a dog before they get adopted. The best way to reach out is via email: BFFDogRescueNJ@gmail.com
The book is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble online, and other ebook locations.
