Written by: Randy Rupert

Illustrated by: Robert Rath

Published by: Triple Tail Publishing

Publication date: December 2011

Specs: 32 pages, 81⁄2" x 11", color illustrations, hardcover

$16.95 - ISBN 13: 978-1-59152-084-9

When Randy Rupert grew tired of reading the same books to his 3-year-old son Brady every night, he decided to make up one of his own.

At the time, the toddler had a penchant for wandering off, so Rupert devised a story about three dogs who get lost and have to find their way home. Every other night, Brady would ask for "the dog story" instead of his usual books.

Rupert says, "Other kids liked the story, too, and finally my wife told me we should look into publishing the story in a book."

Rupert had seen The Great Monte Mystery book—published by two local authors about UM's mascot—around Missoula and tracked down the illustrator.

They found artist Robert Rath in Bozeman, asked him to join the project, "and we were off."

Rupert says, "I had never done anything like this before. I found Sweetgrass Books in Helena, and they walked me through the whole process, and now I have a book." He says that Sweetgrass Books gave him the confidence to author the book, guiding him through the process one-on-one.

The first-time author says, "It was really about surrounding myself with good people who helped lead me down the path."

A native of Billings, Rupert says he was excited to make this as much a Montana project as possible.

What started out as "the dog story," as his young son called it, soon became A Dog-Gone Tale ($16.95, Triple Tail Publishing, 2011). The colorful book tells the story of three pups who go on an exciting adventure and learn a very valuable lesson along the way.

The three friends—Bernie the St. Bernard, Goldie the golden retriever, and Peaches the poodle—romp in the park, chasing squirrels and playing fetch. They are so caught up in the fun that they forget their parents' most important rule: don't wander off. The trio realize their mistake and try to retrace their steps—but they are lost.

Sticking together, the pups journey through town in search of their parents, hoping to find a way home. With ingenuity, and some luck, they reunite with their parents—and realize the importance of not wandering off.

"I just hope parents find it as useful a teaching tool as we have," says Rupert.

And the book has given rise to Rupert's own publishing company, Triple Tail Publishing. His hope is to publish more children's books with a similar theme.

"We've donated several books to local schools and children's shelters, and we'd like to make this book about a bigger cause. We plan to use the book to help out charitable organizations, like the humane society," he says. "And we're sending a copy to Ellen DeGeneres, with the hope that she'll match contributions to animal charities."

And what does Brady, the toddler who inspired the story, think of all of this?

Rupert says, "He just loves going to the library and showing the book to all of his friends."

A Dog-Gone Tale is available at local bookstores and gift shops, through online retailers, or from distributor Farcountry Press at 1.800.821.3874, www.farcountrypress.com.

About the Author

Randy Rupert was raised in Montana and has spent years in sales and marketing. But, according to Rupert, no business deal can compare to the experience of writing his first book and creating a lasting memory for his son and daughter.