Dexter: The Stand Up Dog

As seen on The Today Show with Jenna & Friends!

From content creator and proud pet parent Kentee Pasek, and award-winning author-illustrator, Bonnie Kelso, comes a picture book about a worldwide Internet sensation and inspirational canine companion. Dexter: The Stand Up Dog tells an amazing story of perseverance and determination as unique and heart-warming as Dexter himself.

Dexter was a happy Brittany Spaniel rescue puppy - running, playing with his ball, begging for belly rubs - until one day he ran out the door and over the fence into the road. Injured in a terrible accident, Dexter lost one front leg and the use of the other, but survived the ordeal through the skill of his veterinary team and love of his family. When Dexter finally came home, it was hard to run and jump again. His family bought him a wheelchair, but Dexter wanted to go faster. He made up his mind to do the impossible. And so one day . . . he did!

Dexter learned to walk, hop and run on two legs, and was embraced by the small Colorado community he called home. Then, during the difficult times of the COVID lockdowns, Dexter's story traveled across the Internet. His ability to stand tall inspired and encouraged thousands of people around the world, proving that any challenge could be overcome one "Dexter-step at a time."

This inspirational picture book is sure to be a hit with pet-lovers throughout the world and with anyone who embraces the power of love, hope and determination. It's perfect for storytime, classrooms, gift shops, home libraries, veterinary clinic waiting rooms, and anywhere dogs are adored.

Author: Bonnie Kelso,Kentee Pasek
Publisher: Gnome Road Publishing
Published: 09/16/2025
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 9.19h x 11.21w x 0.35d
ISBN: 9781957655482
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 08/01/2025 pg. 89

About the Author
Bonnie Kelso studied art at the Rhode Island School of Design where she met the first dog she ever fell in love with - a boxer named Check. Now she lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her family, a tortoise shell cat named Frida, and a Boston Terrier named Winston. She often volunteers as a foster parent for a local dog rescue group. Dogs keep her happy (and her feet warm) while she writes and illustrates books for children. To learn more about Bonnie and her work, visit www.BonnieKelso.com. Kentee Pasek became a full-time content creator in June 2020. She holds a degree in Recreation Administration and Fine Art from the University of Northern Colorado. A lifelong love of animals and fascination with photography and video production propelled her into social media. The story of her beloved upright-walking dog, Dexter, became her sole focus on many different platforms online. Kentee and her family live in Ouray, Colorado returning to her hometown after her husband retired from the Coast Guard. The backdrop of this stunning mountain town and the unique upright walking ability of Dexter turned this Brittany Spaniel dog into an inspirational canine star. To learn more about this journey visit www.dexterdogouray.comBonnie Kelso studied art at the Rhode Island School of Design where she met the first dog she ever fell in love with - a boxer named Check. Now she lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her family, a tortoise shell cat named Frida, and a Boston Terrier named Winston. She often volunteers as a foster parent for a local dog rescue group. Dogs keep her happy (and her feet warm) while she writes and illustrates books for children. To learn more about Bonnie and her work, visit www.BonnieKelso.com.