Meet Otis, a small, scruffy senior dog who had never known safety or love. He spent most of his life in a cage, waiting for something he couldn't name. When he was finally rescued and found his forever home, everything began to change. His fear didn't disappear, but it softened. His sadness didn't vanish, but it was finally held. As he prepares to say goodbye, his adventure reminds us that love never really goes away; it turns into something different and special.
Otis's story is one of healing - the kind that happens when love and safety find us after a long time of being afraid. Told with the gentle heart of Internal Family Systems (IFS), this story helps children (and the adults who love them) understand that we all have many parts inside: some scared, some brave, some just trying to help. When those parts are met with kindness, healing begins.
Written by Mindy Kolin, who holds a master's degree in counseling, training as a trauma care practitioner, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and has lived experience with vision loss and anxiety, Otis beautifully blends real-world insight with warmth and hope. Having rescued many shelter animals over the years, Mindy shares how love can transform fear into trust and loneliness into belonging.
Whether you're a child, a parent, or someone learning to love all your parts, Otis is a gentle reminder that healing takes time - and that every part of you is welcome here.
This read-aloud or read-alone book is perfect for families, therapists, counselors, educators, and anyone looking for a story that nurtures empathy, emotional awareness, and connection.
This book was designed with accessibility at its core. The print edition features large print (primarily 18-point type) and uses Atkinson Hyperlegible, a font developed by the Braille Institute to improve readability for low-vision readers. The author has also donated the book to Bookshare, providing accessible digital access for students with disabilities who find traditional reading difficult or impossible.
