The dog who found me

By Christie Mathew

Sometimes, the friend who changes your life is the one you never expected to find.

Ethan is struggling.

School feels overwhelming. Fitting in seems impossible. And when you're already trying to understand where you belong, facing bullies and everyday challenges can make even an ordinary day feel like too much.

Then Rusty finds him.

Scrappy, loyal, playful, and carrying a story of his own, Rusty doesn't care whether Ethan fits in. He doesn't care about mistakes or awkward moments. He simply chooses Ethan.

And sometimes, being chosen is exactly what you need.

As an unexpected friendship grows between a boy who feels lost and a dog who refuses to leave his side, Ethan slowly begins to discover something he thought he'd lost-the courage to trust himself.

But Rusty can't solve every problem for him.

Some battles Ethan will have to face on his own.

The Dog Who Found Me is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about friendship, bullying, resilience, family, self-confidence, and the extraordinary bond between a boy and his dog.

Perfect for middle-grade and young teen readers ages 12-15, especially readers who enjoy emotional animal stories and books about:

The powerful bond between kids and dogsFinding friendship when you feel aloneBuilding confidence and learning to believe in yourselfKindness, loyalty, empathy, and acceptanceNavigating school, bullying, and the challenges of growing up

Warm, emotional, and ultimately hopeful, this is a story for anyone who has ever felt different, invisible, left behind, or unsure where they belong.

He thought he was the one who found Rusty. Maybe Rusty had been looking for him all along.

Book One of the Ethan & Rusty series.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FVSZXR89
• ISBN13: 9798268796797
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 8.0"