n this novel, after a boy and his father adopt a puppy, an adventure begins as the three of them learn to make friends, deal with bullies, and become a family.

ix-year-old Jeffrey Hennings is sad because his mother died not very long ago. Now it’s just him and his dad, Richard, and it has been difficult for them.

ne day, after Jeffrey has a fight with another boy at school, he and his dad are walking home when they encounter a small brown-and-black puppy. A cowboy is selling the dog, and Jeffrey and his dad adopt him and call him Doc Holliday. As he settles in, Doc makes friends with a squirrel named Penelope. But one day, after overhearing a conversation that makes him think Jeffrey and his dad don’t actually love him, Doc decides to run away and find his birth family. Out on the streets, he encounters a world of trouble. Only time will tell if Jeffrey and his dad will be able to find Doc and let him know that he really is part of their family.

TK Bethea is a songwriter and storyteller who began writing in order to share exciting stories with his daughter. Inspired by memories of his childhood dog, also called Doc Holliday, he created a tale that addresses issues such as blended families, stepparents, half siblings, mixed cultural upbringings, and bullying. He currently lives in Queens, New York.

n this novel, after a boy and his father adopt a puppy, an adventure begins as the three of them learn to make friends, deal with bullies, and become a family.

ix-year-old Jeffrey Hennings is sad because his mother died not very long ago. Now it’s just him and his dad, Richard, and it has been difficult for them.

ne day, after Jeffrey has a fight with another boy at school, he and his dad are walking home when they encounter a small brown-and-black puppy. A cowboy is selling the dog, and Jeffrey and his dad adopt him and call him Doc Holliday. As he settles in, Doc makes friends with a squirrel named Penelope. But one day, after overhearing a conversation that makes him think Jeffrey and his dad don’t actually love him, Doc decides to run away and find his birth family. Out on the streets, he encounters a world of trouble. Only time will tell if Jeffrey and his dad will be able to find Doc and let him know that he really is part of their family.

TK Bethea is a songwriter and storyteller who began writing in order to share exciting stories with his daughter. Inspired by memories of his childhood dog, also called Doc Holliday, he created a tale that addresses issues such as blended families, stepparents, half siblings, mixed cultural upbringings, and bullying. He currently lives in Queens, New York.

Meet the Characters

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Spot

Mangy, white and orange alley cat on the outside. All courageous, loyal dog on the inside. (And how dare you tell him otherwise!)

Least favorite thing: “I hate meeeses to pieces…just kidding, cats. Stupid, disgusting cats!”

Most favorite things: a good tail wag and dog pile.

Darling

Doc’s crush. Soft spoken, well groomed and classy cocker spaniel with more street knowledge than she lets on.

Perfect day: a good mani/pedi and brush followed by a stomach scratch

What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you: I’m the toughest thing in the city on four legs. Paws down!

Big B

Pitbull boss of the dog pack. Very intimidating and stern. Doesn’t like to be questioned, never says more than he needs to.

Favorite color: declined to answer
Worse fear: declined to answer
Least favorite activity: declined to answer
Any additional requests: “stop asking me questions”

Doc Holliday Hennings

The adventurous protagonist. Green around the gills, inexperienced, a bit naive but an ambitious, optimist and a ball of energy.

Favorite color: Sky’s not the limit blue

Least favorite activity: Taking a bath

Chile

Chile (aka Chi Chi) is awkwardly postured and stutteringly hyena like. He is best friends with Bullie and they feed off of each other like Abbot & Costello.

If I had a million dollars I would: Trade it for TWO thousand dollars and get seconds. Hehehehe

Dawg

The conniving Doberman under boss of the dog pack with plans of usurping the throne.

Best known for: “my killer good looks. Heavy on the killer, light on the good”

Prized possession: “My spiked collar. Eat your heart out, Slash!”

Penelope

Doc’s reluctant mentor. Willing to fight tooth and nails for a friend but would rather be napping.

Favorite activity: sleeping for 8 hours with a 4 hour nap in between

Least favorite activity: anything else

Bullie

Bullie is simple, playful and a bit dim witted. He is best friends with Chile and they feed off of each other like Abbot & Costello.

If I had a million dollars I would: Sell it for $1000 and buy all the ‘Old Man’s Grub’ I can eat.

King

Massive ‘pony’ sized Alpha Rottweiler with three brown spots on his head, similar to a crown formation.

If I had a million dollars I would: HA! How quint.

If I bought a gift for Doc I would buy: Grrrrr, next question.

The perfect day: Wake up to a filet mignon and egg white mince, followed by a gym session, obstacle course, crush Doc and anyone else who stands in my way… and a Scooby snack.