A true rescue story — and everything it's become

Raise a reader. Rescue a dog.

It started with one dog on a curb in California who crawled under a stranger's arm and changed everything. That moment became a book. The book became a mission. The mission is still growing.

Children's books · Classroom programs · Rescue partner network

Shop the Book — $19.99
Read Baxter's Story
  • 50% of profits to rescue
  • ★★★★★ 5.0 · 29 verified reviews
  • Ships anywhere in the United States.
Child reading Baxter's Second Chance with BaxterDog book visible

50%

of all profits donated to dog rescue organizations

300K+

dogs still euthanized every year in the US

5.0 ★

average rating across verified reviews

Where this all started

It wasn't supposed to be a mission. It was just a dog.

In October 2021, Scott Busby went to a rescue adoption event in Lake Forest, California looking for a companion. A scruffy, abandoned little dog named T-Bo — found near a small mountain town after his owner died, ungroomed, scared of men — wasn't interested in him at all.
Someone suggested they take a walk. Scott sat down on a curb about a hundred yards away and gave the dog space. No coaxing, no reaching. And then T-Bo walked over, pushed his head under Scott's arm, rested his chin on Scott's thigh, and let out a long, slow sigh.
Scott looked down at him and thought: you've had a rough one, haven't you, dude? He took him home that day. He renamed him Baxter. And neither of them has been the same since.
What Scott didn't fully understand in that moment was how much he needed this too. Baxter needed a partner. So did Scott. They rescued each other.

Read the Full Story Shop the Book

More than a book

One story. Three ways to be part of it.

Baxter's story started as a children's book. It's become a full education program, a rescue partner network, and a mission to make sure more dogs — and more families — get their second chance.

FOR FAMILIES

A story kids ask to hear again.

Six editions — hardcover, paperback, bilingual English/Spanish, signed, digital, and more. A rhyming read-aloud that teaches empathy, adoption, and the quiet truth that second chances are real.

Shop all editions

FOR EDUCATORS

Rescue awareness in every classroom.

Classroom kits, teacher resource guides, bulk book programs, and author visits with Scott and Baxter. Built for elementary classrooms, school libraries, kindness weeks, and humane education programs.

Explore classroom resources

FOR RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS

A fundraising tool that tells your story.

Approved rescue partners get a unique link, QR code, and done-for-you marketing kit — plus 20% on every eligible purchase their supporters make. We built everything. You just hit send.

Join the partner network

Inside the book

43 pages. One true story. Countless conversations.

43 illustrated pages. Rhyming verses. A true rescue story told for ages 4–10.

Book cover
Interior spread 1
Interior spread 2

Rhyming verses

Written to be read aloud — kids and parents love it equally.

Full-color illustrations

Every page brought to life by illustrator Nina Mkhoiani.

A true story

Based on Scott and Baxter's real journey — not fiction.

Buy the Book — $19.99

What Baxter teaches

A story that opens doors kids didn't know were there.

Every page gives families and classrooms something real to talk about.

Your story doesn't have to start well to end well

Baxter's past was hard. His future was extraordinary. Kids learn that where you begin doesn't decide where you go.

Trust takes time — and that's okay

Baxter didn't open up overnight. Neither do people. This book gives kids language for patience and healing.

Rescue and adoption change lives on both ends

Scott needed Baxter as much as Baxter needed Scott. Kids understand giving and receiving love through this.

Every life has value — even ones that had a hard start

No dog — and no person — should be written off too soon. That's the quiet message kids carry with them after this book.

Buy the Book — $19.99

29 verified reviews

Loved by readers

A story families can feel good about sharing

“3 for 3 nights reading this book for a bedtime story. My girls love it. Cute story and pictures. Good moral.”

— Tamio Stehrenberger · Verified Purchase · Dad

“My son and I love reading this book together at bedtime. I love the rescue aspect of the story — really, they rescued each other. Great story to share with your young loved ones.”

— Kelly · Verified Purchase · Mom

“We fell in love with the story, the contents but especially the illustrations. I'm a teacher and I bought this book for my whole class.”

— Carmine · Verified Purchase · Dad, Italy

“This book is so fun and has such a sweet story! The illustrations were adorable too. It's a bonus that 1/2 of the proceeds go to rescue organizations.”

— Deanne Alder · Verified purchase

🐾 Baxter's Second Chance Network · For rescue organizations

Turn your supporter community into a fundraising engine.

Turn your supporter community into a fundraising engine.

Every rescue organization we've ever met says the same thing: we always need more — more funding, more space, more resources to save every dog. Not because they're doing anything wrong. Because the need never stops.

Baxter's Second Chance Network is a free partner program that gives your rescue a new tool to fund more of the work you're already doing. You get a unique partner link, QR code, and done-for-you marketing kit. We built everything — you just hit send. Your supporters buy, and your rescue earns 20% on every eligible purchase.

Learn About the Network

Baxter's Second Chance Network

  • 20% — partner donation on every eligible purchase

  • $0 — cost to join, free forever

  • 50% — of all BaxterDog profits go to rescue

  • 2 days — typical application review time

Apply Free →

For schools and groups

Bring Baxter's Story Into the Classroom

Classroom kits with 25 books, digital resources, and a live author visit with Scott and Baxter. Bulk book programs for grade levels and school-wide events. Virtual and in-person visits. Baxter's story works for read-alouds, character education, kindness weeks, humane education, and family literacy nights — a true story students can feel, and a conversation they'll keep having.

Explore Classroom Kit
Bulk + Wholesale Orders
BaxterDog classroom reading moment