Read
Family Read-Aloud Guide
Simple prompts for before, during, and after reading Baxter's story together.
Free printable companion
Free Family Resource
Get More Out of Baxter's Story
Download the free Baxter Family Reading Companion for simple discussion questions, printable activities, kindness prompts, and family-friendly ways to talk about rescue, responsibility, and second chances.
Download the Baxter Family Reading Companion
A free printable guide for families with discussion questions, kid activities, kindness prompts, and simple ways to help children connect Baxter's story to real-life empathy.
Printable PDF • Family discussion guide • Kid activities • No purchase code required
No email is required to download. The newsletter signup below is optional.
The Family Reading Companion download will be available here soon.
What's Inside the Companion
A warm, practical companion for families who want to keep Baxter's story going after the last page.
Talk
Discussion Questions
Conversation starters about feelings, empathy, responsibility, rescue, adoption, and second chances.
Create
Printable Kid Activities
Pages like Baxter's Feelings Map, What Dogs Need, and family reflection prompts.
Act
Kindness in Action
Easy ways kids can help animals without needing to adopt a pet.
Share
Rescue Helper Thank-You Card
A printable card kids can color and share with a shelter, rescue, vet office, or volunteer.
Remember
Baxter Bookmark / Mini Pledge
A small printable reminder that kindness and second chances matter.
How to Use It
Use the companion in one sitting, one page at a time, or whenever Baxter's story opens a good family conversation.
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1
Read Baxter's story together.
Start with the book and let kids notice what they feel.
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2
Ask a few simple questions as you read.
Keep the conversation gentle and age-friendly.
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3
Choose one printable activity.
Pick the page that fits your child, group, or moment.
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4
Pick one small kindness action your family can try.
Helping animals can start with one simple choice.
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5
Share Baxter's message with someone who loves dogs.
Let the story keep traveling.
Made for Families, Classrooms, and Dog Lovers
Whether the book came from BaxterDog.com, Amazon, a school, a rescue event, or a thoughtful gift, this free companion is here to help.
Parents and caregivers
Simple prompts for turning story time into a kindness conversation.
Grandparents giving the book as a gift
A thoughtful way to add meaning to a book gift.
Teachers and read-aloud groups
Helpful for empathy, responsibility, and rescue-themed discussions.
Rescue organizations sharing Baxter's story
A family-friendly resource to send home or share after events.
Kids who love animals
Printable activities that keep Baxter's message close.
Family Resource Questions
Do I need to buy the book from BaxterDog.com?
No. The Family Reading Companion is a free resource for families, teachers, and dog lovers who want to get more out of Baxter's story.
Can Amazon buyers download it?
Yes. If you purchased or received the book from Amazon, a bookstore, a school, a rescue event, or as a gift, you can still use this free companion.
Can teachers use this in class?
Yes. Teachers may use the companion for read-alouds, kindness conversations, empathy lessons, and responsible pet ownership discussions.
Is the resource free?
Yes. The Baxter Family Reading Companion is free to download.
Will there be a Spanish version?
If a Spanish version is available, it will be linked on this page. We are working on additional resources for families and classrooms.
Can rescues share this with families?
Yes. Rescue organizations may share this page with families, supporters, schools, and community groups.
Want More BaxterDog Resources?
Join BaxterDog updates for new family activities, classroom ideas, rescue partner news, and ways to help more dogs get second chances.
Keep Baxter's Story Going
Shop the book, share the companion, or bring Baxter's message into your classroom or reading group.