Exploring the world of The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet: An interview with author Elizabeth Retter
Just put pencil to paper and go for it.
Elizabeth Retter
Join us in an insightful conversation with Elizabeth Retter, a recently retired teacher of twenty-five years, whose love for children’s books and dedication to animal rescue shine through her debut series, The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet. Discover the inspiration behind Easton’s character and how Elizabeth aims to impact young readers’ perceptions of rescue animals and adoption. Gain insights into the adoption process, challenges, and rewards from an advocate for rescue pets. Elizabeth also shares valuable tips on finding reputable rescue organizations and her childhood inspirations, and provides encouraging advice for prospective children’s authors.
Don’t miss this engaging interview with a passionate storyteller and advocate for both literature and furry friends.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet? What motivated you to write a children’s book centred on a rescue pet?
As a recently retired teacher of twenty-five years, I have always had a great love for children’s books. Easton has proven to be quite a character who gets himself into a lot of silly situations that I believe children and pet owners can relate to. I also wanted to raise awareness of the importance and need of rescuing animals of all kinds.
In your book, Easton is portrayed as a rescue pet. How do you hope this character and the storyline will impact young readers’ perceptions of rescue animals and adoption?
I have found at my author presentations that the young readers are loving the fact that Easton is a real-life character in these stories. By writing this book series, I hope that when people are looking for a pet they will consider rescuing animals who are looking for their forever homes. My motto is, “Don’t buy new, RESCUE.”
As an advocate for rescue pets, could you share some insights into the process of adopting a pet from a rescue organization? What challenges and rewards can potential adopters expect?
My experience was that I had to complete an adoption survey and include any previous history of pet ownership. If the rescue shelter deems you a fit owner, they will try to match you with a dog that suits your family and lifestyle. There can be some challenges with rescue animals that might have behavioral problems due to their previous experiences. In my opinion, the rewards far outweigh the challenges, as you are saving the life of an animal who will give you unconditional love for the rest of their life.
Where can individuals interested in adopting a rescue pet find reputable rescue organizations or shelters? Are there specific resources or tips you would recommend for those considering adoption?
There are many reputable rescue organizations and shelters worldwide. You can use the internet to find a humane society in your area, or go to the ASPCA to get further advice and information. I would personally like to thank Homeward Bound Animal Rescue for all the great work that they do. Without them, I wouldn’t have Easton.
What children’s authors or books inspired you the most when you were a child?
The children’s authors who have really resonated with me would have to be Dr. Seuss, Robert Munsch, and Phoebe Gilman. I love the rhyming patterns found in Dr. Seuss and Phoebe Gilman’s stories. I find that Robert Munsch’s bold and silly storytelling really speaks to me also.
What advice do you have for prospective children’s authors who have a story to share?
My advice would be that everyone has a story to tell. You just have to know when it is your time to tell it. My time came later in life. I would never have thought, after a teaching career, that I would become a children’s author. It’s never too late to try something new. Just put pencil to paper and go for it.
For more information about Elizabeth and her book, The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet, visit her website or check out Amazon.com!
