Having a PAWS-itive Mindset! A Conversation with the Creators of Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
Interview with Kentee Pasek and Bonnie Kelso, Co-Authors and Illustrator of Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
We know that dogs have been trained to do any number of special tricks over the thousands of years since domestication—from herding 300 sheep to safety through a blinding snowstorm in the Scottish Highlands to howling the Star Spangled Banner—but when we first heard stories of Dexter, the star of today’s featured book, we could only shake our heads in disbelief. Is it really possible for a spaniel to lose the use of his front legs in a car accident and then quickly adapt to walking up and down stairs, prancing city sidewalks, and marching in parades all while on his back two legs? What would Charles Darwin think of this?
Today, we’re thrilled to connect Foreword’s Matt Sutherland with Kentee Pasek and Bonnie Kelso, creators of the splendid new picture-book Dexter: The Stand Up Dog, which will soon be released by Gnome Road Publishing.
Enjoy the conversation.
Please take us back to the day you adopted Dexter and why your family wanted a dog?
Dexter had big paws to fill as beloved dog, Sylvan, had recently passed away at an old age. We wanted a dog who would be a good fit for our multigenerational family and loved to be with people of all ages. We looked far and wide for the correct breed before finding Dexter about seven hours away from our home. The day we picked him up, my son, Cavan, sat in the backseat with Dexter’s small kennel talking to him the whole way to see my daughter, Cliona, who was participating in a summer intensive at the Colorado Ballet. When we got there, all of the dancers gave Dexter lots of hugs and love. It was an amazing experience to be able to share with my children.
Later that night, my husband, sister, and brother-in-law were able to fall in love with Dexter, too; all floppy ears, soft fur, and charming personality. We drove him home the next day and introduced Dexter to my parents. It was non-stop fun after that, holding, walking, and playing with Dexter.
And then, the nightmare of any pet owner: Dexter slipped out the front door and dashed in front of a rushing car. Please tell us about his injuries, treatment, and recovery?
We realized quickly that Dexter had escaped and started to search all over town. Everyone got involved, including our neighbors and the Ouray Police. One of the officers almost caught him, but Dexter was fast and ran the other way. Then my husband, Tim, called to say he had found Dexter but that he was “kind of hurt.” He had darted out in front of a van and was in need of urgent care.
Tim was the perfect calm responder as he drove us to the veterinarian’s office about an hour away. They were ready for us when we arrived, but it was clear from Dr. Franklin’s face when he first saw Dexter that Dexter’s condition was bad. He got Dexter comfortable and told us Dexter had to make it through the night in order to perform surgery on his injured leg the next morning. Right away, a decision had to be made regarding a prosthetic, but with Dexter being so young and chewing everything he could, it didn’t feel like the best option. Instead, we chose for Dexter to continue life as a tripawd. We left the clinic not knowing if Dexter would even make it that far.
The next morning, Dr. Franklin’s office called to say Dexter survived overnight and was headed into surgery. Several hours later, they called to say the surgery was successful. To this day, my children remember the notes they received in school telling them that Dexter was okay. Three days later, we were able to pick him up. He was loopy and funny in the car, but he was safe, and the healing could begin. Except … it did not go as planned. Dexter would not put weight on his front leg and acted like it hurt with the pressure. In the following weeks, Dexter required around five to six additional surgeries. He was in “the cone of shame” for almost a year. It was during this time, while the humans were trying to heal the front leg, that Dexter began walking upright.
In the book, it appears to be such a straightforward thing for Dexter to suddenly rise up on his rear two legs and walk up the porch stairs to get a better view, as if it was no different from a human toddler learning to balance and walk. But you must have felt like you were watching a miracle take place. Please take us through your initial shock at his walking abilities and how he grew into the skill?
Dexter came home in March, but by early May, he wasn’t putting weight on the front limb and stairs remained a challenge. We had to carry him down the front porch stairs to go to the bathroom. First thing in the morning, I would make my coffee, take Dexter outside, go in and get my coffee, and return to bring Dexter back inside. Then one day, I turned around and found Dexter on the top of the porch. I instantly knew something was up, so I carried Dexter down the stairs again and took out my phone (knowing no one would believe me without recording it). Dexter turned around and began making his way up the stairs again … walking upright. I had all kinds of thoughts, like “no, this can’t be happening” and “careful don’t fall or injure yourself again.” But he kept doing it and kept practicing.
I was shocked, and like a mama bear, I wanted to protect Dexter and keep him safe. But Dexter liked the freedom walking upright gave him and he kept doing it in an upright “three steps and back down again” pattern. And eventually, his remaining front limb was fused at the elbow.
Besides walking, what else can Dexter do on two legs?
Dexter runs super-fast on two legs, he can hop like a bunny, he turns around in a pirouette circle, he climbs fences, finishes the top stairs by standing upright, and he just casually walks around the house getting what he wants. He has a way of walking around the kitchen above counter height with his tongue out, which means food is unsafe.
Dexter is a Brittany Spaniel, originally bred as a pointing, upland bird hunting dog, known to be highly intelligent. Do you think his spaniel breed influenced his walking ability after the accident? As a puppy, did you get the sense that Dexter had special abilities?
Dexter has the superpower of making humans fall in love with him. That has always been his special ability. He is good at reading people and knowing what a person needs. I watch this repeatedly during meet-and-greets. He is so kind to everyone and somehow just knows what to do to make them feel special. He is a true showman, proving this time and again during parades, interviews, and filming as he showcases his strut when people are watching. His next superpower is having the grit and the will to live to make it past the pain and struggle of the accident and recovery. He had the determination to move and made that happen by walking upright. I never knew he would be a global sensation.
Dexter’s legendary skills earned a great deal of attention during the Covid lockdowns and soon he became an internet sensation. Why do you think people found his story so inspirational? Please tell us about some of the interactions you have with followers?
Timing was everything! Dexter figured out how to take one day at a time, or as we share in the book, “one Dexter-step at a time.”
Dexter inspired our friends who were home-bound to get up and walk down the street, and he inspired us all to look at life differently and have hope that it would be okay. We could and would adapt! I heard from so many people that Dexter inspired, from those battling cancer, disabilities, unseen medical issues, and even Covid depression. The community grew and Dexter helped lift us up together, inspiring and moving us forward. I believe Dexter saved lives, gave hope when life seemed hopeless, gave motivation to be healthy mentally and physically, and to have grit. Dexter allowed us to be brave in the face of the unknown and showed us how to find joy in small things.
How can readers learn more about Dexter and his latest adventures?
Dexter can be found online at dexterdogouray.com or on all of his socials at dexterdogouray (except Facebook as it was unfortunately hacked). Dexter will continue to travel to meet people and share his story, to do book “signings,” and to spread joy with fans across the nation.
When taking walks, do you ever get the sense that other dogs look up at Dexter with two-legged envy?
I absolutely love this question and wish that every animal felt that way. I think children see him in this magical light and wish their favorite pet walked upright too. Unfortunately, other dogs typically meet Dexter with confused faces rather than understanding. And our cats—who had been around other dogs before we rescued them from the shelter—were very concerned about seeing a dog walking upright. He was an unknown to them. But, of course, the cats became great friends with Dexter (a year and a half later)!
What’s next for Dexter? Do you have plans to enroll him in ballroom dancing classes or perhaps try out for the University of Colorado’s marching band?
Ballet is more up Dexter’s alley because he loves to turn in circles! He will be a traveling tourist with his hat and suitcase as well as his entourage of family members signing pawtographs and books throughout the next year.
Bonnie, as the co-author and illustrator for Dexter’s story, what made you want to get involved in this project?
I found Dexter’s story incredibly inspiring! I have a background in working with people with disabilities, so Dexter’s story reminded me of how resilient we can be during difficult times. So many emotions came up for me, as I remembered all the incredible people I have worked with who have opened their hearts to me about what it is like to face physical challenges and find ways to adapt and thrive. Then, of course, when I saw Dexter, I immediately fell in love with him. It has been an honor to help bring his story to a wider audience.
How has Dexter impacted your life personally while working on this book?
Dexter and Kentee inspired me to volunteer for a local dog rescue group. Over the past two years, I have fostered seven dogs, helping them find their forever homes. I even adopted one for myself! That’s the power Dexter has over people’s lives. He inspires them to take action and make a difference.
And finally, what message do you hope will resonate with readers after reading this book?
I hope that children (and adults) will read this book and know that they are so much more than their physical abilities. Steps aren’t just taken with feet, but also mentally. Being brave with your thoughts is a big part of finding your inner-resilience. With the right mindset, any challenge can be faced one Dexter-step at a time.
Matt Sutherland
