I’m Dr. Tiffany Ruiz, a dedicated mother of two and an Ivy League-trained veterinarian, having graduated from both Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. I’m passionate about fostering the bond between children and their pets to ensure a safe and happy home for both. Becoming a mother highlighted for me just how crucial a positive and respectful bond between a child and their pet is to keeping them both safe. I believe that dogs shouldn’t have to tolerate children—instead, kids and pets can live in harmony when body language is understood, and boundaries are respected. Throughout my years in practice, I’ve witnessed many preventable instances of children being bitten by dogs due to a lack of supervision and misunderstanding canine signals. These incidents not only pose physical risks but also strain the human-animal bond, often leading to heartbreaking decisions like rehoming or euthanasia. I aim to change this narrative through my children’s book, which provides engaging and accessible lessons on respecting dogs and interpreting their behavior. By empowering kids with this knowledge, I hope to ensure safer, happier interactions that strengthen the bond between pets and their families.