Rossman, a mixed-breed dog living with a doting family in Chattanooga, is a celebrity these days. He's the main character in a recently published children's book "The Rossman -- A Superhero at Heart," the first in a three-part series about Rossman's life.
The book, to be launched next week, is a true story about Rossman. It was written by Julie Guerry and illustrated by Carylon Killebrew, both of Chattanooga.
Though Rossi is surrounded by a loving family these days, life wasn't always easy for the husky, three-legged canine. In fact, nearly a decade ago he was on the run from a life of abuse and neglect. After breaking away from his chains, Rossman bolted toward a busy highway straight into the path of a moving car.
Turns out that despite his life-threatening injuries, things were about to get much better for Rossman.
Luck was on his side when a good Samaritan brought the gravely injured dog to Riverview Animal Hospital in Hixson. Julie Guerry and her daughters, Hagan and Margaret, were in the lobby.
"The girls were with me when we saw this injured dog being brought in. The person who brought him thought he was dead, but Tai Federico (a veterinarian) said he was still alive. I told Tai to do whatever it took to save the dog," Guerry said, noting that as she and her daughters witnessed the emotional drama, she offered to pay the expenses.
Guerry's daughters were 8- and 7-years-old at the time, Guerry said. Seeing the injured dog and ultimately learning that the injuries resulted in a leg amputation, fueled compassion from the girls, Guerry said. It also formed a bond.
For the next several months, Rossman stayed at the animal hospital while gaining strength and learning to be mobile on three legs.
"I would drop Hagan off at the vet's so that she could sit by Rossman's cage for about an hour at a time," Guerry said. "We'd bring him treats."
At the time, Guerry said she had not yet decided as to whether or not she'd adopt "Rossi," a nickname dubbed by the girls. "But I began realizing how attached the girls were to him. They were both learning to write and were putting words together on paper and a lot of their subject matter was about Rossi. So we brought him home."
It was a decision the family has never regretted, she said.
If you go*What: "The Rossman -- A Superhero at Heart" book signing.*When: Opening reception, Dec. 2, 5-8 p.m.; additional family-oriented book signings on Dec. 3 and 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., where children may meet Rossman and participate in child-oriented activities.*Where: Tanner-Hill Gallery's Work Project Space at Warehouse Row.*Admission: Free.*Website: therossman.net.
"He is an amazing dog and very attached and loyal to his family. Years later, when I had my third child, daughter Helen, Rossi wouldn't leave her side. He's such a protector," Guerry said.
For years, Guerry, who has a business and public relations background, toyed with the idea of writing a children's book. But it wasn't until last summer during a family vacation to the beach, when she and her daughters witnessed Rossi, along with their Labrador Retriever, Hank, protecting turtles on the beach, that she decided to write the book.
"One afternoon, my girls and I got to witness turtle hatchlings come out of the sand," Guerry said. "Rossi and Hank made a path for these turtles and kept the seagulls away. They cleared the way for the turtles to protect them as they made their way to the beach. It was amazing."
Before the vacation ended, Guerry had written the book.
"When I got home, I gave the book to Carylon, to see if she'd be interested in doing the illustrations," she said.
Killebrew, a well-known local artist, read the text and immediately agreed to illustrate it, Guerry said.
"I have never illustrated a children's book before," Killebrew said. "I have been accused of making art that has a positive effect on the viewer. I fully acknowledge that life is not always easy but I choose to have hope. This hope is based on my faith. Rossman is all about a difficult thing resulting in good. It is a powerful story and I am privileged to have been a part of tell that story."
Illlustrating a children's book was different from her typical way of painting, she said.
"The differences came by way of working in a different medium. I generally work oil on canvas or board but the illustrations are acrylic on handmade paper. Working on the book was an exercise in painting with intention to please another. When I paint for galleries I just paint what makes me happy. Both procedures proved to be very satisfying."
Sales from the $18 hardback books will benefit Wally's Friends, a local spay and neuter organization in Red Bank. The book will be on sale at select Chattanooga retail locations beginning Dec. 6.
According to Maura Phillips, who is helping Guerry and Killebrew promote the book, the Guerry family-based Hamico organization, the Humane Education Society, and McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center are sponsoring a three-day book promotion event at Warehouse Row's Tanner-Hill Project Space on Dec. 2-4.
The book offers many life lessons for children and adults, Guerry said, noting that overcoming disabilities is a big issue in the book, as is compassion, hope, courage and love.