Help animals in need this year by gifting a new children’s book featuring rescue dog PT (who also has 3 legs) that gives back to animal causes! More than 6 million companion animals end up in shelters each year. A meaningful way to celebrate the holidays is to help animals in need by gifting this new children’s book PT Runs Free that gives back to animals in need. All proceeds from the book with always be donated to foster and adoption-based animal rescues.

PT Runs Free written by Jason Kraus and illustrated by Connor DeHaan is an inspirational story featuring rescue dog PT and his journey from a neglectful family and as a shelter dog, to losing his leg and to never give up. Not only is this book written with an inspirational message, but the power of hope is being spread as all proceeds are being donated to Southwest Florida rescue groups and humane societies to help with Hurricane Ian displaced pets and needs.

PT’s owner Angie McGilvrey says there are two reasons she and husband Joe, owners of APEX Physical Therapy, wanted to share their dog’s story. “First, each of us, adults and children alike, have obstacles we are faced with throughout life, and we hope that PT will inspire others through positivity and determination to never give up and they too can conquer their obstacles,” she explains. “Secondly, we wanted to teach the next generation of pet owners humane education and why it is so important to be kind to animals. We feel that we can make the greatest impact in animal rescue by educating our youth.”

Author Jason Kraus was inspired to tell PT’s story because there are so many life lessons children AND adults can learn from his bravery and perseverance. “His life’s story exemplifies the resilience many rescue dogs exude as they often go through,” he continues.

ABOUT PT Runs Free:

This picture book, based on a true story, shares the uplifting tale of PT the rescue dog. PT faces many challenges in life, but never gives up! With the powers of positivity and determination, he overcomes a neglectful family, life as a shelter dog and even the loss of his leg! Find out how the incredible three-legged rescue regains his ability to run free, all while educating and inspiring children in schools and community centers along the way.

The real PT who was found injured on the side of a road in Miami, FL is now living the good life with his forever family in Fort Myers, FL. As a therapy dog, PT goes to work every day with his parents, Joe and Angie, the owners of Apex Physical Therapy. PT serves as the clinic’s mascot, spreading kindness, and inspiring those in pain or recovering from challenges of their own. On his days off, PT teaches children about empathy and the importance of adopting rescue dogs still waiting to find their forever homes.

Jason said his favorite part of the book is the ending! “When PT overcomes all of the obstacles and finally gets to play fetch with all the kids,” he says. “After reading PT Runs Free, I would like parents and kids to have an understanding of how amazing rescue dogs truly are. I would also like people to understand that no one is ever broken, if you never give up you can overcome anything in life. My hope for PT runs free is also that it inspires children who have undergone amputations and gives them someone to look up to. I also hope that other children reading it gain a greater sense of love and appreciation for other children who have lost a limb or may look different than them.”

Currently, PT is recovering from another obstacle – he recently underwent ACL surgery. “Once he is ready, he will be on tour doing ‘Never Give Up’ workshops at local churches, YMCA, kids camps and more. We will take his book and read it to kids and PT will go around and pass out high fives and spread the message to Never Give Up,” Angie adds.

The creation of PT’s book also inspired Angie & Joe McGilvrey to start their own 501 c3, Bella’s Heart of SWFL.

The book can be purchased at:

Amazon: PT Runs Free: Kraus, Jason, DeHaan, Connor: 9798218046088: Amazon.com: Books

Barnes & Noble: PT Runs Free by Jason Kraus, Connor DeHaan, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)