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Briarcliff Resident Writes Book About Rescue Dog

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. -- Laura Scott Schaefer's dog, Crumbles, is becoming the most notable member of her Briarcliff Manor home.

Laura Scott Schaefer with her dog, Crumbles.

Laura Scott Schaefer with her dog, Crumbles.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Laura Scott Schaefer

Schaefer is the author of "The Crumbles Chronicles: Tales Of A Nervous Dog," a children's book for kids aged seven to 10. The book is narrated by Crumbles, a rescue dog with a lot of silly quirks who is always able to make out okay.

"There's an underlying message of acceptance and people being able to get along despite their differences," explained Schaefer.

In the book, Crumbles (likely part bearded collie and part schnauzer) is concerned about a bag full of leaves and is worried his handlers will end up in the same bag. He gets advice from his animal friends only to discover his snout can summon a truck to take the bag away.

"He doesn't realize it's a truck from the Briarcliff Public Works Department," said Schaefer. "The book is very light and funny."

Schaefer is also using the book to raise awareness for animal shelters and rescue pets. For every 12 books sold, she donates a bag of dog food to an animal shelter.

"I have two rescue dogs," she said. "My other rescue dog is Rodie, but he's more normal. Crumbles is such a bizarre lovable creature that I had to write about him."

Crumbles is scared of everything including backpacks, paper bags and kitchen cabinets and is prone to urinating on himself. "He barks at his shadow," Schaefer said. "But he's the sweetest little thing."

Schaefer has previously published three picture books, with Crumbles being her first chapter book of what she hopes is a series. Graduating college with an English degree, she previously wrote fiction and poetry before entering into business.

"It wasn't until I started experimenting with children's books that something clicked," Schaefer said. "I decided to seek out a publisher. It's given me a lot of opportunities and made me feel really good."

Schaefer said her kids are excited about their mom being an author. "They are very supportive and creative....but they get tired of being my test marketers."

As for Crumbles? She said he's tolerated the attention but doesn't like having his picture taken.

For more information, visit http://www.crumblesthedog.com/.

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