Local canine celebrity the subject of a new children's book

A well-known local dog is the main character in a new children's book. In “Rossi the Approval Poodle,” Oklahoma City's own Rossi, a fluffy and adorable Black Standard Poodle “Shares 5 Rules for Living a Happier and Healthier Life” according to the book's subtitle.

Written by Rossi's human Judy Savage, also of Oklahoma City, the book features glossy photographs taken by Melissa Dense Clark, teaching kids to 1) Respect; 2) Obey; 3) Be Safe; 4) Be Social; 5) Be Important. Rossi “approves of good behavior that helps everyone be happy,” Savage writes in the book. That's how Rossi got the nickname “Approval Poodle.”

Rossi is a certified therapy dog and is a celebrity canine around town for all her hard work. She helps kids read at Oklahoma libraries, makes sick people feel better in area hospitals and visits schools regularly, spreading joy wherever she goes.

“Rossi and I have a front-row seat at many miracles. I just hold the leash and she makes the magic happen,” Savage said in a news release.

Savage said the idea for the book came when her 4-year-old granddaughter, Jane Marie, stopped acting up when she noticed that her behavior mattered to Rossi.