Dog named Pig inspires local author Katie Youngren

Freeman School District bus driver and author Katie Youngren, 51, is switching from cats to dogs – at least for one book.

Youngren’s “Itty Bitty School Bus Kitty” books about the abandoned kitten she found at the bus barn, bottle fed and later adopted, already have a local following.

Now, Youngren has published a book about a dog named Pig that was born with short spine syndrome.

“I saw Pig’s page on Facebook and I wrote a poem,” Youngren said. She sent the poem to Pig’s owner, Kim Dillenbeck, who loved it and asked if she’d publish it.

“And we just hit it off personally,” said Youngren about connecting with Dillenbeck.

“Pig the Unusual Dog” is just coming off the presses at Youngren’s Freeman Press and she will be reading from it at Auntie’s Bookstore on Saturday.

Dillenbeck lives in Helena, Alabama, a Birmingham suburb. Pig was found abandoned with her litter mates. Dillenbeck adopted the little puppy and decided she’d use the unusually shaped dog as a therapy animal and an advocate for finding foster families for animals with disabilities. Dogs with short spine syndrome may have some health problems because of the way they are built, but they aren’t in pain and can expect a normal lifespan.

Dillenbeck is establishing a rescue and adoption foundation in Pig’s name.

Youngren’s book is being sold via Pig’s Facebook page and will benefit Pig’s foundation.

“I have books going to Australia already,” said Youngren.