By D.A. WILKINSON

By D.A. WILKINSON

wilkinson@vindy.com

SALINEVILLE

A book about a real dog has become a hit with children and adults.

First-time author Connie Randolph has written about Casper Joe, a full-blooded cocker spaniel.

Casper Joe was purchased for Randolph by her two sons, Curtis and Craig, in February 2005.

“I’ve had dogs all my life,” she said.

Randolph had worked as a waitress at the Spread Eagle Tavern in Hanoverton. When she retired from that, she began to drive semi-trucks. Her husband, Clifford, is a supervisor at PCC Airfoils in Minerva.

Casper Joe’s story is true.

Her beloved pet “was as healthy as a horse,” Randolph said.

But he became ill in October 2007. She rushed him to a veterinary hospital in Niles.

“He had a gastrointestinal problem,” she said.

Dogs with the problem quickly become dehydrated and can die within 24 hours, but Casper Joe pulled through.

“We never knew he had it,” Randoph said. “He had just turned 3, and now he has to have a special diet.”

She said their faith helped them.

“We’re Christians. We have God,” she said.

She said she wasn’t one for being photographed. The cover of the book bears a drawing of Casper Joe.

Both young and adult dog lovers have embraced the short book published by Tate Publishing.

“It has a happy ending,” she said.

Sales have been good at several book signings. The book also comes with an audio download.

Randolph will have a book signing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Links at Firestone Farms, 105 St. Andrews, Columbiana.