Grab your library cards or get to your local bookstore, because we just discovered a great new book.

Maverick and Me tells the story of an abandoned puppy who’s found on the side of the road and taken to a pet supply store. Then, at an adoption event, he meets the new best friend of his dreams—a little girl named Scarlett. She takes him home, and his life is turned around by getting to be part of a loving family.

In the book, Scarlett wishes that all dogs without homes could be adopted as Maverick was. We couldn’t agree more. It’s so important to adopt a dog (or cat!) from a shelter instead of buying one from a breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. There are so many amazing dogs and cats in shelters, and they all need loving homes. When you get an animal from a breeder, it means that an animal in need at a shelter doesn’t get a home.

The book’s illustrations are beautiful and emotional, and we can’t get over how cute Maverick is. One of the best things about the story is that it’s inspired by the author’s own dog, Maverick! You can check out a picture of the real Maverick in the back of the book.

Maverick and Me will make you either hug your rescued pups a little tighter or want to get to an adoption event and find a loyal friend like Maverick for yourself!