Join us for a reading session with local authors Bill Ericksen, Lanny Scholes-Ericksen and their scruffy pup Barlow! Their new children’s book Barlow, Lost in the Everglades is a fun, adventure-filled story perfect for educating young readers about the importance of animal safety and pet adoption. All proceeds from the book sales will benefit Humane Society Naples, where William and Lanny adopted Barlow.

The husband and wife team both have a background in education. Now happily retired, they are continuing to educate young readers on the importance of supporting organizations like animal control agencies and pet shelters that provide safety and new homes to lost and orphaned pets. Their debut children’s book, Barlow, Lost in the Everglades, which details one dog’s journey through the wilds of Southwest Florida, was inspired by their real shelter dog adopted from HSN. Every year more than 8 million pets end up in shelters across the US just like Barlow. They hope their story will inspire more people to rescue lost or forgotten pets in need of a home.