A New Chapter for Animal Advocacy in Eleva
Bob’s House for Dogs + Cats, a cage-free shelter located in Eleva, Wisconsin, has launched a unique fundraising effort involving a local children’s book. The publication, titled “Bob’s Pawprints: Charlie’s Journey Home,” serves as the primary instrument for this project. Eau Claire author Jessica Schoettle wrote the book through her initiative, Books with Purpose. Every cent of the proceeds from the book’s first year goes directly to the shelter to aid senior and special-needs animals.
The organization, co-founded by Amy and Travis Quella in 2010, faced a long-standing challenge regarding how to honor the memory of the shelter’s namesake dog, Bob. Writing a book felt like a natural step, yet the emotional weight of Bob’s death made the narrative difficult to frame. Jessica Schoettle’s approach provided the needed clarity. The story focuses on Charlie, an elderly dog modeled after Schoettle’s own childhood pet. Charlie finds his way to the shelter by following the spectral pawprints left behind by Bob. The narrative reassures young readers that senior animals deserve love and care, while also suggesting that Bob’s spirit remains present to guide the animals toward safety.
Impact of the Partnership
The financial results of this collaboration appeared quickly. During August 2026, the first month the book hit the market, the initiative raised nearly $670 for the nonprofit through online sales. In addition to the direct revenue from those sales, the shelter purchased 125 copies at production cost. These books are currently destined for sale at upcoming public events hosted by the organization, serving as both a source of funds and a means to build community awareness.
Schoettle launched Books with Purpose as a mechanism to give back to Western Wisconsin. As an active animal enthusiast, she views these stories as a practical way to support the physical and operational needs of local shelters. She selects a new nonprofit partner every three months, ensuring that the impact of her work rotates across various organizations in need. Any nonprofit group interested in such a partnership can submit an application through her website.
Future Plans for the Shelter
Bob’s House is currently preparing for an open house scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event allows donors and animal lovers to tour the facility, including the recently finished expansion. The new space marks a shift for the shelter, as it was specifically built to accommodate senior cats alongside their existing senior dog population.
The move to include cats stemmed from a clear operational need observed by the founders. After seeing success with the open-environment model for senior dogs, the team questioned if they could expand that model further. Regional shelter partners expressed a need for specialized senior cat care, as those animals often face the longest wait times for adoption in standard municipal facilities. The proceeds from the children’s book will contribute to the ongoing costs of running this expanded facility. As Bob’s House continues its work, the inclusion of storytelling as a fundraising tool highlights the increasingly creative methods small organizations use to sustain their missions in a competitive charitable environment.