Diane Capogna Turns the Life and Legacy of Her Dog Abbey Rose Into Heartfelt Children’s Stories

Photo: Author Diane Capogna honors her Great Dane Abbey Rose through heartwarming children’s books that celebrate love, memory, and emotional healing.

Celebrating Love, Loss, and the Joyful Bond Between Pets and Children

Diane Capogna shares how her Great Dane Abbey Rose inspired a touching children’s book series, blending early childhood education, personal memories, and creativity to help kids understand love, grief, and responsibility.

Diane Capogna doesn’t just tell stories—she preserves memories, celebrates love, and gently teaches life’s most profound lessons through the eyes of a puppy. Her beloved Great Dane, Abbey Rose, lives on in the pages of Capogna’s tender children’s books, where real-life adventures are reimagined with humor, warmth, and emotional depth.

Drawing from a rich background in early childhood education, Capogna combines educational insight with deep personal experience. What began as private journal entries written in grief during the COVID-19 pandemic evolved into a cherished literary series. Encouraged by a friend, she submitted her first manuscript to Saratoga Publishing LLC, and from that moment, Abbey Rose’s journey began touching the hearts of young readers and their families.

Capogna’s debut book, Puppy Comes Home, is more than a sweet tale—it’s a celebration of life, responsibility, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets. Her knowledge of child development and storytelling shines through every page, shaped by years of running her own daycare center and studying children’s literature in college. This background enabled her to craft a narrative that resonates deeply with kids while honoring the emotional truths of pet ownership.

“Abbey was my world,” Capogna says. “I looked at photos of our memories and wrote from the heart.” Writing from a puppy’s perspective wasn’t a challenge for her. It was a heartfelt process, drawing on genuine memories, especially Abbey’s love for dressing up—photos of which inspired many of the book’s charming illustrations.

Collaborating with illustrator Anthony Richichi brought those memories to life visually. Capogna recalls falling in love with the very first sketch of Abbey. “I had a vision, and he didn’t disappoint,” she notes. Richichi’s artistry not only matched her vision but added whimsical touches that elevated the emotional tone of the book. Their creative partnership continued with Capogna’s second book, Abbey’s Special Gift, published in July 2024, and a coloring book, Color Puppy Home, inspired by her grandson Jordan.

Through her writing, Capogna encourages children to understand that pets are more than companions—they’re family members who bring endless joy and laughter, but also require love, care, and responsibility. Her books open up space for young readers to explore themes of love, loss, and healing in ways that feel safe and affirming.

The response from readers has been overwhelmingly heartfelt. At events, Capogna often hears stories from readers who have also lost pets. These shared moments of vulnerability and remembrance are among the most rewarding parts of her journey. “I feel honored that folks are willing to share. I believe I’m giving them an outlet to connect with someone who understands,” she says.

Looking ahead, Capogna has more stories to tell. A third book is already written, with plans to publish in 2026. While new characters may appear, Abbey Rose remains at the heart of every story—a guiding presence and enduring muse.

To aspiring authors, especially those looking to turn personal memories into children’s literature, Capogna offers simple yet powerful advice: “Write about your special memories. Even if you don’t publish, it’s great therapy and keeps those memories alive.”

Through her books, Diane Capogna honors a beloved dog and invites readers to find magic in memory, beauty in grief, and strength in love.