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Gunner Goes Series, a beloved children’s storybook collection, brings to life the adventures of a re-homed adopted black Labrador Retriever named Gunner. The series follows Gunner’s remarkable journey as he finds a new family, making him the central figure in a series designed not only to entertain but also to support animal rescue organizations. A portion of the proceeds from each book sale directly benefits animal rescue efforts, helping support the crucial work of saving needy animals from euthanasia and promoting the importance of fostering pets.
Founded by Karl and Karen Riemensperger, Gunner Goes Series stems from their personal experience with Gunner, who was initially fostered through Florida All-Retriever Rescue (FARR) in 2019. Gunner, now an 11-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix, came into their lives with the hope of finding a forever home, a placement intended to be temporary. However, his remarkable personality and loving nature quickly won the Riemensperger family’s hearts. Gunner’s new family knew he had found his permanent home, and his journey of adoption inspired the creation of the series. The family’s mission goes beyond storytelling; it’s about raising awareness and encouraging fostering, as well as supporting animal rescue organizations in need.
The Gunner Goes Series was created in 2022 when Karl Riemensperger, a U.S. Marine veteran, decided to write a children’s book inspired by Gunner’s story. With five children of his own, Karl understood the importance of bedtime stories and the connection that a good book can foster between parents and children. He wrote the first book, Gunner Gets Lucky, and quickly discovered that Gunner’s adventures had much more to offer. What started as one book turned into a series, now consisting of seven titles with more to come, all centered around the lovable and mischievous black Labrador Retriever.
The stories in the Gunner Goes Series are designed to captivate young readers, while also imparting important lessons about compassion, the value of family, and the life-changing impact of fostering animals. The series is crafted with a perfect blend of humor, adventure, and the heartfelt emotions of a family’s bond with their adopted pet. Each book is a celebration of love and hope, offering children an engaging way to learn about animal rescue.
Karl’s passion for sharing Gunner’s story with the world is matched by his desire to support the causes that are closest to his heart. “Fostering saves lives. Every day, animals are being euthanized simply because they have nowhere to go. We need heroes to step up, and fosters are lifesaving heroes,” says Karl Riemensperger. Through the Gunner Goes Series, the Riemensperger family hopes to inspire others to consider fostering animals and support animal rescues, which often operate under dire financial constraints.
What makes Gunner Goes Series stand out from other children’s books is its real-life inspiration and the personal connection the Riemensperger family has to the cause. Gunner’s playful and endearing nature is the heart of the stories, and his real-life adventures with his adopted family make each book feel genuine and full of love. Karl’s experiences as a father and his background bring depth to his writing, which is both thoughtful and accessible for young audiences.
A portion of the proceeds from each book sale supports animal rescue efforts. Gunner Goes Series is proud to contribute to organizations like Florida All-Retriever Rescue (FARR) and others working tirelessly to save abandoned animals. These organizations often face financial difficulties, and the sales from the books provide crucial funding to help them continue their life-saving work.