---
title: Alum’s Children’s Books to the Rescue
date: 2021-11-29T05:30:00-05:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/alums-childrens-books-to-the-rescue"
section: Articles
---
# Alum’s Children’s Books to the Rescue

*November 29, 2021* — by [Shannon Clark M.Jour. ’22](/author/shannon-clark-m-jour-22)


> Expanding Series, Foundation Educate About Shelter Dogs

*Bubbins 1920x1080 — Jason M.S. '16 and Michelina Kraus pose with Gibbson, their rescue dog that spurred the alum's bestselling "Belly Rubbins for Bubbins" book (below) and the foundation of the same name that educates about animal neglect and abuse.*

Jason Kraus’ fiancée had to break through his anti-pit bull prejudice before he finally agreed to adopt an elderly dog with thyroid cancer, but soon the couple were having nightly cuddles with the affectionate pooch.

As Kraus '10 got to know 10-year-old Gibbson, he began focusing on the little things about his new friend—and some of them shook him deeply.

“I’m looking at him and he has cropped ears, they shaved down his teeth flat and he has scars all over his neck and his body,” he said. “I’m just thinking to myself, ‘How can people do this to a living being?’”


*Belly Rubbins for Bubbins book cover*




**Topics:** [People](https://today.umd.edu/tags/people)


**Tags:** [Alumni](https://today.umd.edu/topic/alumni), [Books](https://today.umd.edu/topic/books)


**Units:** [College of Behavioral and Social Sciences](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-behavioral-and-social-sciences)