Zep, a friendly dachshund puppy, wonders why his siblings eat his food, he is never chosen to participate in dog shows like his brothers and sister, and why he has no name. That is, until one day when he’s adopted by a kind family who shows him what unconditional love looks like, and he realizes what he’s been missing all along.
In Zep’s Surprise, young readers will journey with Zep and learn that God treasures everything and everyone He creates and will realize that they, too, are loved.
What Others are Saying about Zep’s Surprise…
A delightful story that will melt any dog-lover’s heart! Zep’s Surprise is a heartwarming tale of a tiny, forgotten puppy that finds his way into a loving home and discovers the ultimate surprise. This story’s thoughtful ending is meaningful for both parents and children alike!
Anna Benskin
Kindergarten Teacher
Zep’s Surprise is a charming story of a pup, who is “different,” finding love and acceptance. It will inspire many children who feel the same way Zep does and will encourage those children to find hope and confidence. I highly recommend it.
Janet Riehecky
Award-winning author of Reptiles
In the heart of every child is a lurking, unspoken fear that they are not loved. This engaging and powerful story will delight children and convey to them the most important message they could ever hear. That message is that God loves them unconditionally. I highly recommend this book!
Rob Currie, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Judson University
Author of Hunger Winter
Zep’s Surprise is a precious children’s book that draws kids and adults alike into the world of a less-than-perfect puppy who learns what it means to be loved and treasured. Written through the eyes of Zep, the runt of a dachshund litter, the story begins as Zep is adopted, meets his new mommy and daddy, and is given a new name and a new home. He learns that he always is loved by his family and by God, no matter what scary things happen to him! This sweet story will help children understand what it means to be treasured by God and will remind them over and over how much God truly loves them!
Carol Thompson
Retired executive of Christianity Today
“Inspirational,” said my young grandson, gleefully. Reading together about Zep the dachshund will help children find healthy acceptance of themselves and others through God’s special design.
Ronald Bennett
Professional Counselor
When I read this book for the first time, it brought tears to my eyes. So many people (and dogs!) in the world long to know unconditional love. Through Zep’s story, we read how God loves each of us with all our unique attributes. I found it an encouraging reminder that we can all find a place to call home.
Kristy Engel, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC
Faith Community Nurse,
Global Consultant for Health, International Ministries,
ABC-USA
As a fellow dachshund enthusiast, of course I loved Zep’s Surprise! It’s a sweet story of a little puppy who wasn’t like all the others and felt he didn’t measure up. Then he was chosen by a family and greatly loved, even though he wasn’t perfect. I identified with the story because we adopted a baby girl years ago who grew up to be different; not like all the others. Yet we loved her; and more importantly, God loved her, and she grew up to feel very loved and wanted, just like Zep. This is a great story for anyone who has someone “not like all the others” in their lives or for those who have “perfect” families who need to be reminded how much God loves us—all of us.
Maralee Parker
Author of Unexpected: A Memoir of Endurance and Triumph in Raising a Challenging Child
Zep’s Surprise is a very sweet, beautifully written, and wonderfully illustrated story about God’s love for a very special puppy. It will truly touch your heart. It teaches us about God’s love and how He loves and treasures each one of us. It shows us how He made each one of us very remarkable and special. This is a wonderful book to share with your children and grandchildren. I would definitely use this book in my classroom. I would say it’s a must-read for all kindergarten and lower elementary teachers to read to their students. I promise it will warm your heart!
Sandee Ashby
Retired teacher
Valor Christian Academy, Redondo Beach, California
About
Randy Gauger wears many titles: Christ-follower and Jesus lover; Husband; Dad; Grandpa; and Great-grandpa. Retired from forty-two years of pastoral ministry in four churches in Illinois and Kansas, plus a student pastorate while in college in Illinois, Randy now enjoys time with his wife and their family; walks with their miniature dachshund; going to movies and the theater; traveling; writing; fishing; and the Ham Radio. For Randy, it’s a good day as long as it begins with quiet time with Jesus and there are a couple of Peppermint Patties included along the way.