Sara Deen Kimball grew up in rural Atlanta, Louisiana, where she first learned about animal care in the 4-H livestock program. She earned her bachelor’s in animal science from Louisiana Tech University and started volunteering for the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART). With LSART, she has earned multiple certifications in areas such as technical large animal emergency rescue and slack water rescue, which aid her in helping animals during disasters. In 2016, she started the Ralph’s Responders program in memory of her horse, Ralph, who was part of responder training. Part of the Ralph’s Responders program is children’s early education on how to include the family pets in emergency planning. Sara created and developed the R.A.L.P.H. curriculum, Ready and Living Prepared Heros, which is free to download and share online at www.lsart.org. Sara also volunteers with her adopted border collie, Finn, as a therapy team at schools, camps, nursing homes, and libraries.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: I volunteer with the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART), and we often work with animal control agencies during disasters. I see the frustration and confusion that sometimes happens when people don’t really understand what animal control does or how it helps. I started my Ralph’s Responders program with activity books to help teach kids about including their pets in disaster planning.
When I adopted our border collie, Finn, I decided to write this book to help explain what happens to strays or lost pets and what people can do to help support their local animal control or rescues. I volunteer with Finn as a therapy dog, couldn’t find a book about pet adoption, so I decided to write one.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: Write about what you are passionate about or have an interest in. I decided to use my talents to write educational tools. This started with my Ralph’s Responders program, which I wrote to help teach kids how to include their pets in emergency planning, much the same way firefighters talk to kids about having a fire plan for their home. Ralph’s Responders is named after a horse that taught me a lot. There are activity books and games that all teach about pet care. This book is not just a story; it also has discussion questions and games in the back to help guide educators. I really enjoy teaching others and helping make the world a little better.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Yes! The animal control officer, Ben, is someone I’ve worked with at the East Baton Rouge Animal Control & Rescue Center. The vet, Dr. Renee, is not only a veterinarian but also the director of the LSART and a mentor to me. Ms. Jill is named after another vet friend of mine who teaches. She and I have talked about ways to help educate the public. The inquisitive boy asking questions is my own son, Rowen, and the dog he adopts is our rescue border collie, Finn, whom we adopted from the Calcasieu Animal Shelter.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: Working with the illustrator is my favorite part. We have worked together before, and I enjoy the humor she brings in with her art to help tell the story.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I think it can be a bit of both. I had some excellent English teachers who would assign creative writing tasks and ask for multiple revisions. The tasks weren’t all just writing papers, although we did that as well. We had to design cereal boxes, posters, and advertisements for vacations destinations. At the time, all the revisions drove me crazy, but today, I appreciate how they challenged me and made me a better writer.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: I am thinking about writing a second book that continues Finn’s story and touches on all the challenges that can come with adopting a dog. I want it to be something that helps people understand the adjustment period the animal needs when in a new environment with new rules, routines, and procedures. There are ways that we can all learn to communicate and work together to make a smoother transition and hopefully lessen training frustrations.
Learn more about Sarah Kimball and her new children's book, Rowen and the Animal Shelter, here. Coming soon February 24, 2026!