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The Author
Karen McDonald
I was born in El Dorado, Arkansas. I am the youngest of three children. I was a happy child and spent most of my time outside. I loved to play in the rain, ride my red Honda 50 dirt bike in the woods, and ride horses. My best friend was Puff Puff, our family dog. He was a medium size, brown and white mixed breed. When he wasn’t off on an adventure, he was by my side, playing with me.
As a child, I did not like school. Reading was hard for me. When I was in fifth grade my teacher put me in the Black Bird reading group. I learned to make friends.
I was born in El Dorado, Arkansas. I am the youngest of three children. I was a happy child and spent most of my time outside. I loved to play in the rain, ride my red Honda 50 dirt bike in the woods, and ride horses. My best friend was Puff Puff, our family dog. He was a medium size, brown and white mixed breed. When he wasn’t off on an adventure, he was by my side, playing with me.
As a child, I did not like school. Reading was hard for me. When I was in fifth grade my teacher put me in the Black Bird reading group. I learned to make friends.
My parents rocked! My dad was adventurous and took me with him on his Saturday excursions. We would hike, canoe, fish, and explore. I never knew what we would find or who we would talk to, but each outing was full of laughter and life lessons. My mom played games with me and taught me to sew. I loved designing and creating my clothes.
My parents rocked! My dad was adventurous and took me with him on his Saturday excursions. We would hike, canoe, fish, and explore. I never knew what we would find or who we would talk to, but each outing was full of laughter and life lessons. My mom played games with me and taught me to sew. I loved designing and creating my clothes.
Journalism was my favorite class in high school. I loved writing articles and taking photographs. When I was fifteen, I was an exchange student to Japan. I wrote articles for the ElDorado Times talking about my experiences.
After college, I became a teacher and taught second and third grade for five years. Then Nic, my oldest son was born, and I chose to stay home with him. Three years later, AJ was born. Staying home and raising the boys was a gift! I loved parenting and teaching them about choices and consequences. Our doors were always open for any and all of their friends. When AJ went to high school, I went back into teaching and have been teaching second and third grade for over ten years. I love teaching and helping children learn to think, problem solve, and push themselves to do their best.
I love animals, especially dogs. I have always had a dog or two or three in my life. The unconditional love they give is irreplaceable. Right now, Papa G and I have three: Big Max, Thomas, and Sammy.
Writing has always been my passion. I write something every day, either in my journal, my notes in my phone, or on my computer. Big Max is my first published book. I have lots of ideas and I can’t wait to publish more.
Through this process I have learned to push myself, ask questions, and not to give up! I would like to encourage you to follow your heart, dream big, and go for it!
Journalism was my favorite class in high school. I loved writing articles and taking photographs. When I was fifteen, I was an exchange student to Japan. I wrote articles for the ElDorado Times talking about my experiences.
After college, I became a teacher and taught second and third grade for five years. Then Nic, my oldest son was born, and I chose to stay home with him. Three years later, AJ was born. Staying home and raising the boys was a gift! I loved parenting and teaching them about choices and consequences. Our doors were always open for any and all of their friends. When AJ went to high school, I went back into teaching and have been teaching second and third grade for over ten years. I love teaching and helping children learn to think, problem solve, and push themselves to do their best.
I love animals, especially dogs. I have always had a dog or two or three in my life. The unconditional love they give is irreplaceable. Right now, Papa G and I have three: Big Max, Thomas, and Sammy.
Writing has always been my passion. I write something every day, either in my journal, my notes in my phone, or on my computer. Big Max is my first published book. I have lots of ideas and I can’t wait to publish more.
Through this process I have learned to push myself, ask questions, and not to give up! I would like to encourage you to follow your heart, dream big, and go for it!

Hi! I'm Big Max.
I'm a mixed breed.
I am a mix between a Great Dane and Labrador. My breed is called the Gentle Giant because we are as big as a baby horse but as gentle as a kitten.
I love to give wet, slimy, kisses and chase squirrels. I love my life now, but it didn’t start off so well. When I was eleven months old, I was dropped off at an animal rescue badly abused and in need of medical attention. I was lonely and scared.
Then I met Papa G and Mama K. They wanted me and loved me, but I didn’t know what love was. Read my story to find out more.
Fun Things
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