For Catherine M. Martell, M.Ed., life with dogs began in the crib, literally. When she was six months old, the family’s Irish Setter claimed a spot right beside her. As a girl she showed dogs as a junior handler, and over the years she has worked as a breeder, a behaviorist and, for more than a decade, a professional pet sitter. At the same time, she built a career as an educator, teaching many children before retiring from the classroom. Then Buddy, a Golden Retriever, played a pivotal role in her recovery from a serious accident. She later named her Tucson pet-sitting business, Buddy’s Retrievers, after him. “I care for people’s pets the way Buddy cared for me,” she says. Years later, Catherine returned the favor. The fifth puppy in a litter was born silent and still, and she kept working on him until he took his first breath. That puppy is Runty Ralph, the Maltipoo who stars in her children’s book series, written in Buddy’s memory.

Under Golden Paw Productions, LLC, Catherine brings together what she knows best: children and dogs. Her stories are short, warm, easy to read aloud and written for ages 2 to 7. Because they’re true, children can meet Runty Ralph at book signings, school and library visits, and community events across Tucson. The series includes Runty Ralph: How I Got My Name (2025) and Runty Ralph: Visits The Big Dogs (2025), with Runty Ralph Meets a Bully at the Dog Park coming soon, for every child who has felt too small or different. Every book carries one message from the night Runty Ralph was born: never give up. Catherine is available to speak on the bond between people and animals, how pets help us heal, resilience in early childhood, anti-bullying, and writing a picture-book series.