A tiny dog sprinting toward freeway traffic should have been a tragedy, but it becomes the beginning of a story that changes everything. We sit down with author Heidi C. Heisel to hear how she rescued Gizmo, brought him home, and slowly realized this little dog was about to become her muse, her travel buddy, and the center of a children’s book series that families actually want to read together. If you love dog rescue stories, heartfelt family storytelling, and children’s books with meaning, you’ll feel this one in your chest. 

We talk about how the Gizmo Goes books are built: rhyming picture books told from Gizmo’s point of view, illustrated by Heidi’s grandson Rivers, and finished with real photos from real adventures. That format lets Heidi blend fun with substance, weaving in life lessons about kindness, discipline, mindset, and self-acceptance alongside travel, geography, and history from places like Yellowstone, Ireland, and Germany. It’s a refreshing take on educational kids’ books that still feels light and playful. 

You’ll also hear the behind-the-scenes journey from self-publishing to Scholastic, the family’s move into audiobooks with a narrator who brings the pages to life, and how new tools like AI can support creativity without replacing it. The conversation takes a tender turn as Heidi shares Gizmo’s passing in 2024 and the “meant to be” adoption that helped her keep Gizmo’s legacy alive through a new pup named TikTok. 

If this story moved you, subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share the episode with a fellow dog lover, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. Find Heidi's books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oYUk9y

And at gizmogoes.com

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Elsa Kurt: You may know her for her uncanny, viral Kamala Harris impressions & conservative comedy skits, but she’s also a lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife. She has channeled her fierce love and passion for God, family, country, and those who serve as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show with Clay Novak. Her show discusses today’s topics & news from a middle class/blue collar family & conservative perspective. The vocal LEOW’s career began as a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women’s novels. 

Clay Novak: Clay Novak was commissioned in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and served as an officer for twenty four years in Mechanized Infantry, Airborne Infantry, and Cavalry units .  He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019. Clay is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and is a Master Rated Parachutist, serving for more tha...