In 1889, a stray dog drifted into the post office in Albany, New York. For the next eight years, Owney acted as a mascot of the U.S. Postal Service, traveling with mail bags by train through the country, and eventually sailing around the globe. His adventures were closely tracked by newspapers of the time, making Owney a popular canine worldwide. Based on her research at the National Postal Museum of the Smithsonian Institute, author Irene Kelly has recreated the story of Owney’s unique life, presented through invented letters, postcards, and newspaper articles. Watercolor illustrations depict a scruffy brown mutt gleefully living out his wanderlust, whether from the top of the Statue of Liberty or beside an Egyptian pyramid. (Ages 5–8)

From 1889-1897 a small dog captured the public's imagination - Owney, a stray who wandered into an Albany, NY Post Office. Owney became a world traveller, at first accompanying mailbags around the United States and then setting sail around the globe. His travels were followed by newspapers in many countries. His irresistible spirit won hearts wherever he went. In fictional letters, newspaper accounts, and lively watercolour paintings, Irene Kelly tells the colourful story of an irresistible celebrity.