A dog on the run. A girl searching for connection. Together, they'll change each other's lives. According to 12-year-old Mia, life is an epic fail. Her dad lives three states away with his new family, school is a nightmare, and worst of all, her mom is terrified of the one thing Mia wants most—a dog. But everything changes when Mia locks eyes with a runaway golden retriever, her belly swollen with puppies, running from a man with a rope. Horrified and helpless, Mia watches as he drags the dog away. Determined to find her again, Mia and her quirky best friend launch a search that challenges their courage, tests their friendship, and uncovers a shocking truth—hundreds of dogs living in the cramped, filthy cages of a puppy mill. It's no longer a matter of saving one dog; it's about rescuing them all. Throughout her risky adventures, Mia discovers the power of empathy and the power to make a difference in the lives of others as well as her own. Fans of Fearless and Because of Winn Dixie will fall in love with this coming-of-age adventure story about friendship, perseverance, the messiness of family, and the strength of the human-animal bond. Ideal for classroom and library use including character themes of compassion, courage, friendship, and taking a stand for what one believes in. A heartfelt and entertaining tale of the human-animal bond. —Kirkus Reviews An original coming-of-age adventure story with the value of friendship, the complications of a family, and the inherent strength and value of the human-animal bond. —Midwest Book Review Every child who reads this book will have a head start on making the world a better place. —Dr. Marty Becker, America's Veterinarian Inspires empathy, clebrates the human-animal bond, and reminds us that small voices can spark big change. —Self-Publishing Review A stirring call to action wrapped in a tender coming-of-age tale. —Indies Today Some books break your heart. Others ignite it. This book does both and provides a gripping narrative and empowering message: you have the ability to speak up for those without a voice. —Ohio Animal Advocates A welcome addition to my school library. —Sarah Powell, educator and middle-grade librarian A beautiful, eye-opening, story that invites kids to think deeply about compassion, courage, and the power of speaking up for animals. —Kathy Freston, New York Times best-selling author Authentic and full of heart. —Jo-Anne McArthur, Founder of We Animals A must read for every animal lover, young andnot as young. —Bobbie Pyron, award-winning author The compassion at the core of this story is undeniable. —Cindy Ojczyk, author Invitingly readable for readers of all ages. —Dr. Jon Geller, Founder, The Street Dog Coalition A testament to the power of compassion and the difference one determined individual can make, young animal lovers will find A Dog Named 647 to be a compelling and important read. —The Children's Book Review ​ ​ ​ Dr. Nancy Kay is an award-winning veterinarian, author, and welfare advocate for animals and the people who love them. With her debut novel, A Dog Named 647 , she draws upon her professional expertise to create an engaging, heartfelt story that will inspire young readers. Themes include: friendship, challenging family dynamics, compassion, antisemitism, and the courage to take a stand for what you believe in.   Dr. Nancy is also the author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life . The book was an Amazon best seller and was featured twice on the National Public Radio show, Fresh Air with Terry Gross.   Dr. Nancy was selected to receive the Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year, a national award presented every year by the American Veterinary Medical Association to one veterinarian whose work exemplifies and promotes the human animal bond.   She also received the American Animal Hospital Association's Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award, presented annually to a veterinarian who has advanced animal welfare through extraordinary service or by furthering humane principles, education, and understanding.   When not writing or caring for animals, Dr. Nancy loves reading, hiking with her dog, digging in her garden, traveling, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She's also actively involved in animal welfare education and community outreach.