Poplar Bluffian Michele Webb started cultivating the idea for her book “Dexter Fittin’ In” a few years ago, but her fast-paced career limited her time to write.
Working in a global business world for 35-plus years, Webb’s career with American Express normally keeps her life filled with travel as well as virtual meetings.
She and her husband, David, met while students at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, but moved to the eastern United States for their careers and to be near family. Her job provides an opportunity for her to live wherever she wants. They chose to return to their roots in Southeast Missouri a few years ago to be closer to family members and David, who always worked in social services as a residential director, had an opportunity to work with the veterans in the area.
COVID-19 began changing the way most people work, slowing down travel and adding Zoom meeting to nearly everyone’s world. Virtual meetings were old hat to Webb and less travel made it possible for her to put her words on paper and share her message of finding a way to belong.
Her story centers around adopting a rescue dog, Dexter, as a friend for her dog, but Webb intertwines life experiences into the story often sharing details from her own life.
She did adopt a rescue puppy to be friends with her own dog, Reilly, a Yorkshire Terrier.
“I wanted him to have company. So we went in and we looked at all kinds of dogs, and at the end of the day, he really had no connection until we found a rescue in a swimming pool. He sniffed his ear and I said, ‘Hey, you got a buddy.’”
Once they got home “it was just interesting to observe how he was trying so hard to fit into this new environment,” Webb said. “I was sitting there observing this, it’s like, ‘wow, this is what happens, not only with puppies, but people in general, children and blended families.’ I witnessed this through this puppy and that’s what made me write the book.”
Webb writes, “Dexter is a story about a rescued puppy that is brought into a new family and is trying to find his place and space. Dexter works hard to please his new brother, Reilly, and emulate him as much as possible, sometimes successfully, others not so. This story is meant to be a guide to all those children, adolescents (preteens/teens) and even young adults finding themselves in new situations and having to figure out how to fit and blend in. By viewing these situations through the eyes of a puppy, it may take away some of the fear, preconceived thoughts, and roadblocks that often delay or inhibit embracing new situations.”
While COVID-19 created the time for Webb to finish her book, several other writers had the same idea, which delayed its publication. Now published, Webb is working with area schools about sharing it to help children who are joining new or blended families and new environments figure out how to fit in.
Webb, who has held a book signing, will consider offering others in a COVID-safe environment.
“Our environment we’re in right now, our whole country, our whole worlds are so divided,” Webb said. “I think this is a great book, because it’s non-confrontational. It’s something that should just be a normal reading for a child, of where you see people of color going to the vet, going about life and presenting them as they are. That’s how people absorb and grow acceptance. It can help kids try to figure out different environments. It’s a great thing.”
Readers who wish to experience this work can purchase “Dexter Fittin’ In” at bookstores everywhere or online at the Apple Books store, Amazon, Google Play, Barnes and Noble or, if they order through Webb, michelewebbinc.com. They’ll receive a signed copy of the book.
For additional information, contact 866-315-2708.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Poplar Bluffian Michele Webb’s book “Dexter Fittin’ In” will be read in each of Poplar Bluff Elementary School’s second grade classrooms as well as being placed in the elementary school libraries. Second grade students will have a chance to chat with Webb. The announcement recently was made by Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Patty Robertson to the principals. Copies of her book have been acquired for each second grade class.