Stolen on Valentine's Day, Found by the Whole World: A Tiny Dog's Great Escape Becomes a Bestseller

In partnership with HarperCollins

Oliver was the ideal companion. A Shih Tzu–Yorkie mix with floppy ears and big, round eyes, he lived for car rides, walks, and his squeaky toys above all. For his owner, Steven Carino, Oliver was nothing short of a lifeline.

Steven, of Bedford, NY, lost his mother at 13 and was raised by an alcoholic father. Like countless pet parents, it was his animal companions who delivered the comfort and support he craved, and it was Oliver who taught him that the mightiest force on earth is unconditional love—a lesson learned the hardest way imaginable.

Then, on Valentine's Day 2019, the unthinkable: Oliver was stolen from Steven's car while he was working as a personal driver. Shattered, Steven vowed to bring him home, offering a reward for his safe return and blasting the news across social media and local TV. What he couldn't have dreamed was that the frantic search for Oliver would fire up the collective power of community, kindness and faith in his darkest hour.

That astonishing tale is now the heart of Steven's new book—written with acclaimed co-author Alex Tresniowski—titled 'Oliver: The True Story of a Stolen Dog and the Humans He Brought Together.'

In a chain of near-impossible coincidences, the most unlikely people crossed paths with Oliver and Steven. A community of hardworking immigrants, well-heeled suburbanites, car mechanics, deli staff, old friends, close kin, street cops, gang members, a TV news reporter, and a global army of social-media followers—plus one remarkably talented hairdresser—joined forces, each playing a vital role in Steven's desperate mission to find Oliver.

In the chaos, Steven learned that nobody is ever truly alone—and that the strength of a community can be life-changing. 'In times of personal crisis, people have this amazing ability to come together for the greater good,' he says. 'Hardships may befall you, but you're never alone.'

The book ships in both adult and young-readers editions. Reflecting on the two, Steven says, 'A big difference is that the young readers version adds Oliver's "thoughts." It works like a thought bubble for Oliver. I believe children need to use their imagination—and I also believe dogs are spiritual, thinking beings just like us, so Oliver's "thoughts" lets kids imagine what he might be thinking.'

'Also, in the young readers edition Oliver becomes "more human," a fully sentient character. He feels scared, feels brave, and of course, feels happy!'

Out of Steven and Oliver's ordeal came a warm, hopeful story for readers everywhere. 'Never give up,' says Steven. 'Even when things are hard and you feel all alone, stay strong and push through. In a dire situation, believe that love and compassion are always the best way to handle it.'

'We all had reason to hate during that search,' Steven adds. 'But this isn't a story of revenge. Oliver is a true inspirational story of love conquering hate.'

Oliver: The True Story of a Stolen Dog and the Humans He Brought Together and Oliver for Young Readers: The True Story of a Stolen Dog and the Humans He Brought Together are both available wherever books are sold.

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