Who we are
We’re two grown-up kids at heart who love our dogs — and all animals, seen or unseen.
In 2025, we founded Kind House Publishing, an independent publishing house devoted to creating books filled with compassion, warmth, and purpose.
We publish children’s picture books full of adventure, imagination, and kindness. Our heartwarming stories feature compelling characters and friendships based on our animal companions. They are comforting books for young readers that also make great bedtime stories, read-aloud picture books, and warm family stories.
Every day, we’re inspired by the heroism shown by animals, children, and yes, a few remarkable adults too. Our goal is to share stories that inspire fearlessness and empathy in all of us.
Our days are also spent doctoring, teaching, and leading a small but mighty global nonprofit. The lessons from those adventures stir our creativity and inspire our dreams of a better world.
Our family, from left to right: Champ, Sugar, Stella, Buster, Wagner, Charlie, Lucy, and Bishop. This piece by WJ Byun was inspired by a photo Nik took when Hope returned from an overseas trip. Though most of our family has passed, our gentle ghosts live on in our hearts and imaginations, and the love and joy they have shared with us embolden our work toward a world where all our kin — human and animal alike — can live freely and fully.
Meet the humans
Hope is a physician and storyteller dedicated to uplifting readers of all ages with messages of compassion and resilience. Her writing is inspired by the real-life individuals — both human and animal — who fill our world with small but powerful acts of kindness and courage.
Nik is a physician and avid reader dedicated to protecting kids and animals everywhere. His adventures have taken him all over the world, but his favorite part of the journey is learning from the amazing people and animals he meets along the way.
Meet the dogs
Champ was a kind, fun-loving, and patient gentleman. He loved meeting new friends.
Charlie was a fun, caring, and easy-going boy. He loved hikes with Champ and Lucy.
Lucy was an empathic, determined, and protective mama. She loved her best friend Sugar and teaching Wagner how to be a dog.
Sugar was a sweet, thoughtful, and loving girl. She loved her best friend Lucy and springing into action.
Buster Bear was a brave, playful, and steadfast king. He loved wrestling with Stella and helping her fit in.
Wagner is an affectionate, mischievous, and curious explorer. He loves eating, sleeping, and snuggling with the pack.
Stella is a lovable, frisky, and confident princess. She loves playing in the snow and chasing ocean waves with her brothers Bishop and Wagner.
Bishop is an endearing, energetic, and loyal friend and brother to Wagner and Stella. He loves long walks and adventures.
All our dogs came from unfortunate circumstances, and every single one of them showed us how kind and resilient they could be. Every day, we try to live up to their example.