Hi, I’m Dr. Alli Dunlop— I'm a children’s book author-illustrator, mom of four, and a veterinarian. Life is beautifully chaotic in our little corner of Hartland, WI, where my husband Drew and I are turning a 7-acre property into a hobby farm we’ve named Little Willow Farmette. With two dogs, two rats, a tortoise named Hustle, and four very lively daughters (Avery, Hayden, Noa, and Ryleigh), our home is never short on adventure—or noise!

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My journey to veterinary medicine was inspired by my grandfather, a veterinarian himself, and growing up surrounded by animals in the Midwest. For over a decade, I’ve helped pets and their people live their best lives through a blend of traditional and integrative care. But while I spend my days healing animals, it’s my evenings that have turned into an unexpected creative journey.

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You see, I was diagnosed with ADHD at 36—a moment of clarity that helped me understand the struggles (and superpowers!) I’ve carried with me my whole life. For years, my heart dog Gunner was my rock, my confidant, and my constant source of unconditional love through moments of doubt and anxiety. Inspired by him, I wrote my first manuscript, The Dog That Keeps Your Secrets, a heartfelt children’s story about the incredible bond between kids who feel different—like they don’t quite fit in—and the pets who love them just as they are. 

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Here’s the twist: I decided to illustrate the book myself, even though I hadn’t attempted to draw anything since high school art class back in the “olden days” (according to my 6-year-old). So, on December 14, 2024, I picked up a pencil (well, an Apple Pencil) and started teaching myself to draw using free online resources. My nights are now filled with YouTube tutorials and my digital sketchbook, proving it’s never too late to learn something new.

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Since then, I’ve completed several other picture book manuscripts—with many more swirling around in my brain (thank you, ADHD). I can write them faster than I can draw them right now, but I’m working to catch up one sketch at a time.

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My goal? To create stories that help any kid who has ever felt different or misunderstood to know that they are enough. For them to embrace imperfection, know that mistakes are ok, and they are worthy just as they are. I also hope to inspire kids to love and care for animals with the same kindness and understanding they offer us every day. 

 

And for the grown-ups reading along? I want my books to be gentle reminders that it’s okay for parents to be human too. Perfection isn’t the goal—presence is. Modeling imperfection, owning our hard moments, and making space for repair shows our kids something far more powerful than getting it all right. It shows them how to be kind to themselves, and that love doesn’t disappear when things get messy.

 

 Whether it’s writing books, raising my girls, or wrangling my own little zoo, I hope to show others that life is messy, magical, and always worth chasing your dreams—even if it means starting something completely out of your comfort zone.

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Thank you for being on this journey with me!