Inspired by NASA, Elon Musk's SpaceX program, Elton John and some of the author's favorite books growing up (including Me and My Flying Machine, The Story of Ferdinand and The Big Orange Splot), Rocket Dog is - on its surface - a lighthearted and inspiring story about space exploration and the friendship between a red bull terrier named Stella and a white bull terrier named Carlos. But the book also touches on deeper issues, including the exploitation of animals for scientific discovery, the complexities of relationships and the conflict that many young children face as they try to figure out where they belong in the world. Rocket Dog allows children to use their imaginations and experience the wonders (and terrors) of space exploration though the eyes of a dog. The story communicates the importance of friendship and encourages children to believe in themselves and always shoot for the stars.