Carolyn Verhoeff

Carolyn Parker Verhoeff (1876–1975) was a Kentucky author, educator, and activist from Louisville. She studied at Vassar College, taught kindergarten, and became known for writing children's books that focused on realistic situations and kindness toward animals. Confirmed titles include All About Johnnie Jones, Four Little Fosters, and Love Me, Love My Dog.

Beyond her books, Verhoeff was active in public life for decades. Sources connect her with the Louisville Woman Suffrage Association and the Kentucky Equal Rights Association, and they also describe her as a committed vegetarian and a leading voice for animal welfare. She later worked on behalf of animals in Louisville, including advocacy related to the treatment of laboratory animals, and an animal care center at the University of Louisville was dedicated in her name in 1963.

Some modern summaries also note that parts of Love Me, Love My Dog contain racial stereotypes typical of its era, so readers may approach it as both a historical work and a reflection of the limits of its time. No suitable verified portrait image was found from the pages reviewed.