In 2004 Nicholas A. Welmaker, 18, collaborated with author J. Pat Cowan of Bradenton, Florida, to illustrate her book, “The Adventures of Smart Bart the Guide Dog: Summer Vacation.” The opportunity to illustrate the book coincided admirably with Welmaker’s unwavering interest in drawing, which his parents noticed at age two when he would disappear and entertain himself for hours drawing.

He still spends long, quiet hours drawing and perfecting his characters. The opportunity also provided Welmaker the chance to put into action his knowledge of guide dogs. When he was 15 years old, he served as a volunteer with Puppy Raisers for the Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., a school that breeds, trains, and donates guide dogs to blind recipients. The book may be ordered through Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million. Welmaker is shown here with the book. Photo/Special.