Meet Dr. Jen
Veterinarian, mom, author, storyteller, animal lover
The Vet Behind Rooster & Squid
Dr. Jen Cole spent more than 25 years caring for dogs and cats in Spring, Texas. These days she writes about them. Her Rooster & Squid books turn real veterinary cases, real pets, and a few real family members into mysteries for young readers.
She lives in The Woodlands, Texas, with her husband, Wil, who is also a veterinarian. They have three children, and the family pets have a habit of ending up in her books.
From Kingwood to Trout Springs
Kingwood, Texas
Jen grows up loving two things: sports and animals.
Texas A&M
She earns a degree in Biomedical Science and plays Division I tennis for the Aggies.
1997
She graduates from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.
Spring, Texas
Jen and Wil practice small-animal medicine side by side for more than 25 years and build two veterinary hospitals. One wins the dvm360 Hospital Design Competition grand prize in 2022.
2022
After a career in the clinic, Jen retires from practice and starts writing.
2024
Bowling Burglar introduces Rooster and Squid to young readers.
Where the idea came from
It Started in the Back Seat
When her kids were little, every car ride came with a stream of facts from the back seat. Dinosaurs smaller than chickens. Slugs with four noses.
It gave Jen an idea. If children had the right facts about animals, they could be the best advocates a pet ever had. She started picturing a different kind of car ride:
“Hey, Mom. Did you know horses can’t burp?”
As told to Texas Veterinarian magazine, August 2025.
Squid, supervising the first draft.
Based on a true family
The Real Family Behind Trout Springs
Almost every character in the series is based on someone in Jen’s life: family, friends, and a few former clients whose names have been changed to protect the innocent.
Gen & Wilson
Two married veterinarians raising three kids. Sound familiar?
Loralie, Jes & Benji
The three Cole kids, back when they were small.
Rooster
Jack, the family’s big-hearted golden retriever.
Squid
Luigi, a gray cat with plenty of opinions.
Waylon
Nelli, a black Lab, as a puppy.
Benji
The lovable bulldozer, exactly as described.
Lugnut
Huckleberry, the real dog behind Lugnut.
Five Things to Know About Dr. Jen
She played Division I tennis for Texas A&M.
She comes from a family of storytellers, and says she can embellish a tale with the best of them.
Her husband, Wil, is a veterinarian too.
Her favorite characters are Rooster and Squid. She calls them the perfect pair.
Her favorite book in the series is Angel Wings, book 14, which helps children through the loss of a pet.
Dr. Jen and Nelli.
Why the facts are real
Still a Vet at Heart
Every Rooster & Squid story has real medicine in it: bee stings, cataracts, heartworms, chocolate. Each book ends with pet tips and animal facts from someone who spent a career treating the real thing.
Jen believes kids can be some of the best advocates their pets will ever have. They just need the right information, and a good story to carry it.
As for the writing itself, she calls it her great escape.
Schools, libraries, conferences, podcasts
Bring Dr. Jen to You
Jen visits schools and libraries to talk with young readers about writing, animals, and what a veterinarian really does. She also speaks at conferences and joins podcasts and interviews.
She has been featured in Texas Veterinarian magazine and dvm360, and on the Choose People Love Pets and Irreplaceable Truths podcasts.
Signing books at an event.
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Keep Exploring Trout Springs
Meet Rooster and Squid, discover their latest adventure, and find your next favorite book.