Richard conceived a story about a young mongrel who dreamed of being a St. Bernard. After several drafts, Richard had the story line for his first book, The Doggonest Christmas.

Richard asked his uncle to illustrate the book, and described Josh, the main character. But when Uncle Charles gave him the first illustrations, Josh looked nothing like what Richard had suggested.

One week later, a dog strayed onto Richard's property, and looked just like the main character. After fruitless attempts to find the owner, Richard adopted the dog and named him Josh.

In 1988, Richard's book skyrocked to success, and he was inundated with requests for school visits. Naturally, everyone wanted Josh to come with him. Richard had not anticipated school visits, which began to seriously conflict with his law practice.

In 1989, Richard realized the opportunity he had been given, and closed his practice. One month later, he and Josh were on the road in a motorhome, visiting schools nationwide. And that has been his life for thirty-five weeks a year since then.

While visiting schools with Josh, Richard decided to make him famous, to show children what a "mutt" can accomplish. Josh was first dog to be grand marshal of a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans; his paw-prints are enshrined in the sidewalk in Opryland, Tennessee; he was first dog to run for President of the United States, actually garnering some votes; and he is recognized by the Guinness Book Of World Records as most-petted dog.

When Josh died in 1997, his obituary was written in PEOPLE MAGAZINE . Josh is succeeded by Recess, The Wonder Dog, a Bearded Collie mix with the perfect temperament for school visits.

Richard was born August 11, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from The American University and the University Of Maryland School Of Law.

While in school, Richard held a variety of jobs, including office clerk, weed puller, ice cream salesman, store announcer, store cashier, fast food handler, U.S. mail carrier, and policeman.