About the Author – Jo Allen

Jo Allen is a lifelong storyteller, artist, and animal lover living in sunny South Florida. Originally from the picturesque village of Skaneateles in upstate New York, she later lived and worked in Penfield, New York, before relocating to Florida in 2003. Her deep roots in small-town life and love of animals continue to shape her creative voice.

Jo holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Wagner College on Staten Island, where her passion for the arts first took flight. During her junior year, she studied classical music and voice in Bregenz, Austria, deepening her appreciation for culture, creativity, and expression.

She also earned an associate’s degree in advertising and graphic arts from Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY, and pursued graduate studies at Syracuse University in copywriting, fabric design, and psychology—disciplines that now shape her distinctive voice and visual storytelling style.

Over the years, Jo has worked across multiple industries, including printing, information technology, telecommunications, sales and marketing, and software development. In 2007, she founded Media 54 LLC, a creative agency focused on messaging, design, and digital strategy.

Her diverse background and lifelong love of animals—especially her beloved Shih Tzu, Apollo—have inspired this joyful and imaginative collection. Once Upon a Paw is Jo’s literary debut, and a heartfelt tribute to the enduring bond between people and their pets.

Visit the website: www.onceuponapawbook.com