Meet GaryAlthaus
A teacher for 35 years, a lifelong games-and-puzzles fan, and a dog lover — Gary turned all three into Canine Capers.
A teacher at heart, a dog lover for life
In Gary’s words
“I wanted to design a unique game and present it in a different way. So I made a book out of it. There’s no other genre like mine.”
With 35 years of experience in the classroom, Gary Althaus brings his lifelong passion for teaching, games, puzzles, and dogs to his debut book, Canine Capers. His love for creativity and canine companions is shared by his family, including his two daughters, three grandchildren, and their playful miniature Aussiepoo. Today, Gary and his wife enjoy splitting their time between their home and sunny Florida, embracing the snowbird lifestyle as they continue exploring new adventures together.
Gary enjoys walking Archie, his dog. He enjoys board games, card games, and word games. When he taught sixth grade, he incorporated a lot of games and puzzles into his teaching.
- Family
- His wife · Two daughters · Three grandchildren · Archie, a playful miniature Aussiepoo
- Favourite pastimes
- Walking Archie, board games, card games and word games.
- Home base
- Gary and his wife split their time between home and sunny Florida — the snowbird lifestyle.
From the classroom to the game table
35 years
In the classroom
Gary spent 35 years teaching. When he taught sixth grade, he incorporated a lot of games and puzzles into his lessons.
A lifelong passion
Games, puzzles & dogs
Teaching, games, puzzles, creativity and dogs — plus board games, card games and word games, and walks with Archie.
August 2025
Canine Capers arrives
His debut book is published: 425 dog-themed games and activities for 3–6 players, ages 11 to 99. Why a book? “I wanted to design a unique game and present it in a different way. So I made a book out of it.”
Event completed
Book signing in Beavercreek, Ohio
A memorable book signing at Barnes & Noble in Beavercreek, Ohio has already taken place — thank you to everyone who joined.
Meet Archie
Archie is the family’s playful miniature Aussiepoo. Gary enjoys walking Archie — a love of dogs that the whole family shares.
Illustrated Archie — a cartoon drawn for this website, not a photograph.
See more photosPlay the book Gary built.
Pick up Canine Capers — 425 dog-themed activities for game nights, road trips and classrooms.
