Zachary Warter is a storyteller, philanthropist, and leader of the Warter Strong Foundation. A New Jersey native and student at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, Zach is the author of the Otis the Do Happy Dog children’s book series, a collection of stories inspired by his charity's message to “Do Happy”.
What began as a simple idea, to create a story to show kids that happiness is an action, not just a feeling, has evolved into a movement reaching schools, families, and communities across the country.
The series includes Otis the Do Happy Dog, Otis the Do Happy Dog and the Search for the Perfect Seashell, and Otis the Do Happy Dog and the Sunset Chase, each written in playful rhyming verse and brought to life through vibrant illustrations by Chalyn Waguespack, another Tulane student. Each book follows Otis, a curious and kindhearted puppy, as he helps children learn essential life lessons through fun and engaging stories.
Beyond writing, Zach works through the Warter Strong Foundation to expand the Do Happy message, partnering with schools, hosting educational programs, and encouraging young readers to Do Happy. Whether he’s speaking to students, writing new stories, or building the next chapter of the Warter Strong movement, Zach’s mission remains the same: inspire people of all ages to Do Happy every day.
