Cindy Christiansen and Sprite!

Cindy Christiansen

One of the many things I've come to love about doing these Fido and Friend in Five spotlights is  the journey that led the person and their dog to each other. So many times, it's often almost magical and, dare I say, even spiritual, the way these two beings are brought together in this world.

Such is the case with Cindy and Sprite. Both have their physical challenges, both are fighters, and both have huge hearts. It's not a stretch to say they were meant to be together because they understand and respect
each other. And it's also not a stretch to say they are both inspiring in their own way.

Cindy Christiansen writes wonderfully fun, suspenceful romance novels that often feature dogs. She's a member of the National Romance Writers of America, has published three books which have won numerous awards and legions of fans. Like many of the authors spotlighted on this blog, writing was not Cindy's first profession. She started out in computers and worked her way up as a programmer/analyst for an aerospace company. Although Cindy had always dabbled in writing (plays, short stories, magazine articles), it wasn't until her health came crashing down and she was bedridden that she wrote her first book. Cindy has been diagnosed with over 30 health conditions, but she hasn't let that stop her. "These illnesses can challenge a person both mentally and physically, but that doesn't have to stop me." She takes her inspiration for Laura Hillenbrand, author of Seabiscuit and Unbroken, both books that have sold millions of copies and spent years on the New York Times Best Seller list.

Like Cindy, Hillenbrand also suffers from Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome.

Why does Cindy write the kind of books she writes? As she says, "I believe a book should put you through all  the emotions, provide a happy escape, and also teach you a little something." She says all of her books include dogs because "life wouldn't be life without them."

Let's meet Utah native, Cindy, and her special little dog, Sprite, in today's Fido and Friend in Five:

1. How did you and Sprite find each other?
When my brother passed away, we adopted Smokey, his wonderful Schnauzer. We had him longer than my brother, and was also the last link to my family and our farm. When Smokey died of liver cancer, my little family was heartbroken. Within a week, I went in search of a new puppy to adopt. I usually adopt from shelters, but for some reason, I felt the urge to check out this place called The Puppy Palace near our home here in Utah.

Who says I stink?

The conditions were deplorable! The place smelled horrid, the animals weren't being seen to, and the teenager running things didn't care. (This particular "store" has, thankfully, been closed down).

Although I wanted a female, I spotted this gray fur ball much bigger than the other puppies and asked to see him. He stunk to high heaven. The girl said the was seven months old but, in fact, he was ten months. He had a growth on the side of his head and needed surgery. No one wanted to adopt him. It broke my heart.

I took him home and gave him a bath. He still stunk. Five baths later, he still had a slight ordor. He had surgery to remove the tumor, but we could tell right away there was something different about Sprite. We soon learned that during his first ten months, he had been badly abused, even to the extent of brain damage. At three, he started having seizures and is on multiple medications, all because of the abuse.

Happy boy now!

Sprite abhors any buzzing or beeping sounds, barks constantly at everyone, forgets how to do things he's done before, and doesn't like to be touched unless he touches you. Would I do it again? You bet. Sprite brings a lot of joy to our family and he deserves a good home.

2. What makes Sprite's tail wag?
His tail is nothing more than a stub and that's what we call it. He wags his stub mainly for food. He's a fiend for jelly beans, potato chips and popcorn, although we don't feed him much of anything except his special diet these days.

3. What's your all time favorite dog story?
I've read so many good ones, but the one that sticks out in my mind the most was reading Where the Red Fern Grows. My mom, sister and I got to the end of the book where Old Dan and Little Annie die and not one of us could finish reading it aloud through our sobbing. Finally, my dad had to read it to

Yep, that's me: special!

us and even he got choked up!

4. If Sprite could change just one thing about you, what would that be?
Sprite would love it if I let him sleep on my legs. I think he feels secure that way, almost like a little nest. However, I can't stand to have my legs trapped. I let him do it on naps but not during the night. I think he'd definitely like to change that rule! And maybe get a few more jellybeans now and then :)

5. In five words, tell us what Sprite means to you:
He's challenging, kooky, sweet, innocent, and very special.

I'd say you're both very special, and an inspiration to us all. Be sure to check out Cindy's website to find out more about her and her books!