Bobbie Pyron

Love Letters...

2012-01-29T13:17:00.000-08:00

Every author loves getting letters from their readers! These days, most of the fan letters I get from readers of A Dog's Way Home come in the form of email. But yesterday I received this lovely letter and drawing from Jacquelyn in Texas. We had corresponded a bit on email after she read my book. I was so touched by her passion for my book and for dogs, I sent her a signed copy of A Dog's Way Home. Connecting with readers means way more to me than winning any awards. It really is why I write! Even though, as Jacquelyn says, we are very far from each other, I feel I have a new BFF in Texas.

Fido and Friend in Five: Thanhha Lai and Pico!

2012-01-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

All of us in the library world and, to some degree, the children's author world, anxiously await the announcement from the American Library Association about the year's big winners. So many prestigious awards are announced at their mid-winter conference: The Michael Printz Award, the Coretta Scott King award, and the highly coveted Newbery and Caldecott awards. Every year we all comprise our own lists of winners and honors. Once the awards are announced, we cheer for our favorites and shake our heads over the ones overlooked and the ones not on anyone's radar.

I cheered loudly yesterday when it was announced that debut author, Thanhha Lai, had won a Newbery Honor for her breathtakingly and heartbreakingly beautiful book, Inside Out and Back Again. This is probably my favorite children's book of the year. It has all the elements of a perfect book I look for: spare yet evocative writing, strong voice, bravery, a dash of humor, multi-faceted characters, and honesty. I'm not the only one thinking this is an almost perfect book: Lai's semi-autobiographical novel in verse also won the prestigious National Book Award!

Like Thanhha herself, the main character in Inside Out and Back Again, flees her home in South Vietnam with her family just before the fall of Saigon in 1975 when she is ten. They eventually land in Alabama, where Ha, the narrator of this evocative story, goes from being a secure, brave, and smart girl to feeling just the opposite. It was a pure pleasure to watch Ha and her family, over the course of a year, gradually adapt in their new home. As Lai said in a recent School Library Journal interview, it took her closer to a decade for "confusion to turn to hope" in her new life in America.

It took Lai fifteen years to write Inside Out and Back Again. During that time, she acquired degrees in journalism and writing, a husband, a daughter, and a lovely white Havanese named Pico. I can't begin to tell you how honored I am to have Thanhha and Pico in today's Fido and Friend spotlight!

1. How did you and Pico find each other? My previous dog, Kiki, just died and the house was so quiet and sad that I knew I had to have another dog, ASAP. The next day, we found a breeder in Brooklyn. She brought out three puppies and one ran straight to us and started biting my sleeves. He was growling and wagging his tail and head-butting me. Oh, that milky puppy smell and those dart-like puppy teeth. I looked at my husband and said, "That's our dog."

2. What makes Pico's tail wag? It doesn't take much: door bell ringing. After venturing to the backyard for even a minute, wags for a chicken stick. My daughter (his sister) coming home on the school bus. Any dog. Any human. Any squirrel. The mention of the word "chicken." Package crinkling from any kind of cheese. Anything at all.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? The first book I read in English was Where the Red Fern Grows. The image of two hounds forever resting side by side has been seared into my consciousness.

4. If Pico could change just one thing about you, what would it be? Oh, he wouldn't be able to pick just one. There's my habit of bringing him along on jogs so he could file down his nails. He would rather be pushed along in a stroller, preferably with the shade down. And the nails, well, why worry about such silly things. Then there's my other annoying habit of cutting his fur and bathing him. He fancies himself a hippie scholar who's above looks and hygiene. This is why he bites professional groomers. Of course, there's the indignity of not sitting at the table with everyone else and not having a steak or chicken fillet all to himself. And the worst offense of all: leaving him home alone to look longingly out the bay window. Goodness, don't I understand he needs to be out and about to deepen his study of all things living and dead, especially sun-baked worms?

5. In five words, tell us what Pico means to you: He is my only son.

Many, many thanks to Thanhha and Pico for visiting Fido and Friend in Five! I'd say The Year of the Dragon is off to an auspicious start!

Fido and Friend in Five: Jennifer Jordan and Harry!

2012-01-13T09:25:00.000-08:00

Jen at base of K2

Several months ago, I had the great good fortune to share the spotlight with two amazing women at the Utah chapter of the American Association of University Women's annual fundraiser. One of the women, Donna McAleer, you already met in a previous Fido and Friend post.

Today I'm going to introduce you to Jennifer Jordan and her dog, Harry. Let me tell you, Jennifer is one amazing person. Seriously, this woman has done everything! She's an award-winning author, filmmaker, screenwriter, with many years of experience as a journalist, broadcast producer, TV news anchor, NPR anchor and, not surprisingly, motivational speaker. She's also had more world-wide adventures than you can shake a stick and, and she's a great dresser. And she's tall. And gorgeous. If you don't believe all this, check out her website. I'm just giving you the tip of the iceberg here! Oh, and she's lived my fondest fantasy: being interviewed by NPR star, Diane Rehm.

Savage Summit

In 2005, Jennifer wrote the highly acclaimed Savage Summit: The Life and Death of the First Women on K2, which won all kinds of awards. She also created, wrote, and co-produced a documentary based on her book for National Geographic.

Her second book, Last Man on the Mountain, was released in 2010. Her book tells the story of Dudley Wolfe, the first man to die on K2 during an ill-fated 1939 expedition. Now I have to tell you just a bit about how she literally stumbled across Wolfe's story. In 1999, Jennifer was hiking on a glacier below K2 when she came across Wolfe's remains--sixty-three years after he disappeared on the mountain. Can you believe that? This is just the way her life is. Jennifer is currently at work on a screenplay based on this book.

So as you can imagine, I was thoroughly intimidated by this larger-than-life person the evening I met her. Until the subject turned to dogs. I asked Jennifer if she had a dog. Her face turned all soft and tender and she said, "Oh yes, I have the most wonderful, beautiful dog named Harry." I knew we'd be okay. Not surprisingly, Harry is a Border Collie--probably the only breed who could keep up with this woman. Jennifer has written a delightful children's story about Harry. She and Harry share their life and home in the foothills of Salt Lake City with Jeff Rhoades, cinematographer, adventurer, and husband.

Harry's Eyes

1. How did you and Harry find each other? Harry and his brother were left in a box on the steps of the Pocatello pound when they were just weeks old. My husband, Jeff, saw him first and called me saying, "You are not going to believe the eyes on this puppy. He's going to be a great dog." He was right.

2. What makes Harry's tail wag? Greeting his friends, both two and four-legged, doggie walks, car rides, and the mailman.

Hiking with Mom

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Good Dog, Carl, a children's book with less than ten words. As a writer, I love filling in the story for whichever child I'm reading to. And the illustrations are priceless.

4. If Harry could change just one thing about you, what would it be? He would love if I became a recluse, leaving the house only to take him on doggie walks in the hills above us.

5. In five words, tell us what Harry means to you: Love, kindness, acceptance, sweetness, heart.

Boating with Mom

Thanks so much to Jennifer and Harry for taking time out to visit with us. We're all looking forward to your next adventure!

"Life With Shelties Means..." winner Tina Towers and her pack!

2012-01-10T07:59:00.001-08:00

All dogs, but (in my humble opinion) particularly shelties, do so much to brighten our lives. They seem to not only understand our moods, but to know just what to do to make us feel better. Whether we've been gone for five minutes or five days, they make our home-coming all the sweeter. U.K native, Tina Towers, captured this perfectly in her winning poem, "Life with Shelties."

Tina's BFFs: Amy and Bella

Life with a Sheltie

Life with a Sheltie is a special time,
I thank God that I have mine.
They brighten up the saddest days,
with all their funny Sheltie ways.
The love we share is just the best,
having them with me I feel blessed.
I love to watch them run and play,
living together just makes my day.
If ever I am feeling low,
they show me how they love me so.
All they want is to be by your side,
having them in my life fills me with pride.
Shelties are so loyal and your best friend,
they will always help your heart to mend.
They are without a doubt the best-est breed,
just your love and kindness is all they need.
I just cannot wait to come back home,
because with my Sheltie friends I am not alone.
Their Sheltie grin and the way they run,
fills our lives with such great fun.

They can do tricks and love to give you their paw,
some will pick up your mail coming through the door.
They are so loyal and they love to please,
living with them is such great ease.
The best-est thing that I do know,
is how much I really love them so.
So if your life feels empty all you need to do,
is to get a Sheltie to share life with you.
xxx

Thanks so much to Tina for sharing her love of shelties! Tina and her two gorgeous girls, Amy and Bella, have received a signed copy of A Dog's Way Home. So happy to know Tam and Abby have found a home "across the pond."

Fido and Friend in Five: Alan Lazar and His Pack of Poodles!

2012-01-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

One of the things I've enjoyed so much about doing this blog over the past ten months is all of the interesting new friends (both four-footed and two) I've made. So I'm happy to start out a whole new year of Fido and Friend in Five by introducing you to a very special Fido and Friend guest!

Alan Lazar didn't start out as an author. Alan was born in South Africa where he played keyboard and produced with the multi-platinum selling band Mango Grove. The band had the distinct honor of performing at the inauguration of Nelson Mandela. He later traveled to the U.S as a Fulbright scholar and got his MFA at the USC Film School. Alan has scored more than 30 films and TV shows including (hold on to your hats) Sex in the City and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Seriously! Didn't I tell you I've met the most interesting folks through this blog?

Love this cover!

Now Alan has turned author. His first book, Roam, just came out with Simon and Schuster. Roam is an adult novel after my own heart. It's the story of the amazing bond between a young dog, Nelson, and his Girl. One day, a young, curious Nelson follows his nose through the gate, out of his yard and away from his beloved Girl for eight years! You'll be amazed how many miles that dog travels during those years! And the really cool thing about Roam is Alan wrote a seven-part soundtrack to go along with Nelson's adventures which is embedded in the text. Can you believe that?

Alan lives in Los Angeles with his family and three poodles, Nelson, Chicky, and Milan. Let's meet this Renaissance man and his pack of poodles in today's Fido and Friend in Five.

1. How did you and your dogs find each other? We have three dogs--the "real" Nelson, Chicky (short for Chiquita Lulu) and Milan. All three are poodles--Nelson and Chicky are apricot in color, and Milan is white. At the time our dogs entered our lives (Chicky is almost 20 now), we regrettably didn't know much about animal rescue efforts, and so Nelson and Chicky were purchased from pet stores. Discovering poodles was a big deal for me, as they're hypoallergenic. I adore all dogs, and regularly find myself sneezing from hugging long-haired dogs I shouldn't. So finding out I could live with poodles quite happily was big news for me.

Nelson and Chicky bred, and had five pups, one of which we kept: Milan. She was first out in the litter and a voracious eater. Shortly afterwards some friends educated us about why breeding was not a good idea, and all three of our dogs were fixed. Although we wouldn't breed again knowing what we know now, it has been special seeing Milan grow up with his mom, Chicky. They still sleep together every night, and Milan often lies on her back and lets Chicky lick her just like when she was a pup.

2. What makes your dogs tails wag? Seeing one of the family enter the kitchen is generally enough to get our dogs' tails wagging furiously in the hope of a tasty morsel. Hearing their leashes clink as we take them out of our special dog closet is also enough to cause an eruption of happiness from our three pooches in anticipation of a walk. But most of all, it's a family member close by, ready for a cuddle, that makes their tails wag.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog book? 101 Dalmatians. I loved the story when I was a kid, and still love it! Cruella da Ville remains one of the most awesome villains (villainesses?) out there. I love the way the smart canines outwit her. If it wasn't for my allergies, I'd own a Dalmatian.

4. If your dogs could change just one thing about you, what would it be? I think all three of our dogs would prefer I didn't have to work, and could just spend all my time with them.

5. In five words, tell us what your dogs mean to you: Daily reminder what love is.

Thanks to Alan, Chicky, Nelson and Milan for visiting with us today! Be sure and check out Alan's website to find out more about him. You can also see the different jacket covers for ROAM for the foreign editions, and see what Alan's doing to help dogs less fortunate than his.

Chiquita LuLu, We'll Miss You

Sadly, Alan just informed me that Chicky recently passed away. He and the rest of the family miss her terribly. I want to dedicate this post to the sweet Chiquita LuLu, always and forever in her humans' hearts.

"Life With Shelties Means..." winner Cynthia and her pack!

2012-01-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

As you may recall, in December I had an essay contest for sheltie lovers. Teddy chose three winners who all received a signed copy of A Dog's Way Home. I'll be posting the winning essays (plus some of the others I received) from time to time so we can all enjoy the joy of sheltie life!

Here is Cynthia Anderson's winning essay about her life with her three shelties: DunKen, Jim Dandy, and Jadie. I think you'll find yourself smiling and nodding in agreement as you read along. Enjoy!

Jim Dandy, Jadie, DunKen (L-R)

I will start back when I got my DunKen, who is 11 and 1/2 years old and whom I brought home when he was 8 weeks. My husband had died in 1990 and after trying to put my life back into some kind of order for the following 9 years and not really being very happy on my own, I decided to get a dog. I had always loved collies but had a small place so I decided on a sheltie after I had researched their temperament and needs. That sheltie was my DunKen and he has been my heart dog and protector for all these years.

What I want to say first is, life with a sheltie means a lot of hair. Brushing and grooming is a priority and no matter how well that is done the house still has wispy sheltie decor along the edges of the floors and on anything where it can cling. It also means having responsibility for another little life; feeding and exercising, training in good sheltie manners and having thought for this little soul when you travel and work. DunKen was lucky because he could go to work with me for the first four years of his life and this time together cemented the close bond we have had.

Life with a sheltie though, more than the day to day needs and chores is most of all, the adoration I see in his eyes when he seems to look right into my soul. And the happy little dance, complete with a squeaky for accompaniment, whenever I come home. It means never being alone, and having a loving companion to whom I can pour out my deepest thoughts and who is never judgmental, but always giving and forgiving, because I am not always the very best human he could have chosen but he never lets me know that. He loves without conditions and has taught me volumes about loyalty. I have three now and they have very different personalities but as all shelties they are so very loyal and loving. This is LIFE with a sheltie.

My New Friends, Molly and Harley

2011-12-22T11:47:00.000-08:00

This will probably be my last blog post of 2011. It's been an extraordinary year! A Dog's Way Home came out in March and has amassed a lot of fans. Abby and Tam's story has brought me many new friends from all over who've written to me to tell me how much they loved the book. That, more than foreign sales and film rights, is what makes all those lonely and sometimes difficult hours at the computer worth while.

I can think of no better way to end the year of blogging than by sharing my most recent friend I've made and her beloved sheltie. Molly read A Dog's Way Home and loved it so much, she did her school book report on it and created this gorgeous painting inspired by the book. Her proud papa, Tom, contacted me and sent me a picture of Molly, her art work, and her sheltie buddy, Harley. Needless to say, his note and photo moved me to tears and made me very proud too!

Tom wrote: "Here is a picture of my Daugter Molly and Harley. Molly did a 5th grade book report on A dogs way home. As part of the report each student had to do a picutre from the story. Molly painted in watercolors a picture of Tam the Sheltie and a Coyote watching the moon over the mountains. Molly got an A on her report she is a very talented artist and has been entered in many comptitons and won a few awards. I am very proud of her (and Harley too)!"

"Life With a Sheltie Means..." Winners!

2011-12-20T08:01:00.000-08:00

"My turn! No, my turn!"

I had ten wonderful essays and even poems celebrating life with shelties! They were all heartwarming, funny, and passionate about this wonderful breed we share our lives with.

As I read through the essays and poems, I realized there was no way I could choose the three best--they were all "best"! So I figured the fair thing to do was draw three names out of a hat. And who better to do that than my dogs! But the three didn't quite get the concept of lining up and each choosing a name one at a time. I made an executive decision (being their Girl and all) and designated Teddy as the chooser of names. After all, Teddy, at just weeks from being 13, is Senior Dog.

Teddy chooses....

And now to announce the three winners! These three will each receive a signed copy of my book, A Dog's Way Home:

Cynthia Anderson
Tina Towers
Julie Griffin

I'll be contacting you to get your mailing address so I can send you your book. I would also like to post everyone's essays and poems individually on my blog during the next few months. I will not post your full name or contact information. Please let me know if you prefer not to have your entry posted.

Many thanks to everyone for entering! I'll be making a donation to Sheltie Rescue of Utah for $60.00 in all of your and your shelties' honor.

Fido and Friend in Five: Donna McAleer and Col. Thayer!

2011-12-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

Donna McAleer

In October, I was asked to be one of three featured authors at the annual fund raiser for the Utah chapter of the American Association of University Women. The three of us were to talk on the theme of finding our passion. The other two authors, both amazing women with recently published books, were Jennifer Jordan and Donna McAleer. As the three of us talked before the program started the subject inevitably came round to dogs. As it turned out, they both have much adored dogs. I knew there was I reason I connected with them both right away!

Now when you first meet Donna, she is rather quiet and just sort of taking in everything around her. So imagine my surprise when I learned straight away that she is a West Point graduate and served as an Army officer! Okay, and not only is she a West Point grad, she finished 4th in the women's bobsled trials for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games team! Donna is also a ski instructor, and inspirational/motivational speaker. In the past, she's also worked as a non-profit executive director, high school coach, and lots of other things.

Donna recently added author to that list of achievements. Inspired by her time at West Point and as a U.S. Army officer, she wrote Porcelain on Steel: Women of West Point's Long Gray Line. Her book is an insider's look at that male-dominated, storied institution that produces leaders for our military and nation. She also presents the long-overlooked history of women at West Point. Porcelain on Steel was the 2010 Gold Medal Winner for the Military Writers Society of America.

Donna, her husband, and daughter Carly, share their home and love of the outdoors in Park City with their faithful companion, Colonel Thayer. Donna took out time from her very busy schedule to talk with me a bit about her very sweet Colonel.

Donna, Carley, Thayer

1. How did you and Colonel Thayer find each other? At a summer bar-b-que. In the spring of 2000, Ted, my husband and I began talking about getting a dog. Park City, Utah is a dog lover's paradise with lots of trails and open space. Invited to a bbq by my yoga instructor, we met our soon-to-be faithful four-legged companion. At some distance from the grill, several bales of hay made a large circle where two playful puppies wrestled and looked longingly for some human affection and belly scratches. They caught Ted's attention. He asked Natalie, the host, to whom the cute dogs belonged. Natalie explained that the neighbor had an unexpected litter (a mix of Vizula's and yellow labs) and was looking for good homes for the puppies. And then asked if he wanted one! Ted found me and said, "You have got to see these five-week-old puppies looking for a home." Ted turned to me and said emphatically, "We have to take one!" Astonished, I replied, "You are crazy! I'm leaving for a four-week training camp in Lake Placid (for bobsled) in less than a month." He responded, "You never do anything spontaneous. We have to take one. You drive and I'll hold the dog." Some people leave parties with full bellies, with new friends, with a little too much alcohol--we left with a puppy. Upon arriving at home, we realized we had nothing for a puppy. We made a bed out of a box and blanket. The puppy whimpered nearly all night. The next morning I called Natalie to double check that the dog's owner was truly looking for a family. Natalie assured me they were. Then she asked, "What did you name him?" Quickly I responded, "Thayer." After a long pause, she said, "As in Colonel Sylvanus Thayer?" "Exactly," I said. "How do you know about him?" "I'm a direct descendant of his," she said. "Thayer is my middle name" We were meant to be together!

As an aside, Colonel Sylvanus Thayer (June 9, 1785-Sept. 7, 1872) is known as "the Father of West Point." Both Ted and I are graduates of West Point. We wanted our canine companion to have a name of military historic significance. Eisenhower had too many syllables.

2. What makes Thayer's tail wag? Trail running, hiking, snowshoeing, any flavor of ice cream and moose droppings.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? It's too difficult to pick just one! Call of the Wild, by Jack London, Stetson the Park City Dog, by Jeanne Heil, a wonderfully illustrated book about an abandoned dog who becomes a ski patrol dog in Park City. The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. Enzo, the dog narrator of the book is soul mates with Thayer.

4. If the Colonel could change just one thing about you, what would it be? That I ran faster and didn't spend so much time in front of an illuminated screen, writing.

5. In five words, tell us what Thayer means to you: Unconditional love, steadfast companionship, never-ending entertainment and absolute confidence. I tell Thayer everything! (am I permitted to be wordy?) Yes :)

To find out more about Donna and her really inspiring book, visit her website. Truly, I just touched the tip of the iceberg! To read an in-depth review of her
book check out http://jwlbooks.com/jack-london-reviews/porcelain-on-steel-women-of-west-points-long-gray-line/

"Life With A Sheltie Means..." Contest and Giveaway!

2011-12-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

Okay all you sheltie lovers out there, this is your last week to enter! I've had eight entries so far in the essay contest and I want more! As an extra enticement, I'm upping the number of winners who will receive a signed copy of my book to three. I'm also going to donate $5.00 to Sheltie Rescue of Utah for every entry I receive, rather than two dollars.

Your entry can be as an essay, poem, or short story, but it needs to be 350 words or less. Please send a photo of your sheltie(s) along with your entry. I'll be posting these on my blog after the holidays.

Send your entry and photo to bobbie.pyron@gmail.com

All entries must be received by Dec. 17th! Let's celebrate life with shelties and help other shelties in need!

Fido and Friend in Five: Chris Grabenstein and Fred!

2011-12-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

Fred and Chris

I've had quite a few "firsts" on Fido and Friend in Five. Gareth and Jack were my first duo from another country. Jeff Crosby was the first author/illustrator I had in the spotlight. And Kate Morgan Jackson was the first editor. Today's spotlight brings yet another first for Fido and Friend in Five: a dog who was a Broadway star! And not only was Fred the dog a stage actor, but his person, Chris, was once an improvisational comedian!

Neither of this duo graces the stage any longer, but that doesn't mean that don't appear in the spotlight (other than this one) from time to time. Chris spent nearly twenty years writing commercials for ad agencies. Some of his commercial spots include 7-Up, KFC, Dr. Pepper, Miller Lite, and others. It was while writing ads that Chris's writing talent was discovered by none other than James Patterson! At that time, Patterson was Chris's Creative Director at J. Walter Thompson Advertising.

Chris's writing career expanded to writing screenplays. He co-wrote the screenplay for the CBS-TV movie THE CHRISTMAS GIFT, starring John Denver. He also wrote scripts for "The Muppets." He has gone on to write award-winning mysteries for both adults and middle grade readers. The Black Heart Crypt, his latest middle grade mystery, caught my eye and led me to Chris's website where I saw his picture with the most handsome Fred!

Broadway Star!

Fred's story is every bit as amazing as Chris's. Fred was an abandoned puppy trying to survive on the streets in the Bronx when he was taken to a "kill shelter." Fortunately for all of us, Fred was rescued by Hollywood dog trainer, Bill Berloni. Fred was trained to star in the Broadway production of "Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang." When the production closed, Fred moved up to Berloni's Connecticut home and lived with the trainer's other 15 dogs, all of whom have starred on stage and screen and were shelter rescues. We'll find out in our chat with Fred and Chris how Fred came to live in Manhattan with Chris, his wife and two cats. That doesn't mean, though, that Fred has avoided the spotlight. The New York Daily News ran an article about Fred in 2010, and he has his own book, Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars, by William Berloni and James Hanrahan.

Fred in his office

So let's meet this most interesting duo in today's Fido and Friend in Five:

1. How did you and Fred find each other? Thanks to a friend who works in animal rescue with my wife, we were put in touch with famed Broadway animal trainer, Bill Berloni, who volunteers at the New York Humane Society. Fred had just completed a run on stage in the Broadway musical, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" with six other dogs, and wanted his own forever home. We feel very lucky to have a star licking our faces.

Fred & Bernadette Peters

2. What makes Fred's tail wag? People! Fred loves meeting folks. We call him the mayor of 81st Street.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? I love the story about the dog who waited for his human friend at the train station in Japan every night for years after the man had passed away. (Hachiko: A Dog Story)

4. If Fred could change just one thing about you, what would it be? He would change my face into a rump roast.

Best Buds Forever

5. Tell us in five words what Fred means to you: Joyful friend who's always happy.

Many thanks to these two amazing guys for visiting with us on
Fido and Friend in Five! Watch for Chris's new book, RILEY MACK
AND THE OTHER KNOWN TROUBLEMAKERS due out soon!

Lessons from an Old Dog

2011-11-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

I live in a town that runs on adrenalin. Road biking, mountain biking, trail running, skate skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding--everybody is going fast, fast, and faster! Everyone in Park City is in training for something, whether it really is the next Olympics or some long-held dream they've had. The results of this is that people here are very fit, keep many orthopedic surgeons hopping, and don't have time to just stop and "visit."

Now as you may or may not know, I was born and raised in the part of the country that perfected the art of "visiting." Folks in the South love to just sit around on the porch or chat on the sidewalk and catch up. We'll talk about anything--the weather, the kids, the parents, the garden, the dogs, local politics--but never money or religion. Sure we may be in a hurry to get somewhere, but never too busy to stop and talk, even if for just a few minutes. So adjusting to this fast town has been a challenge for me.

There's a little walk I do every couple of days with my dogs along a beautiful stream near our house. The last couple of years, I've referred to this particular walk as our "Teddy walk." Teddy is my almost 13-year-old sheltie. He's too old now for long or fast hikes, let alone trail running. But this little amble along the stream suits him just fine. There are soooo many new smells each time we go out, so many things to pee on, and oh, the sun feels good on his back! The other two (younger) dogs chase each other up and down the trail or hunt mice over in the field. I amble along with Teddy, letting his nose do for him what his eyes and ears, and hips can no longer do. What he can do is enough.

For the last several years, I've seen a couple running on this trail along the creek almost every time I've been out on it. No matter what the weather (and we get some pretty horrible weather here at 7,000 feet) they were out running what I suspected was about a 5-mile loop. A quick flip of one hand or a gasping "hello" was about all they slowed down for when they'd see me and the dogs. Although once, the woman said to me as she ran past, "You need to run with those dogs!" Of course, she didn't stop so that I could explain about Teddy. About a week ago, I saw someone walking towards us on the trail. When the person got closer, I realized it was the woman from the running couple--and she was not running! She actually stopped to say hello. She told me she'd had knee surgery six weeks before and was unable to run. She whined and whined about how awful life is without running, and how she just hates getting old.

At one point, she reached down to pet Teddy who was nuzzling her knee. "Why he's really a nice dog, isn't he?" she said. "He is indeed," said I. "He's almost thirteen and can't hear a thing. He can't run and chase the other dogs anymore but he doesn't care. He just loves to be out smelling everything and being with me." We all strolled along the stream for quite a while--the two younger dogs chasing and hunting, Teddy, the woman and I talking and taking in small things. When we got to my house, I said to the woman, "I'm sad for you that you can't run, but I've really enjoyed getting to know you!" She agreed. She reached down again and petted Teddy. "I need to learn from this old boy," she said. "I need to learn to not look back at what I used to be able to do, and just enjoy what I can do."

Amazing how an old dog can teach us new tricks!

Thanks and Giving

2011-11-24T09:06:00.000-08:00

Madison, Brian, Shay

Todd

There are so many, many blessings in my life--things I am forever thankful for. I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband and his children who have added a richness to my life I could never have imagined. I am so thankful for my dogs. They have inspired me in so many ways, and have gotten me through many a dark night of the soul. They have also brought people into my life who would otherwise not have crossed my path.

Kate Morgan & Dixie

Cynthia Lord & Milo

I am so very thankful to all the authors and their dogs over the past six months who have taken time out of their busy lives to visit my funny little blog and share their stories. Each and every spotlight has made me laugh, made me nod my head in understanding, and deepened my understanding of what dogs give to us. I hope, in return, answering The Five Fido and Friends questions has given these authors a moment to think of what their dogs mean to them.

Patty MacLachlan & BFFs

Ann Cannon & Zoe

I wish everyone--two footed and four footed--a peaceful holiday filled with thanks and giving.

Me and The Pack

Fido and Friend in Five: Cat Urbigkit and Rena!

2011-11-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

Cat Urbigkit

In a book I read and loved this year, A Dog's Purpose, a young dog goes through several life times wondering just what his purpose is in life. Now, I personally believe every dog's purpose is to show us what unconditional love is. But there are dogs who are born knowing exactly what their purpose in life is. Cat Urbigkit's dog, Rena, is one of those. She is an Akbash--one of several breeds of dog who's purpose in life is to protect livestock. Cat's latest children's book, The Guardian Team: On the Job with Rena and Roo, follows two very different creatures--a dog and a burro. Roo is an orphaned wild burro taken in by Cat and her husband; Rena is the runt of the recent litter. Through Cat's heartwarming text and gorgeous photographs, we witness the two overcome their differences through their mutual passion to protect Urbigkit's sheep out on the vast Wyoming plains.

Cat has written six award-winning children's books about life out on the plains. These books are beautifully illustrated by her photos and clear, engaging text. Some of her previous books include Path of the Pronghorn, Brave Dogs, Gentle Dogs, and The Shepherd's Trail. Cat lives what she writes about on her ranch in Wyoming. Cat is also the author of a Wolf Watch news blog, and is a contributing writer to Stephen Bodio's Querencia nature blog. You can also view a gallery of her photos on her website.

I caught up with Cat and Rena during rare break in their sheep-tending, ranch duties to talk about their relationship on this week's Fido and Friend in Five:

Rena on the job

1. How did you and Rena find each other? We raise livestock protection dogs here on our western Wyoming sheep ranch, so I usually have a litter of puppies every year. A few years ago, with the success of my first children's book, Brave Dogs, Gentle Dogs: How They Guard Sheep, I decided I wanted a dog I could take to schools and libraries--and ambassador dog, so people could actually meet a livestock protection dog. I had a litter of seven puppies that year, and there was the sweetest little female pup that I knew people would love. But no, my husband talked me into picking the runt of the litter, Rena, who was always in fights with her siblings. She's sweet with her sheep, but the rest of her family members must face her wrath if she's not happy. For example, if I've done something she doesn't like, Rena will come up behind me and gently bite me on the butt, reminding me that she needed to get even!

A little lamb love

2. What makes Rena's tail wag? Rena loves babies of all kinds, but especially baby lambs. Livestock protection dogs have been bred for thousands of years to guard livestock from predators. Rena is no exception when it comes to her adoration and loyal protectiveness for those in need of a guardian. She'll lay down with a ewe that's going into labor, or watch over an orphan lamb I've brought into the house to warm up.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Is it horrible that my favorites make me cry, every single time I read them? For novels it's Wilson Rawl's Where the Red Fern Grows. For stories, it's Corey Ford's 1964 The Road to Tinkhamtown. Ford's piece can be read on line at http://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/hunting/2010/04/fs-classic-original-unedited-manuscript-corey-fords-road-tinkhamtown

4. If Rena could change just one thing about you, what would it be? Rena would like me to not screech so loudly and run away when she tries to share her treasures with me. She would like my reaction to be a bit more enthusiastic when she brings me things like dead prairie dogs, or when she tries to rub against me to share the dead-skunk smell she's worked so hard to perfect.

5. In five words, tell us what Rena means to you: Working partner, mischievous family member.

Thanks so much to Cat and Rena for visiting Fido and Friend in Five! Be sure to visit Cat's website to see more of her photos, find out about her other books, and learn more about the wolves of Yellowstone.

"Life With A Sheltie Means..." Contest and Giveaway!

2011-11-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

Skylos writing his essay

Okay all you sheltie lovers out there, this is your chance to tell us what makes life with a sheltie so special, and to enter a chance to win a signed copy of A Dog's Way Home, and to help homeless shelties! Tell us in 300 words or less what life with a sheltie means, along with a photo of your sheltie. Three winners will receive a signed copy of my book! And because I adopted two shelties from Sheltie Rescue of Utah, I'll donate two dollars to them for every entry I receive! Make me regret this decision, folks!

To enter, email me your story and photo at bobbie.pyron@gmail.com I'll also be randomly posting essays and photos on my blog, so if you'd rather I not post your story, please let me know. The winning essays will be posted. Contest closes midnight December 10th!

Fido and Friend in Five: Leda Schubert and Pippa!

2011-11-15T10:23:00.000-08:00

Leda Schubert

Every now and then, I toy with the idea of quitting my day job as a librarian and write full time. There are several reasons I haven't done this--one being I really appreciate a regular pay check! Another being if I didn't have a regular job to go to, I have a feeling I'd not only be the Crazy Dog Lady but also a hermit. But a really good reason I haven't quit my day job is I get to see all the wonderful new books (and even order them for our library) that come in. It's like Christmas every day! Leda Schubert's latest picture book, Reading to Peanut, is a perfect example of why I love my job. To see that fun cover and read her wonderful story of a preschooler discovering the joys of reading and writing with (and for) her dog, Peanut, is priceless.

Ballet of the Elephants

Leda Schubert has written eight picture books for kids, both fiction and nonfiction. More than one has been inspired by her love of animals, particularly dogs. Although she now writes full time and teaches writing at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, like me, she once had a day job as a librarian. She's probably the first author I've had on my blog who attended Harvard! Leda lives in Vermont with her husband and two dogs, Pippa and Pogo. Let's find out a little bit more about them in this week's Fido and Friend in Five:

Leda and Pippa

1. How did you and Pippa find each other? She called me on the phone. Okay, no. I saw an ad in the local paper. I believe in mutts, and Pippa is one, though she's supposedly a "designer" dog. You can't fool me though. She's half golden retriever and half poodle, as is her big brother, Pogo. But here's the thing: my dog of a lifetime, Winnie, had died eight months earlier, and I had decided I could never get another dog because losing them is the hardest thing. So, like many others, we went "just to look" at puppies because Pogo was lonely. It turns out when you are a dog person, as you and I are, you need a dog, and then you fall in love all over again.

Too Cold for Frogs?

2. What makes Pippa's tail wag? Other dogs. Not me. She's extremely independent--almost feral. Her tail wags hardest when she's doing pond maintenance, as we call it. We have a small, muddy, leech-ridden pond, and she spends hours every day, from the time the ice starts to go out in spring (and the water must be about 33 degrees), until it freezes again. Her job seems to be keeping frogs busy jumping and making sure she herself smells foul and is constantly moist. It's actually difficult to tell what she thinks her job is. She's a quiet dog. Other tail wagging? She's not crazy about food. She does have this little piece of fluff she carries around, which we call Little Yellow. She wags her tail whenever she digs it up from under some cushion somewhere. She thinks she's Little Yellow's mother.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Oh that's tough. I can no longer read books where the dog dies, which eliminates all the classics, but I did read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle recently (even though the dog does die) and it made me appreciate even more deeply the wonder of dogs. They are the best. I like them more than most people, to be honest. Because I write picture books, here are some favorites: The Stray Dog (Simont), Henry and Mudge (Rylant), Boodil, My Dog (Lindenbaum), Martha Speaks (Meddaugh), Bark George (Feiffer), and of course my own book about Winnie, Winnie All Day Long.

Chillin' with Pogo

4. If Pippa could change just one thing about you, what would it be? She would change me in to a dog. Really, she would. Or maybe a nine-year-old boy who would run with her and investigate frogs with her all day long.

5. In five words, tell us what Pippa means to you: Almost more than life itself.

I couldn't agree more, Leda! Thank you and Pippa for visiting my little blog. Be sure to check out the latest on Leda's website and blog. She has another new picture book due out this month!

The Museum of the Dog

2011-11-09T15:51:00.000-08:00

Original of sheltie at museum

Okay, I just had to share this: I just found out there is a very special place for all us dog people in St. Louis, Missouri called The Museum of the Dog. And here's the really, really cool part--dogs are allowed in the museum. Seriously! Here's a little bit about it from their website:

The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, located at 1721 S. Mason Rd., in beautiful Queeny Park, West St. Louis County, Missouri, is home to the world's finest collection of art devoted to the dog. The 14,000 sq. ft. facility, which includes historic Jarville House (1853), displays over 700 original paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, sculptures, bronzes, and porcelain figurines, and a variety of decorative arts objects depicting man's best friend throughout the ages.

Is that not cool?! And it even has a gift shop (oh, I would spend so much money there), a library (oh, I'd spend so much time there), and dog classes there. I must admit, I've never been to St. Louis, but I think I've found a very good reason to go! So if you and your four-legged pal are in need of some culture, check it out. I plan to!

Visiting the South Jordan Library Book Club!

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Chloe and Fans

Chloe & Tam

In October, I got to visit with South Jordan Library's Great Reads for Girls book club. They'd just read A Dog's Way Home and were eager to meet the author. And I was eager to meet them! As with the other book clubs I am visiting, my good friend Susan Hamada and her therapy sheltie, Chloe, joined in on the fun. As you can see from the photos, Chloe was (as always) quite a hit!

The girls and their moms asked great questions: Why did you set the book in North Carolina when you live in Utah? Who is your favorite character in the book? Have you ever lost a dog? Are any of the characters based on me? And at the end, we took lots of pictures together and the girls and their families donated treats and toys to Sheltie Rescue of Utah .

Many thanks to South Jordan Library's Paula Burgon for arranging such a splendid visit, and to the Salt Lake County Library System for supporting A Dog's Way Home. And of course, paws up to Susan and Chloe for being such an inspiring team.

Fido and Friend in Five: Susan Wilson and Bonnie!

2011-11-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's no big secret I'm a sucker for dog stories. When I walk through a bookstore or library, and I see a book with a dog on the cover--well, it's in my hands faster than a New York minute! Add to that if the dog on the cover is a sheltie and I'm all over it. There's no way you're getting that book out of my hands! That's how I felt when I saw the cover of Susan Wilson's newest book (and I mean new), The Dog Who Danced. I was at the main library one day for a meeting, and one of my friends and fellow sheltie mom's waved an advance reading copy of Susan's book in my face and said, "Look what I have." I grabbed the book from her and said, "A sheltie!" My friend (who's name also happens to be Susan) took the book from me and said, "Nope. You can have it after I'm done reading it." If she hadn't been a sheltie lover I would have broken her knees. But it was worth the wait.

Susan is no stranger to writing so convincingly and beautifully about the magical bond between dogs and their people. Her highly acclaimed novel, One Good Dog, set her firmly in the pack of novelist who really know how to celebrate dogs. One Good Dog tells the story of Adam March--a man who lost everything he had--and a dog who's never had anything. Together they learn to love and trust. In her new book (due out in March of 2012), The Dog Who Danced, a down-on-her luck woman is parted from her most beloved sheltie. As they try to find their way to each other, they each touch many lives. Sound a little familiar? If you've read and enjoyed my book, A Dog's Way Home, you must look for Susan's book when it comes out in the spring!

Susan lives and writes in Martha's Vineyard with her dog Bonnie (who, alas, is not a sheltie but is adorable anyway). Let's find out all about Bonnie and her Girl in this week's Fido and Friend in Five:

1. How did you and Bonnie find each other? Bonnie and I were matched in a kind of animal shelter speed dating. When i knew I wanted to get a dog, I also knew I wanted to get a puppy for the first time in many years. Our beloved collie, Callie, had been a former show dog, but proven to be a poor breeder, so she was sold to us as a mature dog. The only other puppy I'd ever had was Angus, and he was the dog all newlyweds should be warned not to get. When my husband's new job required us to move hastily and into a no pets apartment, Angus had to be re-homed, breaking my heart (although I have always hoped that his new family, complete with children, was a better fit than two working parents). But, to Bonnie. I was, as we have all done, perusing the web for puppies. The Sterling Animal Shelter in Sterling, Mass had been recommended to me, and I was on their website when I spotted a litter of Brittany crosses. Now, you have to understand, I live on an island, and spontaneity is not possible. However, I was on the first boat the next morning, ready to barrel my way north to Sterling to claim my Brittany!

Despite my 7:00 departure, I wasn't the first in line at the shelter, which didn't open for another 45 minutes. Like some kind of A&W Root Beer stand, the staff came out to our cars and handed us a number. One by one, the hopeful adopters were brought to the kennel and given the opportunity to mingle with the adoptees. Needless to say, the Brittany crosses were gone by the time I got in. If I had been able to jump in my car the afternoon before, I might have been one of the lucky ones who got a puppy. As it turned out, I really did become the lucky one. I got Bonnie.

She was described as a terrier cross. Four puppies crawled around the floor of that large cage. Two were smooth, one was wire-haired. And then there was Bonnie, white and tan with the cutest white eyelashes ever. It was those white eyelashes that grabbed my heart.

Fast forward eight years. The little puppy I imagined maturing into something like the size of a Cairn Terrier (about nine or ten pounds) looks more like a giant Jack Russell Terrier!

2. What makes Bonnie's tail wag? Greeting the people she loves.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog book? My all time favorite dog books have to be those of Albert Payson Terhune who wrote the Lad books and Gray Wolf. Hence the collies in my past. Terhune was one of the best in describing a dog's inner life, although, as I have come to realize, his viewpoint tended toward domination and obedience. His dogs loved their "master" and "mistress" slavishly. I have fallen into the camp that wants cooperation and inter-species respect.

4. If Bonnie could change just one thing about you, what would it be? My insistence that she be bathed immediately after she rolls in something I think is nasty (dead crow anyone?).

5. In five words, tell us what Bonnie means to you: Bonnie is the best thing I've ever done for myself (other than my kids and career). She is my true companion.

Truest of friends

Thanks so much to Susan and Bonnie!

Fido and Friend in Five: Cynthia Lord and Milo!

2011-10-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Cynthia and RULES

In 2006, a new name and extraordinary talent burst on the children's book scene when Cynthia Lord published her first book, Rules. This beautiful, heart-wrenching and heart-warming story of a young girl and her autistic brother went on to win the coveted Newbery Honor award, the Schneider Family Book Award and just about every state's children's book award there is. I must say, it's got to be hard to start out with a debut book that garners that much acclaim. Where's an author to go from there with their next book? Obviously, Cynthia was undaunted because in 2010 she gave us another splendid story in Touch Blue, which of course, went on to win a bucket full of awards. She's also the author of the hilarious picture books, Hot Rod Hamster and Happy Birthday, Hamster.

Cynthia and I became friends on FaceBook about seven or so months ago. I was so excited when, on occasion, she'd talk about her little dog, Milo, and post photos of the cute little fluff ball. So, of course, I started "hounding" her on FaceBook to be on Fido and Friend in Five. Cynthia is a busy, busy lady so it took a while for her to have time to sit down with Milo and answer The Five Questions. But being the generous person that she is, she did! And so it is with a great deal of pleasure and honor, I give you in today's Fido and Friend spotlight Milo and his Girl Cynthia:

1. How did you and Milo find each other? Our dog before Milo was named Flurry. He was a lovely, gentle Bichon Frise, but he became diabetic and eventually was so sick that we had to have him put to sleep. So we had our hearts broken in June of 2007, just a week or two before I had to get on a plane and go to ALA to accept a Newbery Honor and Schneider Family Book Award for Rules. When I came back home, our house felt hollow without Flurry. A dog is so "present" in our households--our days are marked by feeding them, letting them in and out, making room for them beside us, etc. I was reminded of Flurry a hundred times a day that summer, and it was like losing him again, in little pieces. In August, I said something to my husband about that loss, and he said, "Well, maybe we're just dog people."

Who could resist?!

In Maine there's a little magazine and online site where people offer things for sale. It's called "Uncle Henry's", and I looked on line at photos of puppies. Milo was in a litter of Maltese-Pomeranian mix puppies at a breeder three hours away from us. I fell in love with his little face. My husband was hoping for a more "manly" dog this time, but I showed him Milo's photo and said I wanted to just go "look." My husband rolled his eyes and told me to be sure to bring everything I needed to drive home with a puppy (smart man).

2. What makes Milo's tail wag? Milo loves his people. I do a lot of school visits, and I have a daughter in college. When Milo sees us come home after being away, he stands completely still, like he can't quite believe his eyes. Then we say his name and he turns into 7 pounds of of wiggly-waggly joy! He just explodes into action--he'll hop into our lap and then hop off and grab a toy and then lick us and...it's like he's trying to cram everything we've missed together in five minutes.

Mom's book is Milo's fav

He also likes cheese, cuddling up next to us, and his stuffed toys (sheep being his favorite!). If I want him to drop something he isn't supposed to have, I pick up one of his toys and pretend I'm playing with it. He can't stand it! He'll drop everything to get it back.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? When I was in third grade, my teacher read to us aloud Hurry Home, Candy by Meindert De Jong and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. It was about a dog who is separated from his owners and tries to find his way back. It was a powerful story for me because, at one point, my teacher stopped reading mid-sentence. I can still see my desktop and the paper I was doodling on. I looked up to see why she had stopped, and she was crying. It was a powerful moment for me. I couldn't believe a book could do that. I think it was one of the defining moments that helped me become a writer. I also love the Henry and Mudge stories by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Sucie Stevenson. There's such warmth and love between those characters--it's how I feel about all the dogs I've had in my life, too.

4. If Milo could change just one thing about you, what would it be? Milo is one of the more dominant dogs I've ever owned--which is a funny contrast, given his size. But Milo would like to be the one in charge! So if he could change one thing about me, I suspect it would be for me to be his pet and give him everything he wants!

5. In five words, tell us what Milo means to you: My tiniest, goofiest, kindred spirit.

Thank you so much to Cynthia and Milo for taking time out to visit this little blog--it was worth every bit of the wait! Be sure to check out Cynthia's website for her latest book news and to follow her blog, too!

Blog Tour Continues: New York, Oregon, Canada, and Texas!

2011-10-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Great October Blog Tour continues! Here are some of the stops over the last couple of weeks:

In New York state, I visited with Reader Girls. Check out this link for a review of A Dog's Way Home, a guest post by me on writing across the spectrum, and a give away!
Then I zoomed over to Oregon to visit with Mozi Esme
From Oregon, I went up to Canada to visit with my friend and fellow WestSide author, Cheryl Rainfield, where we chatted about why I wrote A Dog's Way Home. BTW, Cheryl has one of the cutest dogs ever!
And then it was back to The Great State of Texas and a review of A Dog's Way Home on Book Twirps !

Why I Write

Whew! I'm worn out, and we're not even done! I also wanted to post a link to another blog (not part of the tour) I had the great good fortune to be a part of. It's a wonderful little blog called From Alone To Home that posts inspiring, heart warming, funny stories about people and their adopted pets. Here you'll get to read all about my pack. You'll have to scroll down a ways to see our posting, but you'll get to read some great stories and see wonderful photos along the way.

Now time for a nap.....

Fido and Friend in Five: Marianne Mitchell and Misty!

2011-10-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

Marianne and Misty

Misty & young reader

As most of you know, my day job is as a librarian for the Salt Lake County Library System. Like many public libraries, we have therapy dogs come to our library most every Saturday for the kids to read to. All of us who work in the library are so excited when the dogs come! And the kids are so earnest in their reading to the dogs--and of course, the dogs are non-judgemental. So I'm particularly pleased to have in the spotlight this week author Marianne Mitchell and her therapy dog/Read Dog, Misty. Marianne and Misty are quite a team, volunteering in many different capacities to help homeless pets, and share their love of books with kids. As if she isn't busy enough, Misty--yes, Misty the dog--has her own blog! She not only talks on her blog about their volunteer exploits, but also shares dog treat recipes and talks about her favorite books. Sign up because, I mean seriously, how many dog's blogs do you follow?

Marianne is a busy, busy author. She's the author of numerous books, ranging from mysteries for middle-graders to folk tales for the young-uns. Her novel, Finding Zola, is a riveting mystery about a 13-year-old wheelchair-bound girl determined to solve the mystery of her neighbor's disappearance. Her lovely picture book, Maya Moon, is a re-telling of the folk tale from Mexico that explains why the moon changes shape.

Note the t-shirt!

1. How did you and Misty find each other? I was a volunteer at the Larimer Humane Society in Fort Collins, Colorado, when Misty (then called "Mystique") showed up on their website. My first words to her were, "Hello, gorgeous!" She was five years old then and her previous owner had become too sick to keep her. I wish that lady could know how happy Misty and I are to have each other. After her adoption, I had a t-shirt made up with our picture on it saying, "We found each other at Larimer Humane." We celebrate her adoption date each year with a donation to Larimer Humane.

2. What makes Misty's tail wag? When we lived in Colorado, it was chasing squirrels along the fence. Now in Arizona, it's chasing lizards as they scurry from bush to bush. She never catches them, but she loves the hunt and wags her tail the whole time. She also wags and jumps when it's time for us to go listen to kids read to her at the library or at a school.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? My favorite picture book featuring a dog is My Big Dog, by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel. I once had a golden retriever like the dog in that story.

The Fab Misty!

4. If Misty could change just one thing about you, what would it be? She'd like me to be smart enough to teach her something really hard, like astrophysics. She loves the challenge of learning new things and the biscuit rewards that follow.

5. In five words, tell us what Misty means to you: Love. Comfort. Friend. Motivation. Inspiration.

You are so right, Marianne. Thanks so much to this inspiring, motivating duo for visiting Fido and Friend! Check out both Marianne and Misty online to find out their latest adventures!

Southern Festival of Books in Nashville

2011-10-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Early morning at festival

Clyde Edgerton

I'm just back from the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, Tennessee! Besides seeing my sweet cousin and eating lots of good Southern food (fried green tomatoes, collard greens, fresh shrimp from the Gulf coast, lots and lots of barbeque), I spent Saturday at the book festival. There were tons of amazing authors there--it was a librarian's dream! I heard Alexandra Styron read from her touching memoir about her famous, tortured father in her book Reading My Father: A Memoir. Then I raced over to another venue to hear two of my favorite Southern authors, Clyde Edgerton and Josephine Humphreys talk about their work and read. Edgerton is the master of southern dialogue. And he's so funny!

Walter Mosley

I met with my fellow panelist, Roger Reid, to talk about what the heck we were going to say in our discussion in the late afternoon. Roger's a great guy as well as an Emmy award-winning director and producer. Roger is the author of a really cool series of fiction series for middle graders and teens. As I was getting ready to go hear Walter Mosley speak, I ran into him in the hallway and directed him to the bathroom! I was thrilled! Mr. Mosley read from his latest (and very different) novel The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. I can't wait to read it. Very affecting...

Next I dashed over to the Capitol Building to hear my good friend Ruta Sepetys give an amazing and heartbreaking presentation on the story behind her best seller Between Shades of Gray. I was so proud of her and the success of that book. It deserves it.

After Ruta, Charles Frazier (author of the award-winning Cold Mountain) talked about his latest book, Nightwoods. Another one I must get my hands on.

Oh, and yes, I was there as an author myself! Roger and I each read bits from our books, talked about why we like writing for kids and teens, and answered lots of questions from a small but enthusiastic audience. I was so thrilled to be in Nashville since part of A Dog's Way Home takes place in the city. And I'll take any excuse to go "back home" to the South.

Blog Tour Stops: Mass. to Virginia to Nebraska!

2011-10-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

I've make a couple of quick stops on my blog tour! Mia, in Mass., just posted a list of the Ten Best Dog Books on her blog Pragmatic Mom. I'm honored A Dog's Way Home is included with books such as Because of Winn Dixie, Love that Dog, Shiloh, and How to Steal a Dog. I'm not quite sure how I feel about Walter the Farting Dog being on that list. Seriously?

Then on to Nebraska! Although my "official" visit with Allison's Book Bag isn't for a week, she posted a lengthy teaser on her blog in anticipation of my visit. Allison asked me some of the best questions I've ever been asked in an interview, so be sure to check back in a week when the review and interview are up!

Being the jet setter that I am, I also popped in to visit with Amanda in Virginia and her blog A Patchwork of Books. She's also doing a give away of my book, so check it out and leave a comment!

Whew! What a busy week's this has been!

Fido and Friend in Five: Ellen Booraem and Callie!

2011-10-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ellen Booraem

Okay, confession time: I am a total Newbery Geek. I love the anticipation and announcement of the annual Newbery Awards! To me, it's the Oscars of children's literature. Last year, I actually got to check off my "bucket list" attending the announcement of the Newbery winners at the American Library Association's midwinter conference in San Diego. My wonderful editor of The Ring, Evelyn Fazio, is also a Newbery Geek, so we attended the award announcements together. It was so much fun!

About this time of year, I start trolling the internet to see what books are getting "Newbery Buzz." One title that kept coming up was Small Persons With Wings, by Ellen Booraem. Intrigued, I read the book. Although I'm not a big fantasy reader, I loved this book! In Booraem's funny, beautifully written story, thirteen-year-old Mellie Turpin discovers she and her rather ordinary family are actually bound (through many generations) to tribes of fairies--or as they'd rather be called "small persons with wings." This association proves not only proves very troublesome but deadly too. Ellen is no stranger to fantasy. She also wrote the popular novel The Unnameables, introducing the unforgettable Goatman--a nameless, smelly wanderer who calls the wind but can't control it and who can't keep a secret to save his life.

As it turns out Ellen shares her life with an absolutely gorgeous black lab named Callie. I caught up with them in between writing and walks (and grass eating) for this week's Fido and Friend in Five:

Callie

1. How did you and Callie find each other? Eleven years ago, Callie (full name: Calamity Jane) was in a litter of black lab pups whose mother was dragged behind a truck by friends of the owner. Mother and litter were taken away from the owners, but then Callie was given back to them for some reason. They neglected her, and a sister took her in. The sister had a young son and I think Callie got a lot of love in that house. Then, the sister had to have surgery and couldn't handle both child and dog. So off Callie went to the pound system where my partner, Rob, and I caught up with her. A woman who ran a local animal placement agency met her when she (er...meaning Callie) was being spayed, and reported to me that this dog was a "real trouper." She was not wrong. (okay, I need a minute to blink back the tears...)

Callie's social club

2. What makes Callie's tail wag? We have a 7:00 am neighborhood dog walk involving one or two or sometimes three other dogs. Callie adores it--she loves hobnobbing with the other dogs. But also, the road sees a lot if carpenter and fisherman traffic, which means lots of discarded pizza crusts. When I reach for my shoes at 6:50, her tail goes helicopter!

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? This is obscure, but there's a Georgette Heyer novel called Arabella in which the heroine causes the elegant Regency hero to adopt a scruffy street mongrel. The evolving relationship between man and dog is the most adorable thing I ever read.

Cassie & McGonagall

4. If Cassie could change just one thing about you, what would it be? She would want to agree that eating copious amounts of grass were good for her. I would have to ignore the fact that, at best, she ferments the grass in her stomach for three weeks before upchucking it at the foot of our bed at three in the morning. At worst, she get a blockage and has to go to the vet for relief. She particularly loves tall, thick grass after rain. We often have words about this.

5. In five words, tell us what Cassie means to you: Comic relief, partner in crime.

We all need both! Thanks so much to Ellen and Cassie for dropping by Fido and Friend. And a very heartfelt thanks to Ellen for giving Callie such a wonderful life after such a terrible start (sniff, sniff). Be sure to check out Ellen and her books on her website and follow her blog. It's a lot of fun!

Going on Tour!

2011-10-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

During the month of October, I'll be going on tour--blog tour, that is! I'll be stopping in to visit with ten different bloggers who'll be reviewing my books. Some will also interview me, offer a signed copy of my book(s) and have me do a guest post. It's going to be a lot of fun!

The first stop on my tour is with Bev's blog, The Wormhole. Bev lives in Minnesota. She's posted a wonderful review of A Dog's Way Home, plus a guest post of mine. She's also doing a giveaway of a signed copy of my book! Pop on over and visit!

Kearns Library Book Club Visit

2011-09-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Me and the Girls

Susan, Chole, and me

As some of you know, I've worked for the Salt Lake County Library System for many years. One of the things the library does in all its branches is a program called Great Reads for Girls. It's a book club for girls grades four and up. Moms are encouraged to read with their daughters too. One of the books Great Reads for Girls is reading this year is A Dog's Way Home! I will be visiting with each book club at their library over the next seven months, talking with them about my book, being a writer, and anything else they want to talk about. In addition, my very good friend (who also works for the library system), Susan Hamada and her rescued sheltie, Chloe, are visiting the groups too. Chloe (a three-legged sheltie) and Susan are a registered therapy team.

Love the stuffed sheltie!

So this past Tuesday night was my first visit with a book club, and boy was I nervous! But the staff and the girls (and their moms) at the Kearns Library made me feel soooo welcome! Many of them brought donations--toys, treats--to donate to Sheltie Rescue of Utah. Susan brought the most beautiful Chloe. The girls were quite smitten with her! I talked with the group for an hour about how I became an author, what inspired me to write the book, and what it's like being a writer. They also asked me great questions such as: What is your favorite book? Where's your favorite place to be? Which do you like better, being a writer or being a librarian (that was a tough one to answer!), and many more. They were a great group, and I enjoyed hearing about their dogs too! Can't wait until my next book club visit!

Fido and Friend in Five: Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, Pua, and Leilani!

2011-09-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Stephanie & Leilani

Like many states, Utah has an annual children's book award contest called the "Beehive Award." Every year, teen novels, middle grade novels, picture books, poetry and non-fiction books are voted on by the kids of Utah to select the best one in each category. One of the picture books this year is a charming, funny, delicious picture book called A Small Brown Dog with a Wet Pink Nose, by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen. In this utterly wonderful story, a very clever young girl named Amelia needs a dog in her life in the worst way--a small brown dog with a wet pink nose. Her parents do not agree. Now, there's a plethora of picture books out there about kids trying to convince their parents they need a dog. This is not a new plot by any stretch of the imagination. What is so wonderfully fresh about Stephanie's tale is how Amelia goes about convincing her parents. No tantrums for Amelia. She's much smarter than that.

Stephanie is a multi-multi award-winning author. Her teen novel, The Gardner, was named a Best Summer Read by "Good Morning America." Her picture book, Elizabeti's Doll, won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award among many other awards, and her other teen novel, The Compound, won the Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award and was nominated for many other awards.

Of course, when I saw Stephanie's photo on the back jacket flap of A Small Brown Dog with a Wet Pink Nose, and she had her arms around a very handsome lab, I had to write to her. Turns out she shares her life with two dogs, Leilani and Pua. Let's get to know this trio in this week's Fido and Friend in Five!

Pua

1. How did you and your dogs find each other? Christmas 2005, my husband got them for our girls. We had just opened presents and my youngest was so mad she didn't get a hamster. We made the girls close their eyes and sit on the couch, then we set a puppy in each of their laps. My oldest shrieked, which scared the puppy in her lap, so it peed all over her! Merry Christmas :)

Leilani and pool

2. What makes Leilani and Pua's tails wag? Leilani, the chocolate lab (in the author photo I saw) loves her kiddie pool. She stands in it for hours and digs. Pua, the yellow lab, is obsessed with fetching. We're on our second tennis ball thrower of the year, because she wears it (and us) out. She's into frisbee lately, and she carries it everywhere, just in case. And they freak out when I pick up the leashes, because they love walks. I take them two miles every morning.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Has to be Where the Red Fern Grows.

4. If your dogs could change just one thing about you, what would it be? Not being late with their meals sometimes...

5. In five words, tell us what Leilani and Pua mean to you: They are my daily constant.

Boy, that's something all writers need! Thanks so much to Stephanie, Leilani, and Pua for taking a break from writing, ball chasing, eating, and kiddie pool playing to be in today's Fido and Friend spotlight. Be sure to visit Stephanie's website to find out more about her books and read her blog.

Celebrating National Dog Week with Sherlock

2011-09-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

About three years ago, I had a-little-past-midlife crisis. So did my husband (we're the same age). His mid-life crisis took the form of a little red and black Smart Car. Mine took the form of a little blue merle Sheltie named Sherlock.

I hadn't really planned on a third dog, although I was suddenly (and sadly) aware that all of our animals (including our cats) were getting older. One day, we were visiting Jim and Barbara of Sheltie Rescue of Utah. Barbara had just had knee replacement surgery and we were stopping by to bring them food and to visit. As always, they had quite an assortment of shelties! They had just a month before pulled three shelties from a puppy mill situation. The dogs had been in bad shape when they came into Barb and Jim's program. They were underweight, skittish. The female was nine years old and still being bred. One of the three was Sherlock. He was the stud of the puppy mill. He came up to us very shyly and pawed my husband's leg. I was struck by how much he looked like a little version of Boo! He was quiet and shy and bossed around by the other dogs. Of course, I was utterly smitten. A couple of weeks later, I brought him home.

One of the things about puppy mill dogs is their lack of normal experience. He wasn't well versed in grass, was terrified of stairs and kept running in to things--particularly the glass sliding door. When I took him in to meet our vet, I asked him to give his eyes a good check. I was convinced he was partially blind. His eyes were, in fact, fine. As our vet explained, because they live in such a confined space most of their lives, puppy mill dogs don't have great depth perception. He assured me Sherlock's brain would develop that particular function just fine. And as always, he was right.

Best buds

Life is sweeeeet!

I would love to say adding Sherlock to our pack was seamless, but that wouldn't be the truth. Teddy despised him, and Sherlock (having been a stud) challenged Boo's authority every chance he got. Boo, bless her heart, was patient with him for a while. Then one night in the kitchen, she'd had enough. She threw him to the ground, belly up, and clamped her jaws on his throat. My husband freaked. Sherlock peed on himself, and they've been best buddies ever since.

I can't begin to tell you how wonderful and fun and rewarding it's been to watch Sherlock's personality blossom over the last three years! As it turns out, he's quite the little pistol. As if making up for those first horrible three years of his life, he does everything--running, playing, eating, barking, cuddling--with 200% enthusiasm. He loves small children, cardboard toilet paper rolls, tangerines, and our cat, Kami. At six, he's a bit more reflective perhaps, a tiny bit mellower. Would I have three dogs again? Probably not. But Sherlock makes me laugh every day. And I wouldn't trade that or the look of pure joy on his face when he runs for anything.

Celebrating National Dog Week with Teddy

2011-09-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

So six months after we adopted Boo, I wanted to adopt a purebred sheltie. I'd had Tulla for all those years who was mostly sheltie, and she was such an exceptional dog. I wanted to see what a purebred sheltie would be like. Besides, Boo had made it abundantly clear she wanted a dog companion. I'd been in touch off and on with Sheltie Rescue of Utah and had helped them in a few volunteer situations. They had several possibilities for adoption, so my husband, Boo and I drove down to Salt Lake to meet a possible match. The shelties were all lovely and wonderful. Boo got on fine with all of them. But I just didn't connect in that special way with any of them.

Until Barbara brought Teddy into the room.

He sauntered straight over to me, grinning that sheltie grin, and lay his chin on my knee and gazed up adoringly with his rich chocolate eyes. I melted. It was love at first sight.

But there was a catch: Teddy had already been adopted by a family. They'd be picking him up the next day. I was heartbroken, to say the least. I went home trying not to feel sad--I mean, he had found a forever home, hadn't he?

Then, about two weeks later one night, Barbara called. "Are you still interested in Teddy?" she asked. I about dropped the phone. As it turned out, the father of the family was terribly allergic to Teddy. They tried all kinds of special shampoos and pills (for the dad) but nothing worked. Heartbroken, they returned him to Sheltie Rescue. I was down there in a New York minute to pick him up. It was meant to be.

That was eight years ago. Teddy has truly loved me in a way no other dog has. The two things he lives for is me and food. That's it. It was his love and devotion to me that inspired me to write A Dog's Way Home. One day, when hiking way up in the mountain with Boo and Teddy--Boo out searching for critters, Teddy glued to my side--I tried to imagine what Teddy would do if we were separated and he had to survive alone in the wilderness. I knew without a doubt, he'd do everything he could to get back home to me because I am his girl.

Teddy will be thirteen soon. He sleeps a lot of the time and no longer chases Boo in the back yard. He can't hear worth squat, and cataracts now film those gorgeous brown eyes. But he still loves me with an unwavering heart. I am still, and will always be, Teddy's girl.

Celebrating National Dog Week with Boo

2011-09-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

I had a sheltie mix named Tulla ("Toola") for almost seventeen years. When she passed over the Rainbow Bridge, my heart was utterly broken. She had been with me through my first marriage, divorce, ten years of "just us girls" and then re-marriage. Finally, after eight months dog-less, I started thinking about adopting another dog. I contacted a friend of mine at a no-kill animal rescue and told her I was looking for another sheltie mix, or a purebred sheltie. About a week later, she emailed me and said they'd just pulled a sheltie mix from a "kill shelter." She attached a photo of this so-called "sheltie mix." I laughed when I saw it: there was no way this dog had any sheltie in her. She looked more like a fox with a blue merle coat. Still, my husband said it wouldn't hurt to go take a look. Yes, the infamous going to "just look." As soon as they let this wild, scraggly dog into the room where we sat on the floor, she threw herself into my husband's lap, belly up, and gazed into his eyes with pure adoration. As you can guess, we came home with her. The shelter had named her Calamity Jane. Since we were adopting her just days before Halloween, my husband named her Boo. At first, I thought it was a stupid name. But it really does fit her somehow!

From the beginning, Boo was not an easy dog. For starters, she was sick and emaciated from living on the streets. The other problem was convincing her that our cats were not fast food! But I think my vet summed it up best. When he first saw her, he said, "Where'd you get that coy-dog?" In other words, I had adopted a dog who is part coyote. Then he said to me, "She will be the smartest dog you've ever had, which can be a blessing and a curse." No truer words were ever spoken. I've never had a dog (and I've had lots of really smart dogs) who can problem solve the way she can. You can just see those wheels turning behind her amber eyes. In some ways, she was the easiest dog I've ever trained because she picked things up so fast; in other ways, she was very hard to train because she's, well, part wild.

Of my three dogs, she's the most sensitive to pack dynamics. She loves us and is not at all happy when we are not all together. She even loves the cats. She's terrified of fireworks but will charge a bull moose. She loves her toys with abandon, and certain people. She was the model for Tam's friend, the little coyote, in A Dog's Way Home.

Now at age eleven, Boo doesn't chase deer quite the way she used to. She can't run down a rabbit anymore, and the vet says she has a cataract in one of her beautiful amber eyes. But she's still my go-to dog for any outdoor adventure I want to have. She is my muse, my best girlfriend, and my husband's forever dog. She's our Boo.

Celebrating National Dog Week with Tam

2011-09-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

So this week is National Dog Week! I kicked it off yesterday with a new Fido and Friend in Five spotlighting the author Bruce Hale and his dog, Riley. I thought I'd post something every day this week about dogs who are important in my life.

I wanted to introduce you today to Tam (short for Tam Lin), the main dog character in my book A Dog's Way Home. That's his beautiful face on the book cover. Tam is a three-year-old Shetland Sheepdog who lives with "his girl", Abby, in the Blue Ridge Mountain of western North Carolina. Like all shelties, Tam is very smart and 200% devoted to his person. Although he loves exploring the woods, old apple orchards, and creeks on the farm where they live, he is happiest when he's curled up next to his girl, and everything is as it should be. But one late Fall day Tam and Abby's lives are forever changed when they are torn apart from each other and seperated by over 400 miles of winter wilderness. Tam knows of only one thing to do: find his way back to his girl.

Tam has made a huge difference in my life. In order to write his story, I had to immerse myself into the skin and soul of this dog--and dogs in general. I had to see what he would see, feel what he'd feel and experience as he traveled home. By writing his and Abby's story, I've connected with readers of all ages all over the world. Hardly a week goes by that I don't get an email from a reader who tells me how much the book meant to them. Often they include photos of their own dogs! Sometimes parents will include photos of their child reading my book. It's all very wonderful and humbling. It's why I (and most authors) write. Tam brought that "heart connection" into my life. I couldn't have done it without him!

You can read an excerpt of the book here

Fido and Friend in Five: Bruce Hale and Riley!

2011-09-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Chet Gecko

Bruce Hale

Author Bruce Hale is one of the busiest, most dynamic guys out there! When he's not writing and illustrating books in his popular Chet Gecko Mysteries, Prince of Underwhere and Pirates of Underwhere series, he's traveling all over the place visiting schools, teaching in workshops, and performing on stage, television and film. I caught up with him in August in L.A. at the annual SCBWI Conference. I took a one day intensive workshop with Bruce on creating dynamic presentations. Boy, was he dynamic! None of us felt like we could possibly ever be as funny and engaging as Bruce. But the thing was, he truly believed we could be. He genuinely wanted us to do well. When I gave my pretend school presentation on A Dog's Way Home, I got the definite vibe that Bruce is a dog person. I checked out his website and sure enough, he had many photos of his lovely dog, Riley. When he's not doing all the above, he's out hiking, biking, surfing, and playing jazz music near Santa Barbara. My theory is Bruce needs no sleep. None. So you can see why I was truly amazed and honored he took time out to take a turn in the Fido and Friends spotlight!

Riley

1. How did you and Riley find each other? My wife and I went to DAWG, a rescue shelter, "just to look." We weren't intending to adopt a dog quite yet, as we had a brief trip coming up. But then we met Riley. At six months old, she was a sweet, yet determined pup. We went by DAWG twice to take her for walks , and that was it--we were smitten. After a "checking out period" and filling out a few papers, DAWG let her come home with us!

2. What makes Riley's tail wag? She's keen on Trader Joe's "greenies" snacks--those always get her tail wagging. But so does a good session of lovin', when you're scratching that particular spot on her back.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? When I was a kid, I loved White Fang and Call of the Wild, stories of wolfish dogs (and actual wolves) in the Frozen North. Those are the main ones that've stuck with me.

Bruce and the lovely Riley

4. If Riley could change just one thing about you, what would it be? I suspect Riley would prefer it if I always came outside to hang with her, every time she goes in our back yard. But, my workload being what it is, she doesn't always get what she wants, poor thing.

5. In five words, tell us what Riley means to you: Laughter, love, playfulness, and wags.

Thanks so much, Bruce and Riley! Be sure to check out Bruce's website to see what all he's up to. You'll be amazed!

Fido and Friend in Five: Danette Haworth and Casey!

2011-09-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

Me and Jack

Danette Haworth

Danette Haworth's new book is not just a "dog story", although it certainly is in the best sense of the phrase. Me and Jack, is also the story of one community's struggle with the devastating effects of the Vietnam War and howwar can divide good people. The book is also a coming-of-age story about a boy learning to fight for what is true and dear. And like Danette's other two books, there's a hint of magic. Danette's book reminds me very much of two other books (and authors) in the Fido and Friend spotlight: Letters from Wolfie, by Patti Sherlock, and Finding Jack, by Gareth Crocker. Danette drew on her experiences growing up as a "military brat" to portray the world of her her narrator, Jack. I'm also happy to say Danette is a fellow Floridian. Her earlier book, Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning, is set in my home state and is on my bedside table waiting to be read.
Danette shares her home in Orlando, Florida with her much loved dog, Casey. Let's meet them both in this week's Fido and Friend in Five!

1. How did you and Casey find each other? A friend of mine adopted a really fluffy dog that greeted me wildly every time I visited her. He scampered about the house while we visited, his toenails clicking against the wood floor. She once started to close him in a room, but I begged her to leave him out with us. I began to look forward to seeing him almost as much as my human friend. I hadn't had a dog of my own for about eight years, and Alfie was the first dog to capture my heart in a long time. I would've kidnapped him were it not for my love for my friend! Searching high and low for Alfie's clone, I came upon a woman whose dog had just had puppies. One of the females was sandy colored with a white snout and freckles! I just knew she was the dog for me. My kids and husband and I couldn't wait until she was old enough to bring home. And we couldn't get enough of her once she was here. For days, we debated her name. It couldn't be anything too girly, because the two boys and one man in the family didn't want to be shouting, "Prettyfrillybottoms! C'mere, Prettyfrillybottoms!" (this cracks me up every time I read it) It was hard to find a name five people agreed upon; finally, we went with majority rules, and that's how Casey got her name.

2. What makes Casey's tail wag? One of the best parts of having a dog is how happy they always are to see you. If I go out to check the mail and come back in, Casey greets me, her tail wagging with great flourish and bounding about the house as if I've been away at sea. The sound of plastic, the rattle of foil, and the pull of the refrigerator door--any sound that means food is a big tail wagger as well.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? It's not a classic, but I really like the movie "Good Boy." It's about a dog who's been dispatched to this planet to check on the dogs who were supposed to colonize the earth. He's shocked when he sees the state of affairs: dogs as pets! He's extremely opposed to a boy's efforts to befriend him and tells him so. But of course, they do become friends, and the boy helps the dog in his efforts. I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone, but it caught me by surprise and involved a big sacrifice.

4. If Casey could change just one thing about you, what would it be? If Casey had her way, I would be throwing her red "Wubba" twenty-four hours a day.

5. In five words, tell us what Casey means to you: This is how Casey makes me feel: I am important and loved. Or I always have a friend.

Thanks so much Danette and Casey! I'm going to see right now if I can find that movie, "Good Boy", and I can't wait to read your other two books Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning and The Summer of Moonlight Secrets. And be sure to visit Danette's website to find out more about her and her books!

Fido and Friend in Five: Jeff Crosby, Baron and Fritz!

2011-08-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

Jeff Crosby

So this is an exciting first for Fido and Friend in Five: an author/illustrator in the spotlight! When Jeff Crosby's new picture book, Wiener Wolf, arrived in our library, all of us dog-loving librarians crowded around the book. How could we resist with that cover?! And then we (well okay, I) read it aloud and we had a fit of the giggles over this story of a little dog with big ambitions.

Here's another really cool thing: Jeff's wife, Shelley Ann Jackson, is also an amazing illustrator, and they've even collaborated on some books, including Little Lions, Bull Baiters, and Hunting Hounds: A History of Dog Breeds. Oh, and their daughter, Harper. This talented couple also share their home with two Wiener Wolfs, Baron and Fritz, and a shih tzu named Millie. Let's find out a bit more about Jeff Crosby and his little muses in today's Fido and Friend in Five spotlight:

Baron & Fritz

1. How did you and your dogs find each other? Baron, the eldest, was bought from a questionable breeder back before we knew better (we forgive you). We were living in a small New York apartment at the time and wanted a couple of small dogs. My family had always had dachshunds, so that was what I wanted. I was looking for a mini dapple and that's what the breeder said Baron was. Baron turned out to be a red twiener. Little Fritz is a rescue. My brother, Tim, found him on the street, his wee heart riddled with worms. The vet fixed him up and my brother took him home. Tim has several large dogs and Fritz didn't quite fit in, so he gave him to my parents who foster wiener dogs. They had four at the time. Fritz made five. It was a good fit until the other male started attacking Fritz after walks. That's when we offered to take him. We also have Millie, the shih tzu, who we bought at the same as Baron. She is the exact opposite of the wieners!

Granny Fritz

2. What makes your dogs tails wag? Food, food, and food--but not necessarily in that order. They also was their tails when we come home, when we talk to them, and when we play with them. Fritz wags his tail for walkies, but Baron just slinks off to a corner to hide.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Hmmm....I gotta say Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls. I read it as a boy and it made me cry. I hadn't realized the power of books until then. As far as picture books go, I do enjoy reading Dan Yaccarino's Unlovable, to my four-year-old daughter.

4. If your dogs could change just one thing about you, what would that be? Daddy should work less and play more.

5. In five words, tell us what your dogs mean to you: They're family, friends, and inspiration!

Thanks so much to Jeff and his pack for being in the Fido and Friend in Five spotlight! Be sure to check out his new book, Wiener Wolf. It's a hoot!

More Sheltie Fans! Caldeen and Cameron

2011-08-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

Cookie & Shiloh

This week I received a short but very sweet email from a woman named Caldeen who'd just read A Dog's Way Home. She and her husband have had numerous shelties in their lives, and one very comical boxer! Caldeen was kind enough to allow me to post her letter and send me photos of her shelties and boxer. One of the photos in particular struck a cord with me: she included a couple of photos of a gorgeous little red fox and her current sheltie, Shiloh. Some people have scoffed at the idea that someone could mistake a sheltie for a fox, but look at these photos and tell me what you think!

Max, their first Sheltie

Bobbie,

thank you so much for the story of Tam and Abby. I have not cried that hard reading a book for a long time. We have had 6 shelties in 25 years. We currently have a sheltie and a boxer. We love them so much.

Your book was wonderful!!!!

Silly Cookie!

Caldeen and Cameron Benedict

Lemhi & Elijah

Fido and Friend in FIve: Erin Murphy, Pepper and Lulu!

2011-08-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Erin Murphy

I met Erin Murphy of Erin Murphy Literary Agency about five years ago at The Pacific Coast Children's Writer Conference. I had just made the leap the fall before from writing picture books to writing novels. I came to the conference with a very early draft of my teen novel, The Ring, and a lot of trepidation! Erin would be critiquing the first twenty pages of the book in front of a whole group of other writers. Yikes! But as I sat in the hot seat (knees knocking), she was so encouraging and supportive of my fledging work. I have always been grateful for the input she gave me that helped my work along the way.

Boy Who Spoke Dog

Erin started her literary agency in 1999 and has really built a strong reputation in the business. She represents some wonderful authors who write everything from picture books to teen novels. One of my very favorite dog novels, The Boy Who Spoke Dog, was written by Clay Morgan, one of her authors. Like myself, Erin loves the outdoors--she's an avid hiker, kayaker, and traveler. She's also a devoted dog mom to two gorgeous rescue dogs, Pepper and Lulu. I caught up with Erin and her girls in Flagstaff, Arizona where they hike and hang out, and asked them The Five Questions:

1. How did you and your dogs find each other? We're dedicated adopters of rescue animals. We have two dogs now, Pepper and Lulu. I came across Pepper at PetSmart, where the local no-kill shelter had set up a pen full of puppies. We already had two grown dogs (one old and grouchy) , and weren't seeking another. But Pepper's coloring, down to a face that's half-black and half-spotted, was so like that of Dylan, the first dog my husband and I adopted together, that I couldn't resist--even when the shelter workers said, "Oh, now you're in trouble--she's the ringleader!" And she couldn't have ended up being more different than Dylan personality-wise. I've never had a more lawful dog. She believes in pack hierarchy and in following rules. Dylan was all about playing. And his face was black on the opposite side!

Erin, Lulu, and Pepper

Strangely, Lulu also was found at PetSmart, but adopted from a different shelter. A couple of months after our dog, Avalon, passed away last year, we decided Pepper needed a companion (or maybe I did). Pepper had been such a difficult puppy, we were determined to only adopt adult dogs in the future, and since they are harder for shelters to find homes for, we figured we'd have no trouble. But we couldn't find the right dog at either shelter in town. We wanted an easy-going, mellow dog since pepper is so high strung, and we wanted a dog who was engaged with us. No dice. Finally, we went to PetSmart to check the few dogs the humane association keeps there, and the worker kept steering us to Lulu, even though we didn't want a puppy. We took her out, and she was such a love! So connected with us humans right away, and so interested in Pepper. And Pepper tolerated her, even if there wasn't love there. It turned out that Lulu was much older than the humane association had estimated. She's small for a shepherd mix, so we only had to deal with a few short months of puppyhood.

2. What makes Pepper and Lulu's tails wag? Walks! I take them out twice a day (which is good for my endless laptop-staring-screen-staring self too). Lulu is much happier if she gets to take her ball with her, too. She likes to show it all her favorite spots in the woods, then casually leave it on the path for us to find and throw for her. When we round a curve and see her sitting in the middle of the path up ahead, looking expectant, we know she's hidden it somewhere like an Easter Egg, and we go hunting. If we can't find it, we have to ask her help, and oh, are we embarrassed! She loves outsmarting the humans.

Star in the Forest

Dogs on the Bed

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? As a kid, I honestly didn't like most dog stories I read: they always seemed to be so sad! (Where the Red Fern Grows--oh, the tears!). But it delights me when a dog shows up as a sidekick or secondary character or illustration motif in my client's books, as in Audrey Vernick's forthcoming novel, Water Balloon, and picture book Brothers at Bat, or Dotti Enderle's Crosswire. A lot hinges on the dog in Laura Resau's Star in the Forest. Of course, Clay Morgan's The Boy Who Spoke Dog, has wonderful, funny insights into the doggie brain. And then there's author and bookseller extaordinaire Elizabeth Bluemle's My Father the Dog, in which a child finds many humorous comparisons between a dad and a dog, and Dogs on the Bed is so full of truth and silliness! There used to be a last line in the text, "Feet smell like corn chips" that I still hear in my head when I kiss my dogs' big puppy feet. I have a lot of dog-loving clients on my list!

My Father the Dog

4. If Pepper and Lulu could change just one thing about you, what would it be? I'd stop looking in the mysterious glowing box all day.

5. In five words, tell us what Pepper and Lulu mean to you: Cuddles, joy and unconditional love!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Erin, Pepper, and Lulu! To find out more
about Erin, her agency, and her authors, be sure to visit her website
Erin Murphy Literary Agency

MacDuff and His Girl

2011-08-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Sheltie people are just so cool! They love, love, love their dogs and to connect with other sheltie folks. Since my book, A Dog's Way Home, is about a sheltie named Tam, I get emails from sheltie fans who've read the book. Here's one I got this week from a fellow librarian and proud sheltie mom in South Carolina. She even sent me photos of her BFF, MacDuff. I just had to share!

Mrs. Pyron,

MacDuff & Dabney

My name is Dabney Carmichael and I live in Rock Hill, SC. I’m a librarian at York County Library and one of my kids that comes on the bookmobile suggested your book, A Dog’s Way Home, to me. I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed it, although some parts broke my heart because it hit so close to home for me. I live about 2 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains, and my family has a vacation home in Boone, NC, right off of the Parkway. My 3 year old, MacDuff, loves it when we go for rides along it, I’d say it’s his favorite place to go when we’re in the mountains. He’s actually a sable and white male, and looks a lot like Tam. It’s funny how the people at the rest stop in your book thought Tam was a fox. That’s what people ask me all the time about MacDuff. Anyway, I just wanted to say that your book moved me and although MacDuff probably doesn’t know what to think over his mommy tearing up over a book, I really enjoyed it. My fiancé likes MacDuff to ride in the bed of the truck whenever he rides in his car, but now I think I’ll have to object. I honestly don’t know what MacDuff or I would do if we ever lost each other, you know what I mean. They would probably have to put me away, haha. I saw on your website that you are a sheltie person, that’s awesome! Your dog is beautiful. What’s its name? MacDuff’s my only one at the moment but my mother has two, Sweetheart and Jacks. Sweetheart is 12 and Jacks is a year old. He’s MacDuff’s brother from a later litter. Anyway, thank you and have a great day!

Baby MacDuff

p.s. I attached a picture of my baby so you can see what he looks like ( yes, I’m a bragging parent J

Big hugs to Dabney and MacDuff for sharing their

story!

Fido and Friend in Five: Ann Cannon and Zora!

2011-08-16T10:12:00.001-07:00

Ann Cannon and Zora

Have I mentioned Utah has an abundance of talented children's authors? Okay, maybe once or twice, but it's true! Maybe it's the high elevations or the long winters--maybe it's the wild mountains and the red rock of southern Utah. Whatever it is, we write. I first met Ann Cannon about three years ago when I took a local five-day children's writers workshop. Ann was the instructor of the brave band of authors I was grouped with. All of us were unpublished, all of us were hungry and eager and rather wide-ranging in our talent. Ann took care of us with endless wisdom, humor, and patience. Kind of like a den mother. Little did I know, I was right on the cusp of my writing life taking a dramatic change: towards the end of that week with Ann, I signed with my agent and got an offer from WestSide Books to publish The Ring! I think of Ann as my good-luck charm.

Ann lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Ken, and three parakeets, one parrot, two cats, and one very big dog named Zoe. Oh, and did I mention Ann has five sons? She also writes a column for the Salt Lake Tribune, works at Utah's favorite indie bookstore, The King's English, teaches writing, and somehow actually finds time to write books of her own! Like Ann, her books are rich in heart and humor, no matter what age group she writes for. Whether it's a book about the trials and tribulations of a young pioneer girl or a modern day teenage boy, an Ann Cannon book is a treasure. Ann has a new book coming out in March of 2012, a picture book called Sophie's Fish. This October, University of Utah Press will re-print Charlotte's Rose. Yay Ann!

So let's meet my good-luck charm and her very large (180 pounds!) BFF, Zora!

1. How did you and Zora find each other? Zora and I have my husband to thank for our meeting. I'd always wanted a Newfoundland dog but doubted I'd ever have one. Inviting a dog that size to share your home and your life is quite a commitment! But one night Ken said, "I think I've found our next girl." Then he showed me a picture he'd found online of an adorable brown puppy that looked exactly like a baby bear. We called the breeder in L.A. the next day, and the day after that, we headed to the coast to pick up Zora. The rest is history!

2. What makes Zora's tail wag? Food, for sure. She's related to me that way. I like cupcakes, and unfortunately, so does she.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog book? Well! Up until this spring, I would have said Where the Red Fern Grows. But a certain book by the fabulous author, Bobbie Pyron, is certainly giving that classic a run for its money! (blush, blush)

4. If Zora could change just one thing about you, what would it be? I think Zora would make me more tolerant of her drool. Which is SO NOT FAIR OF HER! I'm already massively tolerant of her drool.

5. In five words, tell us what Zora means to you: Everything's better when Zora's around!

To find out more about the wonderful Ann Cannon and all her doings,
visit her website www.aecannon.com

Fido and Friend in Five: Nancy Furstinger and pack!

2011-08-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

Nancy and Jolly

I won't bore you one more time telling you with how I fell in love with the jacket cover of Nancy's new book, Maggie's Second Chance, when it came into the library. I won't tell you how that sweet dog's face on the cover spoke to me, and how I had to read it immediately. Instead, I'll tell you that Nancy has the coolest quote below her email signature. It says, "Think it's tough putting on a condom? Try doing it with paws and claws!" Of course, it's her reminder to spay and neuter your pets, but it cracks me up every time. But that's just Nancy. She's not only the author of over a hundred children's books (many of which are about animals), but she's also a tireless advocate for animal rescue. She's very involved with her local rescue. She also donated proceeds from her book, Catskill Creatures, to Heart of the Catskills, the rescue where she adopted Splash. Her new book, Maggie's Second Chance, is the wonderful story of an abandoned, pregnant lab mix who inspires a whole town to build an animal shelter. And it's based on the true story of fourth graders in Texas who founded a shelter in their town! Great reviews in both School Library Journal and Kirkus have called Maggie's Second Chance "inspiring" and "heartwarming."

Nancy shares her life with three rescued dogs and six rescued house rabbits. So let's meet Nancy Furstinger and her pack!

Splash

1. How did you and your dogs find each other? All three of my dogs are rescued. With Splash, I volunteered at adoption events for Heart of the Catskills (Delhi, NY), where we had an excellent track record of adopting out spotlighted dogs. I fell in love with this wonderful Rottweiler mix and was crestfallen when he was adopted. The match was not made in heaven--Splash was too young and wild and this person was old and sedentary, so he was quickly returned. I knew he was mine (as long as he bonded with my dog, Diamond Dreamer). Splash and Diamond were inseparable until she passed from lymphosarcoma. We were both devastated , and my grief by Splash's refusal to eat and mopping around. So I headed to Petfinders.com (always dangerous) and, based on a postage-sized photo and brief bio, found Lacy. She and her doggy husband were being given up because her family was divorcing. Her "husband" had been adopted already; Splash and I drove six hours to see if it was a love match. Lacy sniffed Splash, jumped in my car and never looked back. Jolly was abandoned in a house around the corner where the people were evicted. I rescued her theoretically to foster, but was a goner in a few hours: she fit into my household (including the house rabbits) instantly! She was the third dog I never knew I needed, and the star of Maggie's Second Chance.

Nancy's BFFs

2. What makes everyone's tails wag? Splash loves tummy rubs and kisses. Lacy loves swimming in our lake (even during NY winters), agility, and de-gutting stuffed toys. Treats and more treats makes Jolly's tail wag!

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Just one? Darn, well you're going to get more than that! As a kid, I loved Lassie Come-Home and lived for the Sunday night TV show. Later, after reading Watership Down, I picked up Richard Adams' book, Plague Dogs. As an animal rights advocate, I was blown away by this brilliant, heart-wrenching book. I also adore all of Alexandra Day's "Carl" books, which (like Splash) serve as an ambassador for the misunderstood Rottie breed. Plus, James Heriot's Dog Stories--endearing "tails" to bark about!

4. If your dogs could change just one thing about you, what would it be? Ditch the laptop and stop spending so much time with those long-earred creatures (otherwise known as bunnies) so all day, every day, can be doggy playtime!

5. In five words, tell us what your dogs mean to you: Dogs=love magnified 7 times (based on the myth that one dog year equals 7 human years).

Thanks so very much to Nancy and her pack for taking time away from playtime and bunnies to visit Fido and Friend in Five! To find out more about Nancy's books visit www.thegryphonpress.com

SCBWI L.A.!

2011-08-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Conference headquarters

Richard Peck. Lisa Yee, Judy Blume

As some of you know, I was just recently at the annual SCBWI summer conference in Los Angeles. For the uninitiated, SCBWI stands for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. I'm pretty darned sure it's the largest organization of its kind. There were over 1,300 in attendance this year! And because it was the 40th anniversary of SCBWI, the stars were out! It seemed like all the living luminaries in children's literature were there giving keynote addresses: Richard Peck, Gary Paulsen, Norton Juster, Libba Bray, Donna Jo Napoli, David Small, Laurie Halse Anderson, and (gasp) Judy Blume! And those were only the ones I heard--there were even more. It rocked my librarian heart! There were also plenty of workshops and breakout sessions. The best one I attended was on giving dynamic presentations by Bruce Hale (and FYI: look for him in a future Fido and Friend spotlight!).

Me and Arthur's Pack!

Utah pajama girlz!

I warned you!

Saturday I was delighted to have lunch with my new editor, Arthur A. Levine and some of the other authors in his "pack". I felt like such a pup! That night, all the authors, illustrators, and faculty let their hair down at the poolside pajama party. I was SO out of my element, but yes, I DID indeed dance! It was not a pretty sight, but everyone was pretty forgiving. And drunk.

My Newbery dress

All in all, it was a great time!

Here are some of my favorite quotes from a few of the keynote speakers:

"Readers are not trends, they are readers." Libba Bray
"If you need to write it, there's someone out there who needs to read it." Donna Jo Napoli
"Reading became breathing for me." Gary Paulsen, in talking about his horrific childhood.
"What I'm interested in is the difference between what the character's saying and what the character is thinking." Judy Blume

Interview with Marica Hoehne!

2011-08-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

Blogger Marica Hoehne, www.marciahoehne.blogspot.com , just posted this fun interview with me, in which I learned what a "panster" is!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Interview with Author Bobbie Pyron

Two weeks ago, I talked about Bobbie Pyron's wonderful middle-grade novel, A Dog's Way Home. Today, I have the privilege of interviewing Bobbie on this blog! Read on to hear what she has to say about authors she admires, the freedom to write what you want, the need for research in fiction, and, that big question: Plotter or Pantser?

MH: Bobbie, it's pretty much a given that writers are readers. What kinds of books do you most like to read?

BP: I've always been a voracious reader. I most like to read books that are character-driven and have characters that are complex yet very believable. I also love beautiful writing. I don't tend to read what's popular with everyone else.

MH: Who are some authors you admire, especially MG/YA, and why?

BP: Being a librarian and a writer, I admit to having very strong opinions about books and writers! Alice Hoffman, Anne Patchett, Kate DiCamillo, Cynthia Rylant, Sharon Creech, Sonya Hartnett, and Julia Glass, just to name a few. I have such admiration for writers who are willing to take a risk, whether that's writing something completely different from what they're "known" for, or choosing a particular subject matter, or not following the latest trend. For instance, I have tremendous respect for Libba Bray because she doesn't allow herself to get pigeonholed. I also greatly respect authors like Chris Crutcher, Sherman Alexie, Cheryl Rainfield, Ellen Hopkins, and Laurie Halse Anderson for writing about tough subjects with grace and humor, and Gary Schmidt, Kate DiCamillo, Barbara O'Connor and many more who write heartfelt, compassionate books that actually show the best in people.

MH: Sometimes new writers are surprised to learn that fiction (other than historical) requires research. What kind of research did you do for A Dog's Way Home?

BP: I did a TON of research! Even though I know dogs, and shelties in particular, it was important to me to check facts such as what colors they can actually see. I also wanted to make sure that, if a coyote kills a porcupine in a particular way, that's actually the way it would happen. I read books about the flora and fauna of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have a horror of some kid reading my book who lives in that particular place and being disappointed because I "got it wrong." For Tam's route home, I had a map of the Blue Ridge Parkway in front of me at all times. I respect my readers too much to let the facts slide just because it's fiction, and especially because they're "just kids."

MH: Plotter or pantser? Have you ever tried the opposite method?

BP: Oh, totally a pantser! I usually have a pretty good idea of the beginning, middle, end, and core conflict when I start. But I like to leave myself lots of room to be surprised and to see where the characters take me. I don't outline before I start. What my agent taught me to do, however, is outline AFTER the first draft is done. I go through chapter by chapter and write down the main things that happen in each. Outlining that way allows me to see "dead zones" -- places where nothing happens to advance the plot or characterization. I also get a bird's eye view of story arc. I highly recommend this technique to even the most hardcore pantser.

MH: Your "Fido and Friends in Five" blog series is cool! Would you say a few words about it?

BP: I'd love to! My editor for A Dog's Way Home, Molly O' Neill, really wanted me to blog after the release of the book in March. I, however, am not a natural blogger. We were brainstorming ideas on how to focus the blog so I didn't feel like I was just saying "Yay me" in every post. We came up with the idea of interviewing other authors about their dogs. I've been amazed by the authors who've been happy to talk about their dogs on my blog -- folks like Kathi Appelt, Gary Schmidt, Patricia MacLachlan, Lisa Yee, Katherine Erskine, Pete Hautman, Marilyn Singer, just to name a few.

MH: It sounds like you've provided them a great outlet to talk about their dogs, Bobbie! Your first novel, The Ring, is a YA about boxing, and A Dog's Way Home targets a different audience. You've mentioned that you admire authors who don't let themselves become pigeonholed. But so many authors have heard they should be concerned about branding. Can you comment a bit on career strategy?

BP: Ha! You assume I have a career strategy! I think for me (maybe because I'm an old hippie), I have a real fear of being "branded" as a certain kind of writer. I write the stories that insist on being told. My trick has been to find an agent and editor who will let me write these stories and trust me. I have a quote pinned on my bulletin board in my room where I write from Sonya Hartnett, an author I greatly admire. It reads in part, "I write whatever comes to me, and I write whatever the book requires. My first responsibility is to the work."

MH: You have a new book coming in the fall of 2012. What can you tell us about it?

BP: The working title is Mercy's Bone, and my sense is that it's for grades 6 and up. It's a fictionalized account of a true story: After the fall of the Soviet Union, there were tens of thousands of homeless children living on the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg. This is the story of one of those children. Talk about research! I researched for years before I felt ready to write it. I'm very excited that the book will be published by Arthur A. Levine Books, and edited by Arthur himself!

MH: Can you give us any hints on WIPs?

BP: Oh, I have lots of voices banging around in my head. I have written about half a MG novel set in Florida, about a boy who gets struck by lightning and lives. I was born and raised in the Florida panhandle, so it's been fun to write about a place I know so intimately and fondly. It was really nice to go from writing about the bitter cold of Russia to the warmth of the Gulf of Mexico!

Thanks so much, Bobbie, for allowing us this peek into your life as a writer. You've really shown us how stories can be found in many different aspects of one person's life! Your breadth as a writer, too, is admirable. :)

Fido and Friend in Five: Laurie Berenson, Blaze and Dash!

2011-08-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Laurien Berenson

Dog mysteries are always popular at the library where I work, especially with the adult patrons. One of the mystery authors who writes about dogs that's probably the most popular is Laurien Berenson. Her Melanie Travis Series debuted in 1994 with the first title, A Pedigree to Die For. That title was so popular, soon other books in the series joined the pack: Hush Puppy, Dog Eat Dog, Hair of the Dog, Watchdog, and many others. Each of the books features Melanie Travis, a thirty-something single mom in Connecticut with a nose for trouble--especially revolving around dogs. No matter how bad things get, though, you can always count on Melanie to be upbeat and the dogs completely believable.

Laurien was first inspired by her love of standard poodles when she wrote her first books in the series. Now, she and her husband have become devoted to a very different breed: smooth coated collies! So let's chat a little bit with author Laurie Berenson and her two collies, Blaze and Dash!

Beautiful Blaze

The dashing Dash!

1. How did you and your dogs find each other? After 30 years with Poodles, we were looking for a big, happy, smart breed that required a lot less grooming. I has always loved the looks of smooth Collies, so we went to our local dog show and talked to some breeders. One immediately became a great friend. We went back to her house to look at a litter of six-week old puppies. Blaze, our blue merle female, walked out of the puppy pen and straight into my arms! It was totally clear from the first minute that she was going to be my dog. As Blaze grew up, we realized she seemed lonely for canine companionship. So we went back to the same breeder and got Dash, a sable male, who is now 9 months old. The two of them are best friends and so incredibly entertaining to live with. They enrich our lives in every way.

Best Friends!

2. What makes your dogs tails wag? Everything in the world makes Dash's tail wag (except for nail clipping). He's just the happiest, most easy-going dog I've ever had! Blaze is very food oriented. She's never met a meal she doesn't like. They also like to watch horse racing on TV!

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? When I was little, I adored the Albert Payson Terhune books, so I guess it makes sense I ended up with Collies. Also, there was a paperback called The Black Spaniel Mystery, by Betty Cavanna that I read over and over again.

No couch potatoes here!

4. If Blaze and Dash could change just one thing about you, what would it be? Blaze would like me to be more of a couch potato because then our personalities would match. Dash wishes I'd permanently lose the nail clippers!

5. In five words, tell us what Blaze and Dash mean to you: Dog hair and laughter everywhere.

Well, it's certainly no mystery why Laurie loves Blaze and Dash! If you're looking for a thoroughly entertaining mystery series, find out more about Laurie and her books by visiting her website

www.laurienberenson.com

Fido and Friend in Five: Sneed Collard and Mattie!

2011-08-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Gov's Dog is Missing

Sneed Collard!

Okay, I just have to say that of all the authors I've had on Fido and Friend over the last five months, Sneed Collard, III has the coolest name of all. I just needed to get that out of the way at the start. Here's another reason I think Sneed Collard is very cool: he applied to be on my all-time favorite realty TV show, "The Amazing Race"! Seriously! If you go on his website (see link below), you can actually watch the entry video he had to send in to apply. It's amazing! True to the independent spirit of the West where he lives, Sneed started his own publishing company, Bucking Horse Books, to address the shortage of good quality regional books for children.

Although Sneed is known for his passion for non-fiction books (and he's published lots of them, including dog books), his latest book caught my eye when it came into the library where I work. The Governor's Dog is Missing! is a real page-turner of a middle grade novel with this gorgeous border collie leaping across the cover. The book follows twelve-year-old super sleuths, Slate and Daphne, as they try to figure out who stole the Montana Governor's famous dog, Cat, before time runs out. This is a great book with lots of action that will appeal to both boys and girls, dog lovers, and detective wannabees.

So let's meet two cool cats, Sneed Collard, III and Mattie!

Mattie vs. oatmeal box

1. How did you and Mattie find each other? Back in 1998, I had a housemate who had a great Blue Heeler, and she (the housemate, not the dog) was about to get married. I think I was as sad about the dog leaving as about the housemate, and I was thinking about maybe getting a dog myself. Well, about a week before the wedding, my housemate spotted this Border Collie in the "Pet of the Week" column of the paper, and immediately became obsessed with this dog. After two sleepless nights, she asked me, "If I go adopt this dog, will you watch her while I go get married?" I said, "Well, let's go look at her." We went on down to the Humane Society, and for me, it was love at first sight. I just said, "Wrap her up!"

2. What makes Mattie's tail wag? Now this is a funny question, because Mattie doesn't HAVE a tail! I don't know if someone lopped it off or if she was born that way. Several things do make her "stump" wag, however. One is seeing her favorite people. Another is the prospect of food. The third is the announcement of any action, from going for a walk to chasing a ball, to going for a car ride.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Would you run me out of the kennel if I said The Pokey Little Puppy? It was my favorite picture book as a child. But to be honest, I'd have to say the story of Shep (one of Sneed's books is SHEP: OUR MOST LOYAL DOG)--not because I got to write the kid's book about it, but because it is such a moving true story. And because it not only epitomizes all of a dog's wonderful qualities, but captures just how much dogs mean to people.

4. If Mattie could change just one thing about you, what would it be? Oh, she would make me much more active! You fellow Border Collie owners know that these dogs NEVER get enough action. If Mattie had her way, she and I would be hiking the mountains and rivers 12 hours a day--even at Mattie's ripe old age of twelve and a half!

Mattie & India on the run!

5. In five words, tell us what Mattie means to you: Unconditional love, acceptance, and enthusiasm!

Mattie at rest

Thanks, Sneed and Mattie! By the way, the Border Collie on the cover of Sneed's latest book is not Mattie. It's another Border Collie named Tarzan! I have never heard of a dog named Tarzan, have you?

To find out more about Sneed Collard, III and all the really neat books he's written and all the cool stuff he does up in Montana, visit his website www.author-illustr-source.com/sneedcollard.htm

Fido and Friend in Five: Marilyn Singer and Oggi!

2011-07-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Marilyn and Oggi

When I first met Marilyn Singer last month at ALA in New Orleans, the first thing I noticed was that gorgeous head of hair, followed by an electric smile. She was surrounded by other folks who were just basking in that smile and her energy. We had exchanged a few emails earlier in the month. I'd contacted her after I read her new picture book, What is Your Dog Doing? to, of course, see if she and her most handsome poodle, Oggi, would visit Fido and Friend in Five. Then we both discovered we were going to be at ALA doing signings. I popped by her booth to say hi, but held back rather shyly until the crowd cleared. I mean, this is a writer I've admired and followed for years! I figured I'd do a quick introduction and scuttle on my way. But she embraced me as if we had known each other forever. Dog people are like that, and I think Marilyn is especially that way. She draws you into her energy and makes you feel like the most important person in her world.

Poetry by Marilyn

Her books are like that too: full of energy, humor, and beauty. Marilyn has written over 90 books for kids and teens. And let me tell you, she writes everything! Picture books, nonfiction, poetry, novels for kids, and novels for teens--you name it, she does it. She is a force of nature. Several of her books feature dogs--What is Your Dog Doing?, Chester the Out of Work Dog, Where There's a Will, There's a Wag--so I wanted to meet her dog, Oggi, who is her inspiration these days.

Oggi's Pack

1. How did you and Oggi find each other? I've had quite a few dogs in my life, many of them strays I took in. But my husband, Steve Aronson, and I got Oggi from a great breeder. He's the second standard poodle we've owned. We love the breed! Poodles are very smart and funny, as well as beautiful. Oggi is a wonderful ambassador for the breed and the well-trained dog. He tells everyone that being a good canine citizen is important. He's happy to show off tricks I taught him and make everyone smile. As a writer, I'm appreciative of making folks smile!

2. What makes Oggi's tail wag? Me. And even better is me and Steve. Oggi really likes the whole pack to be together. And he's more than happy to add to the pack. One of his favorite past times is sitting on our stoop in Brooklyn and urging folks to hang out with us. He also loves playing fetch and will do so until he's wiped out (or we are).

Let's go, Mom!

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? I have several shelves of non-fiction books about dogs I've used for research because I've written dog books myself, including A Dog's Gotta Do What a Dog's Gotta Do about the work dogs do, and my latest picture book, What is Your Dog Doing? They're all interesting, but I have to say among other dog works, I love Joyce Sidman's poetry book, The World According to Dog. She's an amazing poet, and really captures canines.

4. If Oggi could change just one thing about you, what would it be? He would ask me to take him everywhere I go. And I wish I could!

5. In five words, tell us what Oggi means to you: The better part of myself.

Marilyn & Oggi, BFFs!

I couldn't have said it better. Many thanks to Marilyn and Oggi for visiting Fido and Friend in Five! To find out more about Marilyn and her many, many books, and to see more photos of the handsome Oggi, visit her website www.marilynsinger.net

Hope for the Future, Hope for the Animals

2011-07-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, this past Saturday was my birthday (and no, I will not tell you which one), and I spent it at a really fun event up here called "Bark in the Park." It's a fundraiser for the animal rescue organization, Friends of Animals Utah, I volunteer for. Everyone had a wonderful time--young and not-so-young, human and four-footed. My best bud, Charlene Brewster, was the chair and driving force behind "Bark in the Park." She recently wrote this wonderful piece below about what animal rescue is all about. I wanted to share part of it with you on my blog:

Coda and Mystery

There were several moments in all of the hustle and bustle that made me stop for a moment an wipe a tear from my eye - Dodger the blind dog valiantly running in the dog derbies, the crippled Rottie bravely hobbling around the Course A'Lure track to name a few. I have to admit that most of the time there are tears in my eyes it is because of a very happy or very sad thing having to do with animals.
What really caused me to catch my breath was a very small child who handed me a large manila envelope with $55 in mostly coins and $1 bills. Coda Spier, age 6, decided on Friday that he wanted to walk in the 1K with his dog Mystery and get one of the cool backpacks. Now I know for a fact that his folks could have paid $30 for him to do this, but instead, they took an opportunity to teach several important life lessons - working for what you want, telling others about something that is important to you and compassion for animals. Coda walked door to door in his SLC neighborhood and collected money to help the animals. I know it is something that he will not forget. Looking down into his eyes as he handed me that envelope yesterday is certainly something I will never forget.
Coda lives in a house with his Mom and Dad, little brother Bodhi, two rescue dogs, two rescue cats and then there is the feral cat colony in the backyard that his Mom, Susan, cares for with the help of the family. At the ripe old age of six, he knows that he should always ask before petting someone's dog. He knows that dogs and cats should be spayed and neutered.
Kids like Coda give me hope for the future of animal rescue and our society in general. I fully recognize that this amazing organization and movement we have created called Friends of Animals Utah and its influence on this tiny part of the universe is something that will go on long after we are gone. Those that we teach and nurture will carry on our vision and work for the time when there are no more homeless pets and animals being killed because there are just too many of them. I get up every day hoping this is an attainable goal. Kids like Coda Spier make me believe it.

Fido and Friend in Five: Pete Hautman and Jacques

2011-07-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

Pete & his NBA

If you looked on the first page of my website www.bobbiepyron.com and looked under the heading My Favorite Things, you'd see a list of my all-time favorite authors and books. Now, being a passionate reader and librarian (and writer) that was a tough list for me to come up with! So the authors listed on there are very important to me. If you look at that list, you'll see Godless, by Pete Hautman, about half way down. This was truly a book that marked a turning point for me as a librarian and reader. It made me see the strength, humor, complexity, compassion, and amazing writing that is the hallmark of the best fiction for teens. In short, it made my jaw drop. More importantly, Godless converted me to a passionate reader and advocate of fiction for teens. Not that I don't love Pete's other books--I do. But Godless will always hold a very special place in my heart. It's a book I still recommend to readers constantly.Obviously I'm not the only one who felt so strongly about Godless. It one the National Book Award!

Like the other author on my website list I was lucky enough to have on Fido and Friend-Gary Schmidt-Pete's books deal with tough issues-bullying, racism, among others-with humor and sensitivity. When Pete and I talked on email about his Fido and Friend spotlight, he sent me the link to this wonderful YouTube video he did on bullying with, yes, his dogs. It's trademark Hautman. Take a look: www.youtube.com/user/petehautman?feature=mhsn#p/u/7/10HualiDUUs

Rene and Jacques

So let's meet Pete and the dogs featured in his video and in this week's Fido and Friend in Five!

1. How did you and Jacques and Rene find each other? One day I came home and Jacques was there. Mary Logue had decided our older poodle, Rene, needed a friend. (Rene died in May at the age of seventeen).

2. What makes Jacque's tail wag? Absolutely everything.

Jacques the Terminator

3. What your all-time favorite dog story? White Fang, by Jack London. Jacques is exactly like White Fang. Except he's black. And a lot smaller. And kind of cowardly. And he doesn't run with wolves.

4. If Jacques could change just one thing about you, what would it be? I just asked him. He wagged his tail.

Jacques and Pete

5. In five words, tell us what Jacques means to you: He helps keep me honest.

I am beyond honored to have Pete and Jacques (and Rene, bless his heart) on my blog. Be sure to check out Pete's latest book, THE BIG CRUNCH. Pete describes this as "a year-long romance without vampires, dragons, secret societies, mysterious grandparents, unexplained deaths, violent psychopaths, hard-core drug addicts, or elves." My kind of book. To find out more about Pete and his books, visit his website www.petehautman.com

Fido and Friend in Five: Monica Kulling, Roxy and Charly!

2011-07-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

Monica & Girls (Nancy Ennis)

What is it about Canadians that makes them just so darn nice? I've had the pleasure now to have several Canadian authors on this blog and they are a pure joy to get to know. Of course, that's almost always true of dog people! I first "met" today's author, Monica Kulling, on Facebook. I knew she was a busy and popular author--we have many of her books in our library system--but then I learned she's also a proud mom of two dogs. And then her new picture book, Merci Mister Dash!, came out about an adorable mutt and I just knew I had to get her in the Fido and Friend spotlight. Like many of the authors who've been featured on this blog, Monica writes all kinds of books for kids: biographies, collections of poetry, and picture books. Her latest book, Merci Mister Dash, cracked me up when we finally got our copy in the library and I had a chance to read it. Poor Mister Dash is a very dignified, well-mannered, meticulously dressed mutt plagued every Sunday by Madame Croissant's red-headed, hooligan niece. You just gotta feel for the little guy while at the same time laughing at the niece's antics. I wondered if Monica's own dogs were as refined as our hero, Mister Dash.

1. How did you and your dogs find each other? We met Charly, our Golden Retriever, in Stratford, Ontario. Well, we met puppies from the same breeder, For Knox, and they were so calm and sweet we put our name down for one. Fort Knox's "Sweet Charlotte" came to live with us seven years ago and she's been a bundle of non-stop energy, enthusiasm, and no-holds-barred high jinx. Charly is slowing down somewhat, as she nears her July birthday and the ripe old age of eight. But she'll always be a fun-loving girl, totally in love with life and everyone in it.

Roxy and Charly ready to go!

Good buddies!

Our second dog is five years old and the product of a backyard breeder who was looking for homes for the pups his two dogs gave birth to. We met Roxy while walking Charly in our neighborhood park. Roxy was five months old and came with her name. She is a black lab/golden retriever/German Shepherd mix. She's all German Shepherd in the park, where she chases squirrels and bullies puppies, or at home as she herds us out the door for her walks. I think Roxy'd like hourly walks so she can keep tabs on the neighborhood, making sure everything's the way it was the last time she was out! Roxy is smart and definitely more serious than Charly, but they are such good buddies!

2. What makes Roxy and Charly's tails wag? Our dogs love attention, of course. Speak to them, look them in the eye, and say all those loving words and you've got the tail wagging! There's also much tail wagging around trigger words, spoken in jus the right intonation--words such as "Supper!", "Treeeeats!"
"Walkies!" "Let's go in the car!" "Charly, you're awesome! Roxy, you're the best dog in the whole wide world!" There they go again. Thump! Thump! Thump!

Roxy and Love that Dog

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Beverly Cleary was the first author I read from cover to cover. I loved Henry and Ribsy and Ribsy. I've also enjoyed Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate Dicamillo and Shiloh, by Phyllis Naylor.

4. If your dogs could change just one thing about you, what would it be? I think they'd like me to have an outdoor job, like riding the range or planting trees. These two, especially Roxy, love the great outdoors.

5. In five words, tell us what Charly and Roxy mean to you: Joyful, devoted friendship without criticism.

Isn't that what we all treasure so much about our dogs? Thanks so much to Monica and her girls for taking time out from walkies and writing to be in the Fido and Friend spotlight! To find out more about Monica and her books, visit her website www.monicakulling.com

A Fan Letter for THE RING!

2011-07-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Some of you may not know that I have a book that came out before A Dog's Way Home! The Ring came out in the fall of 2009 and was my "first born." It's contemporary teen fiction about a 15-year-old girl (getting into LOTS of 15-year-old girl trouble) who learns to believe in herself through boxing. It's also about bullying and the pitfalls of stereotyping peple. My lovely editor, Evely Fazio, at WestSide Books (the publisher of The Ring) recently sent me this email from a prospective author. I got tears in my eyes when I read it: it reminded me of all the reasons I'm damn proud of that book! I will admit to being a bit neglectful of my "first born" ever since the "new baby" (A Dog's Way Home) arrived in March. So step out of the shadows, First Born, and shine!

What I liked most about the book is it felt so darn real. Mrs. Pyron doesn’t skate around issues that real teens deal with. Drugs. Sex. Fights. Homophobia. You name it. Mardie didn’t always make the right choices. She stole, outed her brother in a mean way, and got mixed up with the wrong people. But what kid do you know that always does the right thing? That would be boring to read the perfect kid. Her flaws didn’t stop me from rooting for her. In fact, it made me root harder.

I also like how the other characters weren’t cliché. I was so suspecting Mardie’s stepmom to be a bitch. But she was relatively nice. Most stepmoms are, but for reason are rarely portrayed that way in stories. Good job there. I’m a boxing fan and liked how she learned the sport from the ground up. It helped me to learn some things. The boxing action was very realistic. I could totally visualize it. And I loved Kitty! She definitely had a positive impact on Mardie’s life. So did boxing. She learned how to manage her life and difficult situations. I like how she ended things with Eric. And I liked how she didn’t win at the end. But in a way she did win. I felt satisfied. Completely.

Thanks for publishing a great read. This deserves the spot on the Barnes and Noble shelf I grabbed it from. I’m going to give the book to my niece to read. When my daughters are old enough, I’m sure they’ll enjoy a book like this. One that teaches girls that yes they can chase and achieve their dreams. That teaches them to never give up. For me, I got a look into the mind of a fifteen-year-old girl and saw how difficult life can be. Maybe that’ll make me be a little easier on my girls when they’re that age. Maybe.

Thanks so much to Steve for taking the time to not only read my book, but to also get in touch with my editor about it! This is a man with sensitivity. I'll bet he's a heck of a dad!

Fido and Friend in Five: Cynthia DeFelice and Josie!

2011-07-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

I've been a big fan of author Cynthia DeFelice for a long time, and she's a perennial favorite with readers in any library I've ever worked in. Cynthia's one of those versatile authors who writes both novels (sixteen to date!) and many picture books. Every time I've done a Halloween storytime, I've used her picture book, Dancing Skeleton. Her middle grade novels range from historical fiction to ghost stories to contemporary novels. So I was excited to read that her new book, Wildlife, is about a dog and his boy. I was even more excited when I saw the gorgeous jacket cover featuring a dignified German Shorthair Pointer. Had I spotted another dog mom? I went to her website www.cynthiadefelice.com to sniff it out. Sure enough, there was Cynthia with a beautiful German Shorthair Pointer named Josie. So, of course, I had to email her. And like so many authors/dog lovers, she welcomed the opportunity to talk about Josie.

Baby Josie!

1. How did you and Josie find each other? My husband and I saw Josie's mother at a dog show and thought she was gorgeous, and truly special. We asked the owner to call us if they ever bred her. When he did, we went to look at the puppies. They were adorable, of course, but there was no question in our minds that Josie was the one we wanted. Every morning, I tell her the story of how we picked her out from all her littermates.

2. What makes Josie's tail wag? Hello...food! Also, she's a bird dog, so she'll sniff out any bird that's around. She also loves to go fishing with us, and never takes her eyes off the water. She has faith in us, even when we don't. Basically, she's up for any outside activity.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Recently, Sight Hound, by Pam Houston.

4. If Josie could change just one thing about you, what would it be? She'd want me out the door faster every morning when we go for a run. She waits patiently while I drink my coffee, stretch, find my sneakers and search for my socks. Then she follows me as I head for the door, realize I forgot my sunglasses, go back, head for the door again, realize I forgot her treats, go back, head for the door, realize I forgot my sweatshirt, go back again, head for the door, get in the car, realize I forgot the letter I wanted to mail...it's enough to drive a dog crazy!

Let's go. Oops! Forgot something!

5. In five words, tell us what Josie means to you: Makes me laugh every day.

Cynthia and her husband share their home in Geneva, New York with Josie. Be sure to check out Cynthia's new book, Wildlife. It's a wonderfully written coming of age story, dog story, and packed with lots of action! And visit her at www.cynthiadefelice.com to find out more about her and her books.

A Big Time in the Big Easy!

2011-07-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Quarter and Cathedral

As some of you know, I went to the American Library Association's annual conference in New Orleans last week. My husband Todd and my youngest step-boy, Brian, came along so we could make a family trip out of it. I hadn't been to New Orleans since I was in high school (and no, I won't tell you how long ago it was!) but was eager to spend time in this unique city again--especially post Katrina. So we packed up our bags and books and flew to Louisiana a couple of days ahead of the start of ALA.

Todd & Brian, French Market

Our hotel (which thankfully had a pool) wasn't far from the French Quarter. Much to Brian's dismay, we walked every square inch of The Quarter! Of course, our first morning (Thursday) we had to get up early and walk along the Mighty Mississippi to Cafe Dumond for their famous beignets. Oh what a wonderfully sinful, warm confection of hot, puffy dough and powdered sugar! Then we spent the rest of the day exploring The Quarter and French Market, visiting various museums and just absorbing (with the help of the heat and humidity) the unique gumbo of smells, sounds, and people that are N'Orlins.

Into the Swamp!

Cindy!

Friday, we loaded on a van with a bunch of other curious folks and headed about 45 minutes out of the city for a swamp tour! I will admit, as much time as I've spent living in the south, I've never been in a real swamp. We learned all about the unique ecosystem, the various birds and critters, and the plants (such as wild rice) folks who used to live off the swamp depended on. And then there was the gators! Even my unimpressionable 13-year-old boy got wide-eyed over all the different sized gators we saw. One was the large and lovely Cindy.

Signing at WestSide booth

L-R, Evelyn, Stewart, Selene, Ed, Me

Starting early Saturday morning, I put on my author's hat and got to work. I was invited to a lovely breakfast hosted by HarperCollins where I got to visit with lots of other librarians. Then it was over to the Convention Center for a book signing at the HarperCollins Children's booth to sign A Dog's Way Home. It was great! I loved hearing the dog stories everyone who bought a book and had me sign told me. I even had a little bit of a line, but unfortunately, no photos. After that signing, I made my way over to the WestSide booth to sign the newly released paperback version of The Ring. Boy, did I have a great turnout! I signed books for people from all over the world. Really! That night, the WestSide gang had dinner together. I'm fortunate to be with such a great group!

Sunday bright and early, I was part of a rather bizarre but fun "speed dating" event featuring young adult authors! We went from table to table pimping our books and ourselves to a table full of librarians in four minutes. Then the whistle would blow and off you dashed to the next table! I think I had a little bit of an edge because I was able to open my spiel with, "The first thing I want you to know about me is I'm a librarian." That really got their attention! By the time it was over, I'd chatted with seven (or was it eight?) tables and my voice was gone. But what fun! After that, it was off to The Quarter again to have a late breakfast with my ever-lovely editor, Molly O'Neill.

We arrived back in Utah very, very late Sunday night to three ecstatic dogs, two cats eager to go outside and cool air and no humidity. It was good to be back, but boy did we have fun.

Fido and Friend in Five: Dori Butler and Mouse!

2011-06-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Mouse and Dori

It goes without saying, I'm a total sucker for a good dog story. So when I stumbled upon Dori Hillestad Butler's adorable early reader series, The Buddy Files, I was delighted! These funny, charming books feature a lovable Golden Retriever named Buddy who's gone from shelter dog to super-sleuthing therapy dog. In the first book of the series, The Case of the Lost Boy (which won an Edgar Award), Buddy is adopted by a loving new family after mysteriously losing his old one. In the newest, fifth book in the series, The Case of the Library Monster, Buddy discovers a blue-tongued creature in the public library where kids read to him. What is this terrible, blue-tongued monster? Buddy's on the case! Dori is one of those authors who must never sleep (unlike yours truly) because she writes all kinds of books! Not only does she write the Buddy series, she also writes novels for middle graders, teens, and nonfiction. And on top of that, she and her sweet Mouse are a therapy team. So let's meet this dynamic duo!

1. How did you and Mouse find each other? In the fall of 2008, I found out my older son would be moving half way across the country. While I was happy for him, I was kind of bummed for myself. I also realized it wasn't going to be long before my younger son would move out too, and I need something new in my life to make up for this impending empty nest. I'd read lots of articles about therapy dogs, so I decided the new thing I'd get involved in was therapy dog work. Unfortunately, my 14-year-old, arthritic, timid cocker spaniel was not a candidate, so I started checking PetFinder www.petfinder.com every day. Specifically, I was looking for a Golden Retriever (even though any breed can be a therapy dog). One day, I came across a listing for "Mowgli", a black GR mix, who they said "never met a person or animal he didn't like." I had a feeling this was my dog. The shelter brought him to our house so he and they could meet all the two-footed and four-footed residents. Mowgli was HUGE in person--way bigger than I expected him to be! But he was SO nice, so friendly and seemed smart and easy to train. He and Molly (our other dog) liked each other, my kids fell in love with him, and my husband didn't say no--so I said yes! We changed his name because Mowgli was too close to Molly. What better name for a 100-pound dog than Mouse! It's a great conversation starter when we enter a new therapy situation. Mouse and I mostly do the R.E.A.D. program in libraries, so kids can come in and read to him. We're also going to participate in a camp this summer for special needs kids.

High Five!

2. What makes Mouse's tail wag? When I come home. When I get ice from the freezer (he knows I'll always toss a cube to him). When I grab a Kong Wubba for a game of tug. When I say any of the "magic words": walk, outside, play, dog park, or treat.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Shiloh. It's probably the book I've reread the most as an adult.

4. If Mouse could change just one thing about you, what would that be? That I would never leave the house without him.

5. In five words, tell us what Mouse means to you: Enthusiastic, unconditional, tail-wagging LOVE!

Thanks so much for taking time out to talk with us on Fido and Friend in Five, Dori and Mouse! I absolutely LOVE the fact that you do therapy work together! To find out more about Dori and her books, visit her website at www.kidswriter.com

My Three Dads

2011-06-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Today is Fathers Day. I've been thinking about this most of the week (in my own obsessive way) because I knew, since I'd posted a tribute on Mothers Day, I'd have to post a tribute on Fathers Day as well. But unlike my Mothers Day post, which just talked about my one and only mother, I knew this post wouldn't be complete and true without paying tribute to the three important "Dads" in my life--all of whom have had a profound impact on my life and who I am. So first my "real" dad:

Daddy with his girls

Daddy was born in Selma, Alabama the son of a car mechanic and housewife. His father, my Grandpa Bill, got as far as the 8th grade before he had to work to help out his family; Bess, my grandmother, had to leave school in 6th grade for the same reason. My father was their only child and the first in the family to graduate from high school. He was a pilot at the tail-end of World War II, and then became an airline pilot. That's how he met my mother, who was a stewardess. They fell head-over-heels in love, started a family and he became an air traffic controller so he wouldn't have to be away from us. That's the kind of Daddy he was. He made pancakes and bacon on Sunday mornings, told us stories about what all our stuffed animals and dolls had done during the night to keep him awake. Once our canary (who was quite ill-tempered) escaped his cage. I remember he sat up in the huge oak tree in our backyard all night with Tweetie's cage and a flashlight, calling him. And wouldn't you know, the bird came back! He loved animals and art and his girls--my mother, my sister, and me. On the rare occasions we had a hard freeze in Florida, he'd run the sprinklers all night so my sister and I would wake up to a sparkling, frozen fairy land. When I was six and a half, he and three other men in our neighborhood were carpooling home from work at the airport. It was a foggy night. They were all looking forward to getting home from their families. They were all killed by a drunk driver, including Daddy. Four young families were devastate in every sense of the word. The drunk driver broke his nose and his kneecap.

John with me & my sister

Nine very difficult years later, John Cox, my stepfather, came into our lives. The thing about John was, he never tried to replace my father. He knew how much we all (including my mother) missed him, even nine years later, what kind of man my father had been. He gave us all a safe, stable place to be ourselves. I will be the first to say, I was not the easiest kid to live with! I resented having to share my mother with him. I tested him and refused to call him "my stepfather" for years. I referred to him as "my mother's husband." But John never pushed. He respected me and gave me lots and lots of room. Most importantly, he healed my mother. He made her happy in a way my sister and I simply could not. This would be something I would come to greatly appreciate several years later after I went away to college. One of my best memories is coming home from college on break and just hanging out with John and my mother in the living room at night, listening to them talk. I was enveloped in a sense of safety. Years later, John and I kept vigil together as my mother lay dying, in a coma, in the hospital. I'll never forget him saying to me, "I know your father was the love of her life. I just felt honored to have know Bill Pyron through your mother. She's been the love of my life." John has been my role model of being a step-parent when I was lucky enough to marry into kids. I don't know that I've done as good a job as he did with us, but I try. I'm very, very proud to say with a great deal of respect and love that he's my stepfather.

Madison, Brian, Shay

Todd, Super Dad!

The other "dad" in my life is my husband, Todd. When Todd and I met twelve years ago, I'd been single for ten years. During that time, I'd actually made a point of not getting involved with men who had children. But Todd was different. I always tell people, I first fell in love with the father Todd was to his children and then with the man. I mean, this is a guy who saved all of his children's baby teeth! When he showed them to me, I just melted inside. He was a card-carrying Girl Scout den mother, a soccer mom, and his kid's best friend. He sewed their Halloween costumes. His kids were and still are his greatest passion in life. An empty nest has not been entirely comfortable for him! He loves me dearly, I know. But his kids are the core of his being and the light of his life. And that's the way it should be. He's never happier when the kids are here at the house. Yes, I know it sounds Freudian and all that crap, but he is the kind of father I know my father would have been if he'd lived.

So I send this tribute with great love and respect to all the dads--living and not, biological and otherwise--that made us who we are. Happy Father's Day, Daddy, John, and Todd.

Fido and Friend in Five: Gareth Crocker and Jack!

2011-06-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

Finding Jack

Gareth C. & Jack

So this a first for Fido and Friend: an interview with an author in a different hemisphere! The author in the spotlight today is Gareth Crocker, who lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. That means that while I write this in Park City, Utah it's the next day where Gareth is. Cool!

I first heard about Gareth and his adult novel, Finding Jack, from one of my librarian buds. I'd emailed her to tell her how much I loved A Dog's Purpose and she said, "Now you need to read Finding Jack!" So I did. What a wonderful story about the healing power of love! Set in Vietnam, Finding Jack is the story of the unbreakable bond between a soldier, Fletcher, and his "army issued" dog, Jack. After several successful operations together, Fletcher arrives back to base and learns that a cease fire has been declared. This initially wonderful news is followed by the devastating news that all U.S. dogs serving in the war have been declared "surplus military equipment" and will be either destroyed or left to fend for themselves. This story, based on actual events, asks the question: when the war is over, how do you leave your best friend behind? This is really a gripping read.

Gareth lives in Johannesburg with his wife, two children, four dogs (one named Jack), and two cats. He's worked as journalist, copywriter, news editor, PR manager, and spokesperson for a multinational corporation. He's even made a film! As he says on his website, he writes at night by the light of the moon. Although I'm really hoping Gareth's busy at work on a new novel, I appreciate his taking the time to visit us with his bud, Jack.

Hiking buddies

1. How did you and Jack find each other? Through a breeder that was recommended to me. I travelled three hundred miles to go see her latest offering of Labrador puppies, and little Jack, quite literally, jumped out at me. Together with his sister, Jill, the three of us have been almost inseparable since then. Proving that we were meant to find each other, it turns out we were born on the same day: December 10th. And I don't believe in coincidences...

2. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Jock of the Bushveld--a real heart warmer. Followed closely by Finding Jack, of course.

3. What makes Jack's tail wag? Just showing up. As much as he loves swimming and the walks and the biscuits, just being with him makes him happy. I think that's one of the reasons why all of us connect so deeply with our dogs. We just have to be there for them--and in return they are there for us, unconditionally. (here, here!)

4. If Jack could change just one thing about you, what would it be? He would definitely bury my laptop behind the fish pond. It eats into too much of his precious walk time...

5. In five words, tell us what Jack means to you: More than words can say (isn't that from a song?)

Indeed. To find out more about Gareth and his book, visit his website www.garethcrocker.com
And to watch a wonderful book trailer for FINDING JACK, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=078S46VLJBo It's short but very compelling and will tug at your heartstrings.

Fido and Friend in Five: Suzanne Selfors and Skylos!

2011-06-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Suzanne & Skylos

I was working at the library one day, and we got in this middle grade book with the cutest cover and an even cuter title: Smells Like Dog. Dog on the cover and the word dog in the title, you betcha I grabbed that book and took it home to read. What a hoot! Laugh-out-loud funny, a bit of a mystery with such a great narrative voice. I was in heaven. So imagine my delight at the very end where their was a photo of the author holding her dog--and the dog was a gorgeous Sheltie! I emailed Suzanne "toot sweet" and asked her if she and her Sheltie would like to be on my blog. I was so, so happy when she said yes! I love all the dogs who've been on Fido and Friend, but it's really special to me to have a Sheltie since I'm all about Shelties.

One of the other really cool things about Suzanne is she writes for all ages. Her middle-grade books, Smells Like Dog and it's sequel Smells Like Treasure, To Catch a Mermaid, and Fortune's Magic Farm have been called "darkly comic." She also has written a number of teen novels including Mad Love and Saving Juliet, all of which are award winning.

Suzanne's a busy lady, but she is, most importantly, Skylos's girl.

Skylos hard at work

1. How did you and Skylos find each other? Skylos is the first dog I purchased from a breeder. All my other dogs came to me as strays. He is my first Sheltie. My husband read all these articles about choosing a puppy from a litter--different games to play with the puppy to make sure the puppy wouldn't be too timid or aggressive. Skylos is absolutely perfect, I must say. He's friendly and gets along with other dogs. Because he's a herding dog, he's very loyal and stays by my side. The only bad thing he ever did was to eat our kitchen floor when he was a puppy. His name means "dog" in Greek. My son named him.

2. What make's Skylos's tail wag? Saying "Wanna go for a walk?" or "Wanna go see Casey?" She's his girlfriend.

Suzanne's muse!

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? I love the picture book series, McDuff, by Rosemary Wells about the little Westie (West Highland Terrier) and his adventures. I used to read those books to my kids when they were little. I adore the illustrations too. I like happy dog stories. I also love the picture book, Dogzilla, by Dave Pinkey. Very funny!

4. If Skylos could change one thing about you, what would it be? He'd make me love his scent. Oh yeah, two weeks without a bath and he smells like a bag of rancid cornchips. It's all that fur--layer upon layer of it. Soe he gets lots of baths, which he hates.

5. In five words, tell us what Skylos means to you: My everpresent, understanding, calming muse.

As I always say, you haven't been loved until you've been loved by a Sheltie...Thanks so much, Suzanne and Skylos, for letting me shine the Fido and Friend spotlight on you! To find out more about Suzanne's books, visit her website http://www.suzanneselfors.com/

Another Happy Reader (and author)

2011-06-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE getting these photos and emails from fans of A Dog's Way Home! This one came to me from South Carolina by way of a fellow librarian in Salt Lake City. I just love the totally absorbed expression on Kellie's face, don't you? That's the way every author hopes their readers will look!

Kellie's mom says:

"Kellie & I ran to the library to pick up holds. She ran in to get them for me & when she got back in the car she turned the radio down, pulled out Bobbie's book & started reading. After just a page or two she turned the radio off & read all the way home. She's hooked already. You know a book is good when a child is picking it up every spare
minute. Kellie reads until she goes to bed & then picks it back up as soon as she's finished getting ready for school. She says that you need to tell Ms. Bobbie that she needs to write a series about Tam. I haven't asked for any details of the story since I want to read it too!"

Fido and Friend in FIve: Cheryl Rainfield and Petal!

2011-06-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

Cheryl Rainfield

Scars

One of the many blessings of being an author is the good company you keep. I mean seriously, there's just not a nicer group of people than authors who write for kids and teens! I'm very lucky to have two things in common (at least) with the amazing Cheryl Rainfield. One is we both have teen books published by WestSide Books. In case you're not familiar with WestSide www.westside-books.com, they are a newer publisher that pretty much just publishes contemporary, realistic teen fiction. These are books that reflect the real world teens live in. My first book, The Ring, was published by WestSide in 2009 on one of their early lists. With authors like Cheryl, WestSide is becoming a force in the publishing world. Cheryl's debut novel, Scars, has really put WestSide on the map. It's won several awards and appeared on many "top" lists like ALA's Top 10 Quick Picks. Scars explores sensitively and compassionately the issue of cutting. It's a book that's won her legions of fans for its honesty and bravery; for some teens its been a life saver.

The other thing Cheryl and I have in common is our love for our dogs! I have to warn you, Cheryl has just about the funniest, cutest puppy you've ever seen! Petal is a Chinese Crested. When you see the photos and the video clip, you'll see why Cheryl named her Petal. Although personally, I think she could have named her Bunny too. So I give you Cheryl and Petal:

Petal and her ears!

1. How did you and Petal find each other? Some time after my beloved Willow (also a Chinese Crested) died of congestive heart failure, I searched for another Chinese Crested because I loved Willow so much, and I found Petal--looking so happy and playful and cute! I actually had her flown in from another province (Cheryl and Petal live in Canada), and we bonded right away! She brings me happiness and love.

2. What makes Petal's tail wag? Having me come home (along with much licking of my face,jumping on me, climbing all over me; she's just so happy to see me!) and sometimes just me talking to her.

Petal and friend

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? I have a few--I can't pick just one: MCDUFF MOVES IN, by Rosemary Wells, HARRY THE DIRTY DOG, by Gene Zion, and SUPERDOG: the heart of a hero, by Caralyn Buehner.

4. If Petal could change just one thing about you, what would it be? To have me worry less and play with her all day, and go on more walks.

5. In five words, tell us what Petal means to you: Unconditional love, family, furry child.

**and here's a great little video of Petal you have to watch www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYsdvDfAPpc

Thanks so much, Cheryl and Petal, for visiting Fido and Friend in Five! To find out more about Cheryl, be sure to visit her website and blog at www.cherylrainfield.com She's got all kinds of cool stuff on her website for readers and writers alike. And keep on eye on her: she's got a new book coming out in October called Hunted.

Why I Write, Part 2

2011-06-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

Last week, I posted a fan letter I got from a young girl and her father who are reading my book, A DOG'S WAY HOME, together. I said that connecting with the reader is why I write. Letters like that are a great reminder when sometimes it seems like the whole business end of publishing consumes me.

One of the things I'm really proud of with this book is that it seems to connect with readers of all ages! Even though it's technically a "kid's book" I've gotten many emails from adults who've have read it and were touched by it. The other day, I was delighted to receive this email from Betty. Her email means a lot to me, in part because she is also a Sheltie mom. Betty has two rescued shelties who are the light of her life. I thought I'd share her email. She was also wonderful enough to send me a photo of one of her adopted Shelties, Rosie. Enjoy!

Betty's Rosie!

I'm not sure who it was that mentioned your book "A Dog's Way Home" to me, but maybe I just found it on Amazon. Whatever, I am SO glad to have bought it as it was very hard to put down.

I am NOT a young person - in fact I'm 77 years old - but I love Shelties and right now we have two female tri-color Shelties, Rosie and Hannah, who came from the Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue in Bloomington, IL. They are numbers 4 and 5 from there, (we had Aladdin and Misty) but we had two even before that (Lance and Pixie). The star on Tam's forehead on the book's cover is almost identical to the one on my Rosie!!! Shelties are definitely the best dogs in the world!

This is a most amazing book and even though you wrote it for younger children, I totally enjoyed it. I'm passing it on to my grandchildren, who also love dogs and all have at least one living with them! Thank you so much for the great story. Tam and Abby have won a place in my heart. I would love to read more about them, perhaps how Tam recovered and maybe how they got to meet all the people who had helped him, and of course if he was able to run and win another agility trial. I'd be first in line for that book!!!

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Betty

Fido and Friend in Five: Sheila Nielson and Furry, Feathered Friends!

2011-06-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Sheila Nielson

A few weeks ago, there was an article in USA Today declaring that mermaids are the next hot thing in books. Goodbye blood-sucking, humorless undead and hello beautiful singing sirens of the deep. HOORAY! I love mermaids. As a matter of fact, I told my parents when I was about four or five years old that I wanted to be a mermaid when I grew up. I spent a heck of a lot of time in our bathtub trying to grow a tail. "How'd that work out for ya?" you might ask. Not so great.

But I have never lost my love for mermaids and neither has Utah author (and fellow librarian, I might add), Sheila Nielson. Her debut teen novel, Forbidden Sea, grew from a life-long fascination with these magical beings. The other really cool thing about Sheila is she's also an illustrator, jewelry maker, and doll collector.
You can see her artwork and jewelry on her website www.windwaithemermaid.blogspot.com

Sheila is also an animal lover. She shares her life with her tiny toy poodle and her 11-year-old parrot. Sheila's parrot talks, dances, and loves to play peek-a-boo! A local author, a fellow librarian, a lover of mermaids and dogs? It was a no-brainer I'd ask Sheila to be in the Fido and Friend spotlight!

World's cutest puppy!

Feathered friend

1. How did you and your little poodle find each other? I'd been wanting to buy a tiny toy poodle for a very long time, but hunting down a good breeder was quite a trick. One day, I picked up one of those free "Thrifty Nickel" want ad papers and discovered a breeder who had just what I wanted. When I went to pick up my puppy, I met my dog's mother AND grandmother, who really liked me a lot! They were jumping all over me and licking my face--very cute. The owner was so impressed by how well I bonded with her two older dogs, she begged me to take her favorite puppy from the litter. My dog was indeed a special little sweetheart and the breeder didn't want her to go to just anyone. I'm so lucky I was lucky enough to get her!

2. What makes you dog's tail wag? Bacon, chicken, and that high-pitched baby talk voice everyone uses when they first see how tiny and adorable she is. She knows that is her special voice.

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story? Bark George, by Jules Feiffer. I like reading it to groups of preschool children at the library. They just love it!

Little Princess

4. If your dog could change just one thing about you, what would it be? She would like me to offer bacon on the menu more often than I do. She'd also like to sleep under the covers with me every night, but she's too small. I'm afraid I might roll over on her while I'm sleeping!

5. In five words, tell us what your dog means to you: Best friend in the world!

Thanks so much, Sheila and friends, for being in the Fido and Friend spotlight! If you are looking for a good mermaid tale, be sure to check out FORBIDDEN SEA. Fingers, paws, and fins crossed for a sequel!

Fido and Friend in Five: W. Bruce Cameron and Tucker!

2011-05-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Bruce & Tucker (photo Ute Ville)

So as some of you may or may not remember from an earlier blog post, I recently went on a girls trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Not long after we got on the road, being the good librarians we are, talk quickly turned to what we were all reading. It quickly became clear that I was the only one in the car who had not read (or was reading) A Dog's Purpose, by W. Bruce Cameron. The book got rave reviews in the van. "You of all people have to read it!" everyone said. And so I did. I'm hard to impress, especially when it comes to dog stories. Let me say right now, this book is amazing. It's being compared to Marley and Me and The Art of Racing in the Rain, but personally, I think it's much better than both those books. It reminds me a great deal of my favorite dog book in the last five years, A Dog's Life: Autobiography of a Stray, by Anne. M. Martin. And let me tell you, that's high praise indeed. I normally don't like "talking dog" stories. But both Cameron and Martin pull it off with such respect for both the reader and the dog, the narration never too precious.

The Writer as a Young Man

Now, you may know Cameron's early books, including the New York Times Bestseller Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. This is his first foray into fiction, and has been hugely successful. A Dog's Purpose spent 19 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List, and has just come out in paperback. And the movie rights have sold! Hooray! Bruce also has a new novel, Emory's Gift, coming out in August. AND he's a syndicated columnists, so I was really surprised and thankful when he enthusiastically agreed to visit my funny little blog with his cuter-than-cute friend, Tucker.

1. How did you and Tucker meet each other? My dog Tucker was abandoned at birth--dropped off in a box at my daughter's animal rescue. She took him in to her home, where she has about ten thousand pounds worth of dogs. He was so well socialized that my daughter said, "Dad, I know you're ready for a new dog. This is the one."

2. What' your all-time favorite dog story? You're kidding, right? It's A Dog's Purpose.

3. What makes Tucker's tail wag? Saying his name, or thinking his name, or looking at him or in his direction, or at anything at all.

4. If Tucker could change just one thing about you, what would it be? My fingers would be made of bacon.

5. In five words, tell us what Tucker means to you: More than just five words.

Thanks so much Bruce and Tucker!

Run, don't walk, right now and buy or check out A Dog's Purpose. You'll never look at your dog quite the same again. And be sure to check out Bruce's website and blog http://www.brucecameron.com/ He's got lots of really cool things going on: book trailers, photos of past dogs, Dog of the Week photos, and even photos of his wedding, with Tucker as Best Dog! It's too cute! http://www.adogspurpose.com/

Why I Write for Kids

2011-05-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's easy to get all caught up in advances, reviews, royalty statements--the business end of being a writer. We forget why we love writing for kids in the first place.

And then you get an email like this one I got the other night:

Clara Whetstone reading my book

Hi Ms. Pyron,

I read A Dog's Way Home to my 8 year old daughter a few chapters at a time as a bedtime book. We really enjoyed reading and experiencing it together. We regularly read chapter books at bed time, and yours was one of the best ones we have read. My daughter couldn't wait until it was my turn to put her to bed to find out what was happening with Abby and Tam (my wife and I take turns, and we each have our own books that we read with her). My daughter, Mia, wanted to write to you as well. The next paragraph is from her.

I LOVE YOUR BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I liked Cheyenne. I liked that at first she seemed mean, then it turned out she was really nice. I like that at the ending she gave Abby a ride in her limo to get to Tam. I also thought the baby coyote (the one that traveled with Tam) was cute. I was sad when she got shot. I want to recommend this book to a lot of people. I recommended it to my assistant teacher and I told her that if she liked the book then she should tell my other teacher to read it. It is probably so far the best book I have read in my entire life. Have you memorized the book by heart? Also, where did you get the idea of the book? Are you going to write any more books about Abby and Tam and make a series?

Thank you for writing this book.

Again, we really enjoyed reading this and we wanted to you to know how we felt. Looking forward to your next book!

All the best,
Neal Grasso (a.k.a Dad)
and
Mia Grasso (a.k.a Mia)

Danvers, Massachusetts

No, thank you, Mia and Dad, for reminding me why I write.

PMS and BFF!

2011-05-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

PMS Gang at Best Friends!

No, not that kind of PMS! I have a group of friends here in Northern Utah. We all have two things in common: 1) we all work for the Salt Lake County Library system and 2) we all have shelties adopted from Sheltie Rescue of Utah www.sheltierescueut.org Thus, we are all Proud Moms of Shelties--otherwise known as The PMS Gang. We try to get together several times a year with our dogs, and from time to time, without them.

A few months back, when we all had dinner together, we were talking about Best Friends Animal Sanctuary down in Kanab, Utah. Some of us had been there before and some hadn't. So I said, "Let's all go down there in the spring and volunteer!" And so we did, last weekend! The four of us said goodbye to our own rescued dogs (and husbands), piled into Dena's van, and headed down to beautiful Kanab with far too much food. Yours truly was a little nervous, what with it being Friday the 13th and all, but we got there just fine.

Angel Canyon

One of many pastures and barns

Dean making a new friend

Saturday morning, we headed to Angel Canyon to Best Friends. If you don't know about Best Friends, it's the largest no-kill sanctuary in the United States. The organization owns thousands of acres there in the canyon. At any given time, the sanctuary houses and cares for (in the most compassionate, positive ways possible) around 1500 animals--dogs, cats, horses, pigs, birds, rabbits, you name it! Thousands of people come there every year from all over the world to volunteer. Anyway, we went on a wonderful tour of the sanctuary. I've been on that tour probably close to a half dozen times and I never get tired of it! And I never get tired of seeing people's reaction to the sanctuary who've never been there.

After the tour, we ate lunch and then headed to our volunteer duties. You may be shocked to know that often when I go there, I choose to volunteer at the Cat Houses, seeing as how I'm such an avowed dog person. But I do have cats too, and I love helping out with the cats there. We played with the cats, brushed the cats, and Linda even took a very special cat for a walk on a leash! Or rather, he took her for a walk. We all decided that walking cats bares no resemblance to walking a dog. No matter how many times I volunteer there, I can never get over how clean everything is! The indoor and (screened) outdoor areas for the cats are scrubbed down twice a day. And you can't believe all the "enrichment" activities they have for these cats. I don't dare tell my cats about Best Friends. They'd be hitchin' a ride down there in a New York minute if I did.

Linda's walking buddy

Rafters for the cats

Our time was, of course, too short at Best Friends. We plan to go back for a longer time in the fall. And if they're lucky, maybe we'll take our husbands along. There's nothing better than being at Best Friends with Friends!

To find out more about this truly amazing and inspiring place, visit their website www.bestfriends.org

Fido and Friend in Five: Lisa Yee and Maggie!

2011-05-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Lisa Yee

When I first started writing longer fiction (longer than picture books, that is), someone recommended I read Millicent Min Girl Genius, by Lisa Yee. This person told me it was the best book I could read to understand character-driven, almost perfectly written middle grade fiction. "The voice is perfect!" she said. "The pacing is perfect!" she said. I read it, and she was right. Ever since then, I have studied Lisa's work to see how she works her magic. Her multi-award winning books are funny, heartfelt, and handle "heavy" topics with her trademark compassionate, light touch. So I was thrilled when I found out that the amazing Lisa Yee and I have two things in common: 1) we both will soon have the same editor, Arthur A. Levine. Lisa has been working with The Arthur for many years; I'll be working with him soon on my new book, Mercy's Bone, and 2) we both love dogs! Lisa and her husband and two kids share their home with Maggie.

Millicent Min

Let's meet them both in their Fido and Friend spotlight!

1. How did you and Maggie find each other? Everyone in my family is allergic to fur, but we always wanted a dog. Then one day, I saw the cover of LIFE magazine and it read, "The Perfect Dog?"Inside it raved about "Doodle" dogs: Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, etc. They don't shed (that's the "oodle" poodle part of them), and the first Labradoodles were seeing eye dogs for blind people with allergies. So I researched, found a breeder in my state, and got on a waiting list. Five years ago Maggie, our miniature Labradoodle, joined our family!

2. What makes Maggie's tail wag? Oh man, say the word "Outside" and you'd think someone had just dumped a truckload of fresh chew toys on the lawn.

Maggie sinks her teeth into a good book!

Maggie and Lisa

3. What's your all-time favorite dog book? Maggie is particularly fond of The Perfect Storm.

Oh, wait! I read that question wrong! My favorite dog book is probably Beverly Cleary's Henry Huggins. I love it when Henry meets Ribsy and will do anything to keep that dog.

4. If Maggie could change just one thing about you, what would it be? Hmmmm....let me ask.

Maggie says that I need to take more breaks when I'm writing to play with her. Inevitably, right when I'm about to have a writing epiphany, she'll come into my office and start nuzzling me until I get up and go OUTSIDE with her.

Play time!

Unconditional love

5. In five words, tell us what Maggie means to you: Total unconditional love (both ways).

Lisa's latest!

Thank you so much, Lisa and Maggie, for taking taking time out of your busy schedules to visit. To find out all kinds of things about Lisa (did you know she has written a speech for a President and a menu for Red Lobster?!) and her books, be sure to visit her website and her always fun blog www.lisayee.com

"Handicapped" NOT!

2011-05-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Animals inspire me every day with their kindness and curiosity and intelligence. I was cruising FaceBook this morning as I ate my bowl of grits and came upon a great YouTube clip of a blind dog named Myron playing fetch www.youtube.com/watch?V=IP3tV9netQY

I thought about how many so-called "handicapped" dogs I know who have no idea their lives are supposed to be so much worse off because they're blind or deaf (or in Tommy's case, both!) or are missing a leg. They wouldn't know the first thing about self pity. They are too busy engaging in the world and living their lives.

Chloe after surgery

Susan and Chloe

Take for instance my friend Chloe and her person, Susan. Chloe was picked up running the streets of Sandy, Utah by animal control. She was terrified of people and in bad physical condition. Fortunately for Chloe, Sheltie Rescue of Utah www.sheltierescueut.org heard about this gorgeous sheltie's plight and took her into their program. A thorough examination revealed Chloe had a back leg that had been badly broken and never treated. Her only option was to amputate the leg. Not long after her surgery, I told my good and big-hearted friend, Susan, about Chloe. A cancer survivor, Chloe's story of survival resonated with Susan. When they met, it was love at first sight. Now, after several years together, Chloe and Susan are a certified therapy team, inspiring others with their stories and kindness.

And then there's Tommy. Tommy is a sheltie who was born blind and deaf because of irresponsible breeding. He also found refuge with Sheltie Rescue of Utah www.sheltierescueut.org. He loves to play with the other shelties in the household and has traveled all over the place. He even came to my book launch event at The King's English in March! He was quite a hit with everyone and thoroughly enjoyed the attention! Don't feel sorry for Tommy. He's happy and loving and full of curiosity and kindness. Oh, and did I mention he's also available for adoption? He'd make a great therapy dog, just like Chloe.

Beautiful Tommy!

So this is just one of so many ways animals inspire me. How do they inspire you?