We’ve had our share of dogs over the years, as well as cats, hamsters, and goldfish. Currently we are petless, but I have a number of books that feature dogs. Since today is National Dog Photography Day, I thought I’d share some of those stories.
In A MATCH TO CALL OURS the heroine, Brittany Gorman, has always loved dogs, but she was never able to have one because her mother was allergic to dogs. In the story the hero, Parker Watson, buys her a dog for her birthday, a black and tan coonhound. In doing so, he has to confront his past.
A FAMILY TO CALL OURS features a mix-breed rescue puppy that the hero, Caleb Fitzpatrick, takes into his home so the little girl next door can share the pup with him.
Then there is the book that is filled with dogs, HOMETOWN HERO, the fifth book in my Kellersburg series. There are a baker’s dozen dogs in this story, twelve that are given away, plus the one that the hero gives the heroine at the end of the story.
Finally, I have a novella series, HAPPINESS IN HALLBURG, in which a child and a dog serve as matchmakers for some reluctant couples. I’m currently working on the fourth book in the series, PUPPY LOVE and CHRISTMAS JOY, which will be out in late fall. Notice the resemblance between the dog on the book cover and my granddog, Bella, who is featured in the title photo. When my cover designer sent me the preview of the cover, I was struck by the resemblance.
If you enjoy reading about Christmas, puppies and love, I hope you’ll look for all the books in the series.
To celebrate the day, I’ll share a photo of our last dog, Pepper. He was a pound puppy. He lived to be almost 18. I never dreamed that when we rescued that dog from the pound that he would be with us after our kids left home. He gave us lots of joy and lots of aggravation through the years. He took us on many walks and ate the food that dropped on the floor. He deemed himself the family protector, but he wasn’t above eating my husband’s supper when we were called away from the table one evening. To say my husband wasn’t a happy camper would be an understatement. Here is Pepper in his younger days before his muzzle turned gray.
I’d love for you to share a photo of your dog, if you have one. Since you can’t post a photo here, please share with me on Facebook at this link. https://www.facebook.com/merrillee.whren
What do you like or dislike about having a dog in a book?
Renate says
Hi Merrillee! Thanks for sharing a fun day. This German American Oma loves celebrating these unique days. Works well because we are dog sitting and last night I received a text from my 9 year old granddaughter asking how her dog was. So today I will take lots of pictures of Sheltie Ivy. We have had many pets: a canary winged bee bee parrot, Hermie the Hermit Crab, 3 cats and 2 Shelties. In 2018 At 70+ years old when our beloved Sheltie Penny passed at 16 years old, we decided no more pets. Our grabby Tabby cat Abby died at age 17, so with our health issues a pet might outlive us. So NOW we just share Ivy with our son. I enjoy reading books with dogs and animals. They add depth to a story and often humor. Thanks for sharing. Will post Ivy’s picture on your FB page. Stay cool. In SW Michigan 80s today, but bad air quality due to the Canadian wildfires.
Trudy says
I like having dogs (and other pets) in books! It makes it seem a little more “real” sometimes. Plus, it can make for great ways for the characters to meet each other.
Alicia Haney says
Good morning, I love dogs, we have only had 1 dog at a time, we have a half Schnauzer and he is 11 years old and he is a very sweet boy. I love to read books that have dogs in them. Have a great day.
Lori Smanski says
We got Penny (Keeshond) when our two kiddos were very young. She was a tiny ball of fur and so much energy and love. She adored our two kiddos. The reason we got her was our oldest (3 at the time) who loved dogs, everyone had them, suddenly became extremely fearful of dogs. Yup, no this was gong to be nipped in the bud right away. My whole life I grew up with many animals. We had Penny for thirteen years when hip dysplasia and cancer set in. She didnt last long. Talk about hard. My husband would not go into the vet with me to put Penny down. Uggghhh She gave us all the best of her years and we all loved her so much. I dont have a picture, but she was a medium sized Keeshond with three layers of fur
RuthieH says
They are lovely pictures, thank you for sharing! I have never had a dog, I would like to get some sort of pet when my kids are a bit older and we’re living somewhere we can have pets. I always enjoy dogs in stories, they always seem to add some fun and humour to the story!
Merrillee Whren says
Hi Renate,
We’re the same. After Pepper died, we still had a cat, which originally belonged to our daughter. We had Nomar for 12 years until we moved to Tucson, where our daughter lived. I told her she got her cat back. We could visit any time, and we took care of the cat when they went on vacation. Nomar lived to be 18. Now we live far from grandchildren and grandpets. So we only get to see them a few times a year.
Merrillee Whren says
Hi Trudy,
Absolutely. Pets can bring people together. I love doing that in a story.
Merrillee Whren says
Hi Alicia,
Our neighbors had a Schnauzer, but sadly he died very young. Pets can be a blessing.
Merrillee Whren says
Hi Lori,
My brother had a Keeshond. Very furry dogs. It is so hard to make the decision to put a pet down. They become so much a part of our lives.
Merrillee Whren says
Hi Ruthie,
Pets can definitely bring humor to a story.
Mary says
Dogs make wonderful pets, but an old allergy resurfaced after my family had not had one for several years. Yes, I do still enjoy seeing them in an open environment, but cannot be closed up with one for very long. At least reading stories about dogs still brings a smile to my face – no watering eyes or sneezing involved!
Debra Pruss says
Thank you for sharing. We have three indoor cats. We also feed the stray cats and kittens. God bless you.
Merrillee Whren says
Hi Mary,
That happened to my son-in-law, although with a cat. Now they have a dog, a maltipoo, supposedly a hyperallergenic dog. So far so good.
Merrillee Whren says
Hi Debra,
You’re welcome. My daughter just got two new kittens after their 18 year old cat had to be put down. I enjoy hearing the antics of her kittens.
Ausjenny says
im late. I am not a dog lover as I am scared of them but I still appreciate them. One of my favourite shows was Inspector Rex (he was a German Shepherd). Dogs are fun in books. I guess I like the antics I dislike they are not cats! Actually what I dislike is when an author has a dog makes mention of it like its important and then you don’t see it again in the book. Like the child or baby that was put to bed never to been seen again. If you have a dog, cat, pigeon etc and its talked about like its important don’t forget to mention it more than just that time. Its like in a suspense when a red herring is introduced to look important but then that thread is never mentioned again. I am thinking that thread was important its going to be a link after the books ended I am well if its not important or mentioned again why was a big deal made about it. I need to know what or where it is now.