Porter with “his” book
If you’ve read any of my books, you’ve probably realized that I love dogs. From Bear the Goldendoodle in my Arcadia Valley books, to A Dog’s Last Chance Animal Rescue in my Rescue River series, to the ranch for veterans and senior dogs in my upcoming Redemption Ranch series… they’re everywhere. I’ve blogged here before about The Dogs of Romance.
What happens when a dog-loving romance writer loses her best friend?
Last week, we lost our sweet little Maltese mix, Porter. Or wait… was he sweet? Sure, except when he was dominating our cat… or sneaking onto the school bus… or attacking a Rottweiler. Porter was a big personality in a ten-pound package, and he’s been an important part of our family life. Even when my daughter and I were completely at odds during the storms of her adolescence, Porter could make us laugh. And when there was a bad grade or a rejection letter to get over, Porter was right there, wiggling closer and closer to our sides, letting us know that he loved us even when the rest of the world seemed judgmental and harsh.
I’m the type of writer who moves around the house. I’ll write a few pages in bed, then a few at my desk, then settle down at my dining room table to finish the chapter. Porter had a bed, blanket, or pillow in almost every room of our house. He dutifully followed me from spot to spot, settling down beside me with a doggy sigh, keeping me company. When he got old and tired and arthritic, I’d try to reason with him: “Don’t get up, I’ll be back in two minutes!” But he would trudge after me anyway, wait for me to brew my coffee or find a reference book, and then follow me back to whatever “desk” I was using.
Porter’s bed in my study
My writing days will be a whole lot lonelier now.
I’m so glad that I put Porter into one of my books, under the name of “Spike.” In The Soldier and the Single Mom, my big, tough hero struggled with alcoholism. He had a special relationship with Crater, one of the big dogs at A Dog’s Last Chance. But a little white mop of a dog, given up by a struggling owner, made his way into Buck’s heart as well. Here’s what happened one difficult evening when Buck went out to the rescue to pick up his favorite big dog, Crater:
The dogs continued barking, of course, and he got drawn into petting some of the needier ones. When he saw Spike, the Maltese mix from the alley the other day, he opened his crate, picked him up, and carried him around. He’d turned out to be healthy enough, just your average senior, overweight dog with bad teeth. But with his matted hair shaved off, he was a little guy. He didn’t fit in with the bully breeds that made up most of the population at the rescue.
“But somebody loved you, huh?” He rubbed behind the dog’s ears, thinking of the note and the few dollars that had been with Spike when he was dropped off.
The dog licked his face gratefully.
“Your breath smells worse than a garbage dump,” he chided the old dog.
Yeah, he was talking to a dog. Which might mean he was crazy, or might mean he was sane.
Finally he got to the kennel he’d been seeking. There was Crater, in the back of it, licking his paws. When the dog saw Buck, he came bounding forward.
Buck opened the kennel awkwardly, still holding the Maltese. “Hey, buddy,” he said. “Want to come home with me tonight?”
He only did that on the bad days. His sister hadn’t bargained for a big, clumsy dog in her house. But she knew he needed the company sometimes.
Crater trotted confidently beside him, mouth open, tongue hanging out. He seemed to laugh at the other dogs, still in their kennels.
When they got back to Spike’s small crate, Buck bent down to put the little guy in.
Spike struggled, looking up at him with big, dark eyes, letting out pitiful cries.
“I don’t even like small dogs.” Firmly, he shut the crate and headed for the door.
Above the noise of the other dogs, he could hear Spike’s high-pitched howl.
All the dogs were barking. All of them needed a home. He was giving one of the unadoptables an outing, that was all. He reached down to rub Crater’s head and the dog stared up at him adoringly.
That high-pitched howl again.
Buck groaned. Stopped. Started walking again.
Crater looked at him quizzically.
His steps slowed. He turned around. Then he jogged back to Spike’s cage, opened it and swept the fat Maltese into the curve of his arm. “One night on a real bed. Just one, you hear?”
Twenty minutes later, as he let himself into the guesthouse and went upstairs—Crater beside him and Spike in his arms—he realized he hadn’t even considered taking the turnoff for the bar.
Just like Spike in the excerpt, Porter pushed his way into my chaotic life and made it better; he will always be part of my family’s story. In his honor, I’m giving away a copy of The Soldier and the Single Mom. Just comment today to be entered into the drawing.
Lee Tobin McClain read Gone With The Wind in the third grade and has been an incurable romantic ever since. Lee is the author of the Sacred Bond series of contemporary inspirational romances and also writes the Rescue River books (angsty, but full of fun kids and dogs) for Harlequin Love Inspired. When she not writing emotional Christian romances, she's probably driving around a carload of snarky teen girls, playing with her rescue dog and cat, or teaching aspiring writers in Seton Hill University's MFA program. She is probably not cleaning her house.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Animals are family members. I love reading about animals in stories and what a nice tribute that Porter got a role in one of yours. Reading the excerpt in your post brought tears to my eyes and made me smile all at once.
Lee, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet Porter. It’s hard when we have to say goodbye to our furry friends. We have 2 kitties in our home, Mitten and Audrey. They are very much a part of our family. After we moved to our new house almost 2 years ago, a gray cat showed up on our front porch so my tender hearted husband fed it. She continued to show up wanting food. We named her “Not Our Cat”. One cat turned into 3 hungry cats. Two weeks ago, Not Our Cat was chased up a tree by a dog visiting our neighbors. She was up very high and we tried to get her down but we were unsuccessful. After 2 days, she was gone from the tree but we later discovered she didn’t survive the trip down. We mourned her loss even though she was “Not Our Cat “. I’m wishing you comfort as you remember the good times with Porter.
Lee, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear dog Porter. Thank you for sharing his picture. He is adorable. Our fur babies are such a big part of our families. We have always had a dog in our almost 45 years of marriage. They have been a part of our family as I know your Porter was a part of your family. Max, the dog who has owned us for 7 years is a black lab. He has such a personality. We have never noticed any of our other dogs, over the years, being as vocal as Max is. When he is upset with us he can give out a sigh and a mumble. He gets upset when we don’t give him a treat when he wants it. I enjoyed the excerpt from your book The Soldier and The Single Mom. Now I want to read about Buck and his adventures with Crater and Spike.
Thank you, Ellie–so glad you liked the excerpt–tears and smiles are what we romance writers are aiming for!
Aw, Sherri, I’m sorry. I love the notion of a cat named “Not Our Cat.” Tempted to borrow the idea for a future story… would you mind?
Max sounds like a real character! And yes, they do own us, don’t they?
Wow. What a powerful excerpt. Thanks for the post and thanks for the giveaway.
Hi Lee! Sorry to hear about your loss of Porter. For most of our married life we have had a pet – a canary winged bee bee parrot, 3 rescue cats, an escape artist hermit crab, and 2 Shelties. Every morning I check if our 16 year old anxiety ridden deaf arthritic Sheltie Penny is still breathing. She is so good with our grandchildren, especially the 14 month old toddler and for 15 minutes each day acts like a puppy. She is my shadow and we are both suffering from spring fever. We have fond memories of each pet and miss them, but probably at this stage in our lives will not have another pet, so we can travel. I can find caregivers for my granddaughters ages 4 & 1 easier than for Penny. Thanks for sharing your dog in you story. Best wishes.
Oh my goodness, Penny sounds like Porter, a puppy for 15 minutes per day! Except Porter would have no patience with toddlers. God bless you for taking care of her along with your grandkids.
Glad you like the sounds of Porter’s book!
So sorry for your lost, he reminds me of Cody, my aunt had a westie when I was a kid and when she went off to college left him behind and he stayed with us even after she moved to MA and went with us when we moved to CA. I will never forgot or forgive my grandmother for his last day. See Cody was allergic to the grass we had in CA he kept chewing his feet until the bled…so she and my grandfather (they raised me after my mom was killed before I was two) decided to put him to sleep on my last day of 7th grade and didn’t even tell me. I just came home to him being gone. She didn’t even say anything when I got home, no she waited for me to ask her where he was. I got home and ran to get ready to go down to the pool like I usually did and when I went outside to grab my towel Toby and Casey we’re out there but no Cody. I never forgave her for not letting me say goodbye.
I loved that excerpt about Porter/Spike! And I am so sorry for your loss! My golden retriever Sally moves around the house with me – and sometimes I feel bad going downstairs to get something and return and she feels the need to come with me. It is getting harder on her too since she is a big girl and getting old.
That sounds so hard to deal with, Cassandra. I think attitudes toward putting animals down used to be a lot different than they are now. I’m grateful my daughter had a chance to say her goodbyes to Porter, and I do think that is helping her to deal with the loss of him.
Aww, they’re so sweet and loyal, aren’t they?
So sorry for your loss, because I have never forgotten losing a pet, even though we have no pets now. It really is a loss and they are missed for a long time. I really enjoyed this excerpt and how it shows Buck’s kind, soft heart.
I have a walking, barking shadow as well. He’s getting older now. He turns 10 next month. And he has garbage breath, too. That made me smile.
I’m sorry you lost your writing buddy.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. And I am praying for you. Sending hugs your way.
Aw,Lee,
I am sorry about Porter ,maybe after a little grieving you can rescue another fur baby.
I feel the same way about my car Bookie.
He is skittish,opinionated but he makes the day brighter when he crawls up on my shoulder to take a nap or snuggles on his Poppa’s leg.
I have a doggy best friend who is an old lady now. What a great little guy Porter was—and he will always be in your family’s hearts. I love that photo of someone imagining what heaven’s gates are like and all the dogs you e loved are waiting for you when you get there. Sending love ?
Thank you, Becky. Buck doesn’t want anyone to know he has a soft heart, but Spike makes him show it!
Thank you, Ginger… enjoy your buddy.
Thank you, Lori.
Oh my goodness Linda, my daughter is already asking for another dog! I’m trying to wait a bit… Bookie sounds like a real character, just like Porter was.
It does make me feel better to think about Porter being pain free in heaven, begging for treats from everyone who comes through the pearly gates!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I understand the pain of losing a beloved pet.
Your excerpt made me think to myself, “I hope he’s not crazy, since I talk to my dog all the time.” :) Great excerpt.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Lee :-( Porter sounds like an incredible dog. Thank you for sharing about your fur baby. I enjoyed seeing the photos as well. Thinking about you and your family. (((hugs)))
I’m sorry for your loss of Porter. Our boy Chuckie, a poodle mix who followed us room to room, cuddled up with us when we were sick or sad. He became diabetic and nearly blind but still stayed with us. He had pillows in nearly every room of the house too. At almost 15-years old he got sick, we had the big talk with the vet then went home to see if he would recover. He did, then gave us a week of puppy like play. Chuckie played with all his favorite toys, tugged at our pant legs wanting to be picked up and cuddled. One week later the illness came back with a fury and we knew it was time to say goodbye. We took him to the vet on his favorite pillow, she cried with us. He was gone before she gave him the medicine. Next month will be 9 years. I still miss him every day.
I wish you comfort in the coming days and weeks.
So sorry for your lost as I have lost one of mine last year he was sick and I miss him so much. I always think of all the ways he made me smile and even when he got on my nerves with his constant barking. Lol I would dress him up as he was a chihuahua.i would love a book .thank you
We have a Maltese mix pup named Bingo! Love our dogs!! I’d be lost without them! I’m a single mom so maybe can relate to your new book, must read it!
Thank you Kimberly. I am STILL talking to Porter even though he’s gone!
Thank you, Melanie
Oh my goodness, that is similar to Porter’s last days… he acted puppy like too. Chuckie sounds like a wonderful dog.
Ha, Delfina… Porter got dressed up plenty of times and he didn’t even mind! I’m sorry for your loss as well.
Sorry for your loss! Your excerpt me tear and smile. Since I am extremely allergic to cats and dogs, we’ve had a variety of unusual pets. We had a gerbil with a withered leg who would jump into my hands from his 10 gallon fish tank home. He would also escape at night from his cage with a screen top on it. He would come up to me in the morning to go back in his cage to eat and sleep. He could get out but not back in. My daughter fell in love with him at the pet store because of his withered leg. It was amazing what he did with three working legs. We’ve also had several rabbits who loved to be petted.
I think we single ladies value our dogs in a special way… even the little guys help us feel safe and they are great company. Thanks for posting.
That gerbil sounds pretty smart! I like all kinds of animals. When I was living in apartments, I usually had a bird or two. Haven’t tried a rabbit yet!
I am sorry for the loss of your dog Porter. Wonderful excerpt of The Soldier and the Single Mom. I would absolutely love to win a copy of this book. I enjoy reading your books. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Thank you for sharing your heart! I moved in with my daughter (and sil) when she was expecting triplets. In the course of 4.5 years we lost 1 baby (at7.5 months) and 2 fur babies. We now have an old cocker and a 1 yr old toy poodle…and there are a lot of prayers for patience in our HH but we are blessed with laughter! Love your books!
It’s so hard to lose our pets! I was born a cat person :-) and thankfully married a man who likes cats too (I was always afraid the Lord would lead me to a guy who was allergic to cats :-) and was so thankful He gave me a cat loving guy.) Praying for God’s comfort for you and your daughter!
They come into our lives for their short lives. We are their world. They become a part of the family never to be forgotten. I feel your sadness in the loss of your fur baby. Hugs.
I must be hormonal, that excerpt made me cry. My entire life is immersed in my animals and a beloved old man I had known since I was seven Just died. He was a burly, tough mountain man who struggled with alcohol until he got cancer. He always had a devoted dog that he spoke to in a sweet voice even though the words were comically harsh – a combination of baby talk and threats: “you want me to put put rocks up your nose holes until you die!” He would say while the dog grinned and wagged his tail. He made me laugh with this routine a thousand times. You know his old dog I gave him is still alive at about 19?! And still in good health. He took excellent care of his dogs and horses.
Pets become family, and I’m sorry you lost yours.
Lee, I’m so sorry you lost your beloved pet.
Oh Lee, it’s so sad to lose a best friend. Every time we lose one my husband says, “no more “. It’s just to hard. Of course, sometimes it takes longer before he says ok. This last time it only took 6 months. He said I could have one for Christmas. So we searched and searched and when we were at one of the boxer rescues , one came running up to him . Long story short, guess who got the dog for Christmas? Well, it wasn’t me. lol
I love your books and always look forward to reading one.
As for a writer losing her best friend, I think it might inspire her to write a book based on the subject. I wish you well on finding your next best friend, but never forgetting Porter and the love he brought to you and your family.
Blessings
Kathy
Oh my, Dawn, you have had some hard losses… I’m sorry. And I’m glad you can focus on the laughter.
Margaret, Beverly, and Emma–thank you for your understanding and support–it really helps.
Aw, you have a wonderful story about your mountain man. I think tough guys who love their dogs like babies are sweet and yes, they can evoke a tear. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Kathy–I appreciate your understanding. My daughter is already begging for another dog! And I’ll probably give in just like your husband.
Thank you for sharing your bundle of loyalty. You honor us. You are in my thoughts. Sweet memories.
Lee, I’m sorry for your loss. Porter sounds like a wonderful dog. Tucker is with me as I write and “do life.” They truly are family.
sorry about the loss of your fur baby, the story sounds very good, i have a toy poodle, love to read stories wiyh animals in them
I know how much it hurts to lose your fur baby. I am so sorry. We have never replaced our black lab Annie and we lost her April 2013. We just don’t spend enough time at home. Someday…..❤️
Hugs, Lee. Losing an animal friend with such a huge personality is never easy.
I am so sorry about the loss of your dog! Dogs are so much a part of the family!!
Thank you, Jennifer and Julie. I appreciate it that others understand how important Porter was to our family.
Those little dogs are so sweet… our babies!
I have that same feeling, Debbie–I do some traveling and it will be easier without worrying about the dog. But home feels empty without a canine companion…
Thank you, Autumn and Beth… I appreciate your kindness.
I’m sorry you lost your sweet pet.I enjoy your books very much.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Blessings
Thank you for commenting, Mary and Lucy. I’m blessed by the understanding I’ve found here today.
I am so sorry, Lee. We lost our beloved border collie about 3 wks. ago….it is hard and we miss him so much. He was so vocal and affectionate. I don’t think we will get another pet ..at our age…
I’m so sorry you lost your fur baby. I love dogs and cats, but can longer have them since my husband is allergic to them.
Sorry for the loss of your sweet pet, your dog. Praying that the Lord will comfort you. Would love to be entered to win a copy of this book.
Dad for your lost. An animal is always in your heart it’s hard to let to let them go. Fora writer to lose a friend can cause them to think more on their storys and see Manny things in them that were like their own pal. I hope you will find someone else to help you write your storys and honor your past friend. He was quite cute.
Sorry I meant sad for your lost
Love your books,would love to win
So sorry for your loss. Ive been there! :(
I don’t mind at all. I love the idea. And I can hardly believe this, but Not Our Cat showed up on our front porch this morning wanting food. About a week ago, we had seen vultures eating something in our field and my husband checked it out and thought it was probably her. It was a case of adding 2 plus 2 and getting 5! She had rarely missed a day visiting us but we didn’t see her for at least 2 weeks after the tree incident. We’re guessing she must have gotten banged up getting out of the tree and needed to heal up for a while. We’re very thankful to see her well and hungry!
I’m so sorry to hear about Porter. I know how hard it can be to lose a pet. Hopefully each day will be a little easier than the last.