Don’t you just love a book that has a fun pet in it? Entire series have been centered around pets, many of which are the heroes of the books. Cozy mysteries come to mind. There’s an entire sub-genre for animals and pets. Pets become sleuths and help their owners or human friends solve the mystery. That is, if the pets aren’t solving the mystery themselves.
Then there are the classic stories we grew up with like Old Yeller, (I am so dating myself) and The Black Stallion. Movies have been made about pets and animals and we all have our favorites. Now a days many authors use their own pets in their books. But, I admit, I haven’t done it yet. For one, I don’t have any pets. Darn allergies.
However…if I were to use a pet, I’d use my sister’s dog, Steppe. As some of you know, Steppe is a cream colored French Bulldog that my sister got a few days before Thanksgiving. He’s a cute little guy with loads of personality. Of course, come to find out, French Bulldogs (Frenchies for short) are known as the clowns of the dog world. Not to mention a few other things. AFTER my sister brought Steppe home, I found some videos on YouTube about owning a Frenchie, and to my sister’s utter horror, she watched these while Steppe lay slumbering away in her lap. According to the videos …
They snore and make all sorts of interesting sounds while they sleep: Yep, Steppe does that.
They are the kings of flatulence: Yep. Steppe definitely checks that box.
They are so broad through the chest, it’s hard to find doggie clothes that fit: Oh yeah. Our older sister had to custom make a jacket for him which he quickly out grew. Then she made another, and another, and another…
They can’t swim worth beans as they are so front heavy: Not sure how the annual family camping trip at the lake went. But I do know Steppe made it home safe and sound.
They are a companion breed and don’t like being alone: Yep to this too. Steppe gets to go to work with Marijo at the horse barn where he is king of his domain.
They are good apartment dogs as they don’t really bark: Unless excited, but I have to agree with this one as well. These dogs are everywhere in New York City! My daughter Hana, while she lived there, even baby sat one once. Her name was Lottie and she was black and white and the cutest thing ever. She was also on Hana like glue. She didn’t even mind being a desk.
They love everybody, so don’t count on them as a watch dog: Steppe checks off this box too!
You can’t let them over exert themselves as they can’t breathe well to begin with. Again, Steppe survived camping and loved all the trails and hikes and even kept up with the big dogs.
Needless to say, my sister was laughing and cringing while watching these videos and exclaimed, “What have I done?” more than once. But Steppe has proven to be one of the best dogs ever. Even photographers can’t resist his cute mug and have snapped pictures of him at horse shows. So eventually you’ll see the little guy on a book cover. Maybe I’ll give him his own series. Good grief, this means photo shoots. I hope fame and fortune don’t go to his head!
Thankfully my daughter, a professional photographer, has shot puppy pin ups, as she calls them, before. So at least I have that. Maybe I can make him a sleuth. Or how about a doggie super hero? Or maybe he’s just the pet of a cowboy or professional roper in a western romance. Do you have a pet or know someone with one whose antics are book worthy? If so, what kind of book would they be in?
I don’t have a pet because of allergies, too.
My middle son’s fiancee’s dog, a Pomeranian, was a rescue, and a former show dog. She’s a certified support animal. Lexi would make a great character in a book. She has an amazing wardrobe. Pink toenails and tail. Adorable.
I LOVE Poms! I had a miniature Pomeranian years ago. They are the cutest dogs and would make a good pet in a book!
Aw, Kit, they are so cute. I think in a lot of westerns, the horses almost become like another character. Maybe not quite like a dog, but similar. I’d like to have a dog, but with 4 cats and a rabbit…my house is a little full.
Ah, but there’s Duggy! I’m reading his book…I mean, your book right now!
I have a fat cat, which I am trying to get his weight down and he doesn’t like me having his food cut back. He is a big cat and I would say he weights 14 to 15 lbs. so I am trying to get him down to about 12 lbs. but that’s easery said then done.
Ohhhh, cats on a diet! I cat and house sit for a friend whose cat is on a diet and has to take different medications at certain times of the day. You’re right, it is not easy!
wow a lot I didnt know about those dogs. so fun. thanks for sharing. Oh my yes I loved Old Yeller also. I love Amanda Flowers cozy series The Amish Candy Shop I love stories with animals in them
Me too, Lori, I’ve just never thought to put any in my books. Though I do have a rooster in a few…
I like most animals, and like to see different ones in books.
Animals in books are a lot of fun! I especially like the cozy mysteries with animals helping to solve the crime.
Love pets as characters in books
They’re so much fun!
Yes, I love pets in books. We have a 9yr old half Schnauzer and my husband is a musician and when he practices his saxophone, there is a certain song that our pup just loves to howl along while my husband plays it, he is so funny. and he is such a joy! I enjoyed reading about your fur nephew, he is cute, I definitely see him wearing a cape for a super hero. 🙂 Have a great day and a great week.
Hmmm, me thinks I shall commission my big sister to make him one, Alicia!
I don’t have pets of my own! But I do love pets in books!
Me too, Sarah!
I love Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. Pets in stories is fabulous!
There are a lot of Golden Retrievers in books I’ve noticed.
We have a black cat by the name of Fearless. He was born a stray. As a kitten he chased a grown raccoon and a grown groundhog out of our backyard. He is so smart. He knew he needed to get on my good side to come in the house. He would sit on the front porch each morning to walk me to my car. My husband would have to go outside with me to get him out of the car so I could go to work. He would be on the front porch waiting for me to come home each night. He would run to greet me. He received his wish. He is now a loving indoor cat. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
What a great story! Fearless really is fearless!
I love pets in books. For one thing it gives the protagonist an excuse for talking out loud. It makes it fun to see the pet’s response to the conversation. I once asked one of our cats, “Why is mammie (meaning my wife) so mean?” He looked at me and said, “Mewroworow, merp, merp, mrow-mrow. Meroweee!” I said, “My goodness, you seem very sure about that. Are you certain?” “Meow!” I looked at my wife and said, “Well, you cannot argue with that logic!”
Bahahahha! That’s great. If only you’d captured that on video!
No book worthy pets that I can think of. We have had many, all of them wonderful, mostly. Our first, beagle mix, was a great traveling dog. She would curl up on the floor in the back seat and not bounce all over the car like so many dogs do. (This was long before doggie seatbelts.). She went on many long trips with us and moved cross country, NY to CA to VA, twice. She was sweet, but defensive of her people. Our two daughters and I were hiking in the woods one Fall. My husband was grouse hunting and had gone his own way. He came down the path towards us. As soon as the dog spotted him, she planted herself in front of us and growled. She stayed put until he got close enough that she could hear him talking to her and she recognized him. Nice to know she was so protective. Our second dog, a lab mix, was a sweetheart, but was a dog that pinged all over the car when she rode. I am so glad we were done moving when we got her. We took her to visit in nursing homes and at the library. She was a great hiking dog and adored my husband. Come to think of it, all of our dogs have. Two great dogs and both of them graced us for 17 years.