Pawprints on the Page

While editing my upcoming book, Malachi's Mountain, I realized I've used dogs as secondary characters in several of my stories. Malachi's faithful companion, Flint, is one of them. Malachi got him from the Shoshone when he was just a pup. Flint is loyal, intelligent, and the perfect friend for a mountain man living alone in an isolated cabin.

My first story to feature a dog in a significant role was Roslyn's Rescue, an inspirational retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" set in medieval England. Owein, a noble wolfhound secretly gifted to Roslyn by the woodcutter, proves to be exceptional. When Roselyn faces danger, it's Owein who races for help.

A dog also plays a memorable role in Inman's Impersonation. Someone has mistreated the animal, and Inman's kindness wins his complete devotion. Inman first names him Drifter but soon shortens it. Driff becomes an important presence throughout the novel.

In Grandma's Match for Garrett, Garrett goes to great lengths to find Wren a dog. Something happened to the one she used to have, and with all the trouble surrounding her, he's convinced she needs a good guard dog. He ends up bringing her two, and they quickly become invaluable.

A puppy also finds Meleah when she's lost in the woods in Noah's New Bride. She names him Pal, and his companionship helps ease the loneliness of the logging camp while Noah is away working during the day.

I've loved animals, especially dogs, since I was a little girl. My family used to raise cocker spaniels, and I always had a dog of my own growing up. Those memories are special to me, so it's no surprise that dogs keep finding their way into my stories. I expect readers will meet even more canines in books to come.

Do you enjoy discovering dogs in the books you read from time to time?

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