Dogs in Fiction:The “Woof” Perspective

Guest Post by Becky Jacoby

The ASPCA claims that 5-7 million dogs inhabit the USA. Considering how that number might have been ascertained, I would bet it did not include strays or dogs in shelters. I would love to see all dogs in good homes, wouldn’t you?

Not only do I love dogs, but a Lab-Border Collie mix (Lehigh) and a Boxer-mix (Abigail), two rescues, live as part of my family.  And as a writer, I frequently include dogs in my stories (including the suspense novel on my desk for final editing.) So, when Author Gina Conroy invited me to write a guest post about dogs in fiction, I first wanted to know some statistics.

For instance, did you know Wikipedia has an entire entry listing dogs’ names, breeds and authors who created their stories? Ronie Kendig is writing a Christian fiction series incorporating some special K-9s. Further, both Amazon and Goodreads list pages of books showcasing dogs in fiction. Even science fiction can boast of dogs inhabiting its worlds.

It seems we humans truly appreciate the need and gift of canine companions in our lives and favorite reads. I recall watching Lassie on TV as a child and reading The Call of the Wild and Old Yeller.  Of course I cried when Old Yeller had to be put down—and c’mon, I know I am not the only one who did. I also cannot watch the “animal cruelty” shows or commercials as they upset me too much.

Dogs touch our hearts with authenticity

I think God put His unconditional love in dogs. No matter what mood I’m in, my dogs greet me with the same high excitement and welcome. They want to participate in all that I do, especially if it involves meals or spending time with friends. Like bookends, they are glad to surround anyone who sits on my sofa and they mourn when these people leave.

Lehigh “talks” to everyone and brings them her favorite toy to share. Abigail stares at them with her soulful brown eyes, wagging her tail, patiently hoping for gentle petting.

I enjoy the smiles that these sweet dogs bring to other’s faces.

How could these characters not spill into my writing?

Tales bred of courage with a lick of suspense

Make Me Forget is the story of widowed Marine Veteran Terri Ruiz who returns home from Afghanistan to take care of her Aspergers Syndrome daughter and older sister by starting a contract business of training military war dogs. Her success is undermined by an all-too-familiar saboteur who is linked to a terrorist network, bent on destroying her and all military.

My novel is a suspense story with threads of mystery interwoven with supernatural elements. As I prepare my manuscript to submit, I am grateful to have had the help of Perry Money, a former Marine and Vietnam War Dog handler. I would also like to thank Gina for allowing me to share a bit about dogs in fiction.

Woof. Semper fi.

Becky writes fiction and nonfiction that often include some K-9 characters. She has produced Beating Cancer, Stories of People Who Are Surviving and Thriving, published The Quilt Lady, and ghostwrites for businesses. She is completing her debut suspense novel about a Veteran Marine single parent who returns home to face deadly obstacles as she begins a contract military dog-training business to support her family.

She also runs Words with Wings, a Christian Author interview and book review blog and loves to hear from readers at contact@beckjacoby.com.