But Flurry isn’t just a way to strike up a conversation with other people. She also plays an important role in my writing. While Josh is hard at work, I remain home, hammering away at the keyboard. (I retired from education in 2022 and am lucky enough to indulge in my passion full-time.) Flurry learned quickly that I need a little peace and quiet to do my work, so she either naps or finds something else to occupy her time, like playing with her favorite toys or sharpening her incisors with a chew stick. I can count on her to prance into my office and give me a quick slap on the leg with a front paw, or a sharp bark—which tells me right away she needs (or wants) to go outside. I make sure I spend around half an hour outside with her so she can blow off a little steam. Also, while keeping her company, I get a little fresh air and exercise.
Flurry is also a wonderful listener. One thing I learned a long time ago is the benefit of reading my work out loud, even when I think I’ve hit the right tone with the narrative. Flurry often lies at my feet, listening to me read. I imagine her as a critical listener, even though she often nods off during the reading. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve revised my writing style or added more dialog because of reading aloud to Flurry.
A few novels back, I decided, largely based on our loving relationship with Flurry, to include a canine member of the family in some of my gay romance books. In My Own Private Biscuit, there’s Demon, the Siberian Husky, who helps a character deal with the breakup of his marriage. Then, in Lonely Diner, Diamond, the American Eskimo pup (yes, inspired by Flurry), is an integral part of a gay family. And in my latest, Dusty’s Snack Shack, Benji, a Saint Bernard, is Dusty’s “best friend” who helps him through several “bad romances” before he finds the right guy. What I’ve discovered is that the inclusion of a canine companion helps to “humanize” the characters in the novel quickly.
Because, as we dog lovers know, how a dog regards—and interacts with—a person often provides insight about that person’s character. If Demon, Diamond, or Benji loves someone in the novel, then we should love them, too! (At least, that’s my theory, and I stand by it.)
Additionally, every story needs to connect with readers, whose satisfaction should be utmost in the author’s mind. If a reader is a fellow dog lover, well, the connection often comes quite easily.
Because, after all, we dog lovers are a “rabidly” dedicated group.