Why Every Good Story Needs a Dog

I’m often asked where I get my ideas for stories . . .

Hey, there. Callie, here. I’m taking over for my human, because she promised we’d go for a walk after she was done this one thing. At the rate she’s going, I’ll never get my walk. She’s been staring at this page forever. And now she’s gone to get another cup of tea. That’s another forever.

So, first thing, let’s change this title. Story Inspiration is sooooo boring. Dogs never are. Here we go: Why Every Good Story Needs a Dog. Perfect.

The answer should be obvious, of course. We’re cute, entertaining and the best listeners in the world. What was so hard about that?

And just in case you wanted to know what inspired the dogs in my human’s stories, here it is: I don’t mean to brag, but it’s me. I’m as sweet as Henry and as beautiful as Marlie as you can see in the picture above. I’m the one on the right. Henry’s on the left. Marlie’s on the bottom. My human says I give her a lot of material, whatever that means.

So, there you have it, the best stories always have dogs because dogs are the best.

“What’s going on? What are you doing in my chair?”

Who me? Um, nothing.

“What’s all this?”

The work you said was so hard. You’re welcome.

“I hate to burst your bubble, Callie, but I finished Henry’s story before you were even born. Lilly, the PAWS to Read therapy dog at the library, was the inspiration for Marlie. It’s because I fell in love with her that I looked for you.

“Don’t look so glum, maybe next time . . . Want to go walkies?”

Finally! Thought you’d never ask.

NOTE: Lilly, the therapy dog, recently passed away. The little beagle mix will be remembered fondly by a host of children at the Wadleigh Library lucky enough to read to her. I got to see her magic first-hand when I took my grandson to meet her. A big smile lit his face when it was his turn. He sat beside Lilly and told Anne, Lilly’s owner, that he picked that book because he thought Lilly might enjoy it. Lilly placed her head on his lap, and he read and patted her. You could almost see the calming molecules floating in the air.

Rest in peace, sweet Lilly. You will be missed.