Book Dog plus Real Dog plus Backstory for the 8 New Breeds

November 24, 2019

I want to show you the real-life dogs and their owners that were the inspiration for my new children’s picture book Dachshunds in Costumes: How MORE Dogs Came to Be and to tell you the real owners’ backstory.

First in the parade is the POODLE: Heather Highmiller’s Poodles are to her what my Dachshunds are to me—only more so! I was especially touched when Heather told me she would soon get the Red Standard Poodle she’d always wanted and that she was naming her Kizzie. Here’s to the memory of Poodle Kizzie and her owner Heather!

A dachshund in a natural poodle costume! — A dachshund in a natural Poodle costume!

Second in the parade is the GOLDEN RETRIEVER. Five-year-old Jasper was so pleased when his Dad offered to read Dachshunds in Costumes to him. When he came to the page about the family getting a Golden Retriever, Jasper clasped his hands and gave a yelp of pure delight. Their family had just adopted a Golden Retriever and Jasper was overjoyed to see the storybook children frolicking with their dog just like he played with his now, too!

A dachshund in a natural Golden Retriever costume!

Third in the parade is the SCHNAUZER. Illustrator Scott Ward and his husband Cameron Vail co-own the shop Current and Furbish in Fairhaven WA. Their Schnauzer, Dexter (my nephew!), is a fixture at the store. He is always there to welcome customers and be a companion to Cameron while tending the shop!

A dachshund in a natural Schnauzer costume!

Fourth in the parade is the FRENCH BULLDOG. French Bulldog Zoe sets the standard for attitude and pizzazz! New to the neighborhood, it did not take long for everyone to know and love Zoe! Thanks Chris and Sarah Andrews!

A dachshund in a natural French Bulldog costume!

Fifth in the parade is the LABRADOR. Retired Buddhist Chaplain Shuri Saigusa shared her perspective as a visually impaired person assisted by her guide dog, Sparky, a yellow Labrador.

“Sparky has opened many different doors for me, no pun intended. He cautions me about glass doors that I don’t even know are there until he stops and lets me know there is something in front of me. He is especially helpful with CURBS, tree branches, and corners.

Although it can be distracting to Sparky and me while working/walking, people approach me more now and start up a friendly conversation wherever I go. It’s like he is a chaplain or counseling dog. People open up to me about their dogs and their lives.

Sparky also has opened doors for me to educate people of all ages about the many types of blindness. It is frustrating that frequently people think a truly ‘blind’ person must look lost and helpless. As there are many who are legally blind and have specific needs, it is helpful to ask how one might offer assistance.

Sparky has opened my heart more to all living things. I am convinced that animals can feel emotions like people. He has taught me to be a responsible human being and advocate for animals that cannot speak for themselves.

Sparky has opened my heart to kindness & compassion and has given me more confidence in navigating as a visually impaired person.”

Here is the link for the ABOUT US page for the Guide Dogs for the Blind based in San Rafael CA. They have a smaller campus in Boring OR, where Shuri received Sparky.

Sixth in the parade is the AFGHAN HOUND. Jody Wilson is not only a great hair designer, she loves dogs! For over fifteen years, while Jody worked miracles with my hair, we have shared stories about our common passion.

One difference is that Jody and her daughter, Ana, are active in 4-H. They raise and show Afghan Hounds! Many people are unaware that 4-H is available to urban and town youth, not just those living in rural areas. Scott’s illustration is in honor of the memory of their dog Dani.

The “owner” photo above right shows Ana in her 4-H jacket adorned with badges she’s earned and Dani sporting a cute striped shirt. How appropriate to the book’s “costumes” theme!

Dachshund in natural Afghan Hound costume!

L-R Ana, Kizzie, Jody (Ana's Mom and Kizzie's hairdresser) with the trifold frame of Dani's story. — L-R Ana, Kizzie, Jody with the trifold frame of Dani’s story.

Seventh in the parade is the BORDER COLLIE. Catherine Foote, with her love of sheep and Border Collies, models a fascinating way to participate with Mother Nature.

Each spring Catherine’s Facebook fans eagerly await “Lamb Watch” season and the birthing of the new babies. Trusty Border Collies help Catherine tend the sheep!

Scott’s illustration honors Annie, a Border Collie, who came to Washington State all the way from Yorkshire, England! Annie was a great-grand pup of Becca, the Welsh-bred dog from Ireland Catherine saw win the World Championship Sheepdog Trial in Lowther, England, two years earlier. She was exactly the little “girl” Catherine wanted. Knowing she was “merely a part-time shepherd,” a long way from Yorkshire, nevertheless she gathered the courage to ask the breeder for the pup. Catherine recalls, “I wrote the breeder and asked for the exact pup I wanted. And after several emails back and forth across the Atlantic, through time zones of eight hours’ difference and cultural differences beyond my understanding, the breeder said, “Yes.”

Annie’s favorite spot is at the top of the stairs–reigning over the house! Ah, Annie, may you long reign over your home and flock of sheep!

Dachshund in natural Border Collie Costume!

Eighth in the parade is the YORKIE. Here is my cousin, Suzy Sagebiel, with Yorkie Sammy at the wheel! The Yorkie illustration is to honor the memories of Skeeter and Sammy, the two Yorkies that traveled cross-country with Suzy in her “big rig” hauling truck over the years.

Note added in October 2020: These eight happy dog adoption stories may send you off to adopt a dog of your own, and for that there is a top-notch resource site: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Adoption from Breed Advisor, which also has a brand-new resource, The Ultimate Dog Training Guide for New Owners.

Was it fun to learn about the real dogs and their owners who inspired the ones in the book? I’d love it if you let me know your reaction in the comments (they come up as “Reply” but that means “Comment”).