What am I thankful for? First and foremost – my family. And a special part of my family is our dog, Ginger. I’m sure most of you feel the same about your pets. Your lives would be missing that extra special something without them. Ginger makes me smile when I’m down and laugh at her antics. She isn’t a show dog or the smartest dog in the world. She’s 100% mutt, and I love her dearly.It’s not just Ginger. ALL dogs are wonderful, whether they’re a big and slobbery or little and yappy. So, call me crazy, but I put a dog in every one of my books. What beleaguered heroine doesn’t need a four-legged companion to give her comfort and add a little comic relief? I’m not partial to any one breed, but all my four-legged characters have their own distinct personalities.
In Victim of Desire, my heroine has a golden retriever named Daisy who’s afraid of the water and gets car sick. With my Class of ’85 Reunion stories, I created unforgettable canines who play a central roll to the story. In Lonely Road To You, Lucy is an Irish setter, cocker spaniel, poodle mix who sleeps on the furniture, loves road trips, and never listens to her owner. Trixie is a pint sized cairn terrier who terrorizes the heroine’s dates and eats her mail in Maybe This Time.
After All These Years features two dogs. Ace is a basset hound with one eye on his food bowl and the other on the wildlife in his backyard. Sasha is a well trained German shepherd dedicated to her young mistress. When her cosmetics company is consumed by a hostile takeover, my heroine takes inspiration from her pet and starts a dog treat business.
If you’re a dog lover, I guarantee you’ll find something to make you smile in these stories. For those of you with your own dogs, here’s a recipe they’ll adore.
Ginger’s Favorite Treats
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
1 ¼ cups grated cheddar cheese
1 stick softened butter or margarine
1 clove garlic finely chopped
Pinch of salt
¼ cup milk (approx.)
Preheat oven to 375°. Mix together all ingredients except milk. Add enough milk to form a ball. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll out dough on floured board and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake for 15 minutes.
Today I’m giving away a PDF copy of After All These Years. All you have to do is leave a comment to be eligible to win. Do you have a pet you adore? Let’s hear about them!
My books are all available through The Wild Rose Press, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and other online outlets. Find buy links on my website at www.janninegallant.com.
