He was the soul of optimism when he wandered into Richard’s shop several years ago. Optimistic because he was just a puppy and didn’t realize the extreme danger he had survived nor what a lucky little fellow he was. The first inkling Richard had of a visitor was when he felt something against his leg. Looking down, he saw this small, brown and white puppy, wagging his stubby tail and looking up with hopeful brown eyes. How did the furry wanderer miss becoming a pitiful tragedy on the busy highway where cars zipped by, only a few yards away? The little guy seemed to zero in on Richard’s place of business as if he knew just where he was going.
That was how Nemo introduced himself to the Day family. And, that introduction turned into a firm friendship although his family has now enlarged to include the Manos clan.
Nemo was so named by Sara because when he came to us, he was only about 15 pounds, rather small. He was also cute and he liked water, reminiscent of the Disney fish of the same name. Now, he’s still cute but he’s not so little any more.
Somebody had thrown him away, I guess. Somebody had not shouldered responsibility but their shameful lack of concern became a blessing to us. Richard made sure his ticks and fleas were all gone, took him to the vet and weathered a case of Parvo, and then decided, for me, that I needed a dog. That particular dog was Nemo. And, I guess he was right.
Sometimes I wonder if Nemo misses his very first home, wherever and whatever that was. Does he have remnants of memories about his mother? Did he have brothers and sisters that he cuddled with when he needed a nap? Or is that all wiped from his memory as he focuses on his new family and his job of protecting and entertaining?
Every writer needs a dog, someone who listens with a discerning ear to her first draft, agonizes with her when some of her characters meet untimely ends, and offers a friendly head to pat when writer’s block freezes the creative flow. He’s a good listener and he never criticizes. And that’s what friends are for. 
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Writing News: Thursday and Friday, August 27 and 28, my third cozy, Best Left Buried, will be free on Amazon.com.
The Baby Boomer series by Susan Santangelo will not only keep you entertained but are habit forming. One cozy mystery leads to the next until you, as I, have read all five in that series!
For a free copy of Off the Shelf, head on over to Judy Moore Nickles’ website. Judy is a thoughtful, uplifting writer and I think you will enjoy her books. Also check her out on Amazon.com.
Speaking of dogs, although Darcy and Flora’s pet is a cat, Jethro, Flora’s friends Pat and Jasper Harris have a dog named Murphy who is a Redbone Hound and once belonged to Ben Ventris.
That’s it from the wonderful world of books and animals on this Wandering Wednesday morning.
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