
| You know, when I was younger, I'd wanted to be a veterinarian. I never quite made it (something about fainting during surgery really put a damper on my plans), but I've always maintained a healthy love for animals. However, in my youth, I made fun of people who called pets their 'kids', who dressed them in funny clothes and took them everywhere. Guess what? I'd be making fun of myself now. Jazzy, my now deceased chihuahua, started the trend - she loved Lowes and Home Depot, adored car rides, was on a first name basis with the gal at the Waste Transfer Station (they always had treats for her). In the winter, yes, I put a sweater on her. Now, I have three dogs, all small. One does from time to time wear a sweater (she's very short-haired), and also loves to go on car rides. The other two are very dignified Pomeranians. They are also what keeps me grounded. My kids don't always appreciate the dogs. My daughter, Amber, refers to Callie as 'the little sister I never wanted.' So here are my furry friends and sometimes the inspiration for the insanity that lurks in my books. |
| Turbo, the white Pom, and Callie, the Doxie-chihuahua, during a rare peaceful moment. |
| Callie and myself, and a bit of Turbo. |



| Maximillionth, also known as Maxi, the 'cop' of the family. He might only be ten pounds, but all the other dogs know not to mess with him. |

| Bashful, my son's dog. She's no longer 'bashful' - we simply call her Bash. (Trust me it fits!) |