The Beginning: Miss Merrie
The Planet of the Dogs series began with a rescued dog, a small Poodle who had come through a painful life and survived to become a courageous and loving companion. She made a difference in our lives.
In our books, she became Miss Merrie, Queen of the Dogs.
Dog lovers know that dogs can teach people -- if they will open their minds and hearts --about unconditional love and loyalty.
They know that dogs can help heal the lonely, the sick and the aged.
It was this awareness of the canine connection with humans -- motivated by this small dog with the big heart --that started the Planet of the Dogs books.
In many ways the stories took on a life of their own. They take place long, long ago, when early farmers and settlements of people were living on an abundant planet earth. Dangers lay in the darkness and from invasion by warrior tribes.
Everything takes place in a world grounded in a reality much like the historical past -- with one major exception...there are no dogs on planet earth.
Books Have a Life Of Their Own
Of course we knew that once we introduced dogs living in peace and happiness on a wonderful planet of their own, we crossed a line...but, until we read reviews and reader reactions, we somehow didn't think of our books as fantasy.
Karen Boss wrote in her review in Karen Adventures..."The fantasy involves dream sequences, travel through space and time between planets, dogs who can talk to children and healer- women through thoughts and barking, and seeing information through dreams."
Lynette wrote in her review in The Fun Times Guide to Dogs..."Think Wizard of Oz..where the good witch, cowardly lion, tin man, scarecrow, and even the wise old wizard are the dogs..."
Don Blankenship wrote in his review in Books For Kids..."The story borders between reality, dream world, fantasy, fiction, fact, reality and wonderful imagination...a first rate fantasy read, while at the same time addressing quite real problems...
It seems that the process of writing books for children and dog lovers can hold suprises for the author as well as the reader.
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Barb Teschel, author of Frankie the Walk'n Roll Dog, the winner of a 2008 USA Book News Award, recntly won the Meriel Animal Human Bond Award from the Dog Writers Of America Association. Barbara visits schools and hospitals to bring the inspiring message of Frankie to children.
"Poodles always listen attentively when being scolded, looking innocent, bewildered, and misunderstood." -- James Thurber, Lanterns and Lances
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