The HEA Cafe

Growing up, I often heard my dad say he never trusted a man who didn’t like dogs. I extended his philosophy in my own life to include animals in general, but the dog-specific element influenced my story Operation Sheba. When I started the story, Pongo, a sweet Rottweiler, showed up as Michael’s pet. In many ways, he mirrored Michael’s character: rock solid, well trained, handsome and agreeable…until you piss him off.
            Pongo’s presence acted as a way to spotlight Julia’s character as well. When the need to sacrifice Pongo in order to save Michael and a group of hostages arises, she racks her brain to find a way to save both the people and the dog. (So I don’t spoil anything, I’ll have to leave you wondering what she does and if it works.)
            I also used Pongo’s kennel as a plot element. As spies, my main characters have to use common items in their environment to get the job done. Situations are never ideal, so forcing them to use their imaginations and view miscellaneous objects in a new light is a way to give them the upper hand against the bad guys. The kennel, Julia’s iPod, and a hearse are all significant tools my spies use in the story. As an author, I love to play MacGyver as much as my characters.
            The final way I used Pongo to add depth to my story was a specific tribute to my father and his philosophy. One of the less admirable characters in Operation Sheba, a power-hungry senator, doesn’t like dogs. He’s Michael’s opposite in all ways so the trait fit him well. I didn’t make a big deal out of it within the story, just mentioned it in passing dialogue between Michael and another character, but that tiny detail reveals as much about the senator’s personality to me as any of his other actions, thoughts, or words.
            Dogs have played a large role in real life for me and I value what they can bring to my stories, but like all characters and plot elements, their purpose in the story can’t be forced. It either fits or it doesn’t. I’ve read books and seen movies where an animal – usually a pet – is dropped into the story without real purpose or clarity, often so the author can kill it off for shock value. Unless your reader has established a bond with the animal, that technique will fail. And if you’ve done a great job creating a bond between the pet and your reader and then you kill the animal off, beware. Your story will end up in the kitchen garbage disposal.
From what I’ve observed in real life as well as fiction, dogs bring out the best and worst in people. My philosophy as an author is a simple take on my dad’s wisdom: whether you’re a writer or a reader, never trust a character that doesn’t like dogs.
            Do you have a favorite fiction character who’s an animal?

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