500 Things That Make Dogs Happy
by Christine Yee on November 23, 2009
One of our very own members, Jennifer Nicole Cox has just published a book called 500 Things That Make Dogs Happy. What a way to really improve your dog’s life!
Since the holidays are just around the corner, this would make any dog lover just as happy! 500 is a pretty big number. But since dogs enrich our lives so much, it is worth the effort to stop and consider the things that really make them happy.
Here is the interview I did with Jennifer Nicole Cox.
Tell us how your passion for dogs first started. Did you have dogs while growing up as a child?
I was very lucky to have been born into a home with dogs. Growing up, I’ve always had a dog and can’t imagine my life without one, or any type of pet for that matter. They bring me so much happiness and I’m blessed to wake up every morning with my my fur-kid, Bentley.
How did you get the inspiration to write your current book, 500 Things That Make Dogs Happy?
I, as well as plenty of other dog owners out there, will do anything to make sure my dog is happy. One day, I was sitting at my computer and decided to compile a list of things that make dogs happy. Before long, that list included 500 things. I then got to thinking that a list, along with whimsical illustrations, could have the potential of becoming a cute gift book for dog lovers. I wrote the list in manuscript style and began submitting it. Soon after, I was contacted by Mountainland Publishing Inc. and the rest, they say is history.
Did you come up with the entire list of 500 things? Were some of them contributed by other people?
I did come up with the entire list. However, some of the things in my book were inspired by my family members’ and friends’ dogs. But for the most part, my book was inspired by my own dog, Bentley.
Which items of your list are your top 5?
1. Squeaky Toys
2. Graduating from obedience school
3. Chasing the mailman
4. Waiting for the pizza dude
5. Being loved even when they’ve done something bad
Who did the illustrations for your book?
A very talented artist by the name of Juston Harrison did the illustrations for my book. I couldn’t be happier with the results and I believe that readers, especially dog lovers, will love his illustrations as much as I do. I’m so blessed that my publisher teamed me up with this fantastic artist. “Thank you so much Juston. You’ve made my book come alive with your awesome illustrations. And for that, I will always be grateful.”
We’d also like to know more about your dog, Bentley. Where did you get him?
Bentley is five years old. He’s a very spoiled shih tzu and deserves nothing but the best. Bentley was a gift from my husband (then fiance) and a very pleasant surprise. My husband came into contact with a man at work who had three shih tzu puppies in a box. This man was trying to find a good home for them all. Knowing how big of an animal lover I am, my husband called me to see if I wanted to go look at them. I was so excited! I love animals! So the next morning, we went to look at them. There was one puppy that really stood out in so many ways and it was that puppy that we decided to bring home. It was definitely the best decision ever! The way Bentley came into our lives was very unique. We weren’t shopping for a dog at all. My husband just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Those dogs really needed a good home.
Please let me mention that those dogs did not come from a breeder. All of those puppies (7 total) were the result of an accidental get-together (if you know what I mean).
Even though Bentley did not come from an animal shelter, I want to highly encourage those of you looking for a dog or any animal to visit your local animal shelter. There are so many animals that need homes. And the next dog we get will definitely be a shelter dog.
What is Bentley’s personality like?
As far as Bentley’s personality goes, well…it’s great. He’s smart, loving and so much fun to be around. His unconditional love really makes life good.
What things in your book make your dog happy?
Pretty much everything listed in my book makes Bentley happy.
However, I don’t allow him to do some of the things listed such as chasing cats and squirrels up trees or even chasing cars. Afterall, he is an inside dog. I also won’t allow him to drink out of the toilet. But he doesn’t mind. He’d rather drink bottled water over toilet water any day. The most important thing that makes Bentley happy is being loved even when he has done something bad. Dogs are just like children and should always feel loved even when they have done something bad. It’s so important to always show animals a lot of love and attention. Believe me, they know when they are loved and it means more to them than anything.
For anyone who is also thinking about writing a book or is in the process of writing one, what advice would you like to give?
Even though there are so many books about dogs available today, it certainly didn’t stop me from adding to the group. My advice for anyone who is in the process of writing a book about dogs or plans to do so in the future, is to make sure it really stands out. Make it really different from the dog books you see crowding the shelves in your local bookstore. When you start submitting your manuscript to publishing companies and/or agents, ignore all of the rejections. Don’t let the rejections get you down and remember that its their loss. Many publishing companies and/or agents will say, “it’s already been done” or “it won’t sell.” I know because it happened to me. Whatever you do, never give up. If you truly believe in your book, a publishing company will also. It may take a while, but its definitely worth the wait.
Do you have any last thoughts you’d like to share?
At the moment, if you don’t have a dog or cat and are able to fully care for one, I want to encourage you to visit your local animal shelter this holiday season and give a dog or cat a second chance. There are so many loving animals that need good homes and with Christmas right around the corner, it would definitely make the holiday season that much sweeter. Every shelter animal deserves to be part of a loving family, especially during the holidays. Older dogs and cats have as much love to give as puppies and kittens. Please remember this when you make your selection. These shelter animals will know that you rescued them and gave them a second chance at life. Not only will you change the lives of these animals, but they’ll also change yours. So make a difference this holiday season and visit your local animal shelter. You’ll be glad you did.
We are proud to have Jennifer and Bentley here on Dogasaur. Be sure to check out their profile page. And if you are interested in more information about 500 Things That Make Dogs Happy, here is the Dogasaur.com Store Link.
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