If I had to choose a favorite animal, the answer comes quickly and without hesitation: dogs. They’ve been a constant through every chapter of my life, and I can’t imagine a home without them. As I write this, Sammy is sitting behind me, keeping a quiet eye on the whole process like she’s my personal editor.
We had horses when I was growing up, and I learned to ride early on. I never really took to the full farm-life experience—too much muck, too many chores—but I always liked the horses themselves. They’re beautiful animals: strong, steady, and smarter than people usually give them credit for.
Outside of that, I don’t know that I have many “favorites,” but I do have a soft spot for certain animals I’ve enjoyed over the years. Otters at the zoo or the aquarium are endlessly entertaining. There’s something joyful and mischievous about them that’s hard not to love. And thanks to Lizzi, we’ve had our own little menagerie at times: she had a ferret once, and we even had a chinchilla. Life stays interesting when your kid has a knack for bringing home creatures that require special bedding.
But dogs are the one constant. Loyal, comforting, expressive in ways you don’t fully appreciate until you’ve lived with one for a long time. They’re not just pets—they’re companions, protectors, and family. And if you’re lucky, they sit right behind you while you write, just to make sure you get it right.
Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.
