Pawprints On Your Heart - Writing Animal Characters by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

True love has four paws. That’s why sixty-eight percent of U.S. households—about 85 million families—include pets. (2017-2018 National Pet Owner’s Survey) For most, our four-pawed “children,” a.k.a. best friends, confidantes, comic relief, therapists, and all-around-joy-givers, are a HUGE part of life. It makes sense then that pets are important characters in our books. Does your favorite feisty heroine have a canine sidekick? Can that gruff hero have a soft spot for an aging cat? Might even the toughest, sexiest, bad-ass vampire find comfort in the unconditional love and companionship of a special dog? In my book worlds, YES!

Yet for all their charm and heart-warming abilities, writing animal characters poses challenges. Do you feed the dog and walk him? Change the cat’s litter box? Can they demand attention, hog the bed, make things awkward? Of course, that's the fun part! As authors we must weave those wonderful real-life scenarios into our stories with skill.

Animal characters are also non-verbal, at least in human dialogue terms. Unless you have a parrot... Think of the possibilities! 😊 Yet it’s imperative they “speak” in other ways. Eye contact, body language, sounds – all powerful tools for writers. There are also sensory cues. Soft warm fur slipping through fingers, rhythmic purrs, rumbling dog snores, soul-deep stares conveying understanding, loyalty, and acceptance. Or maybe these book pets are cranky and judgmental? That can be hilarious! Do they sense the bad guy or out the criminal quicker than any detective? See ghosts or hunt monsters? Likely they know more about human nature and the environment/setting than their human counterparts.

For me, four paws enrich a story. I typically write flanked by three amazing dogs, all unique and adept at speaking their own language. Fritz, our 11yo Dachshund, is our family time keeper. Never EVER does he miss a meal or fail to alert when someone should be home. Tank, our 4yo Beabull, (Beagle/Bulldog mix) is “The Killer of Beds.” And though he possesses the “yowl of the banshee,” he’s terrified of the vacuumed. Our most recent rescue, Wylee, only wants to have fun and be outdoors. (We have no idea what breed Wylee is – Plott Hound, Retriever, and Rottweiler have been suggested) Rain, shine, 24/7, he’s ready with his favorite gross ball and boundless puppy energy. I love them all beyond belief—they fill our world with happiness—so it’s only fitting they inspire characters in my books.

One example is Rocky, the endearing German Shepherd in Hellfire and Handbaskets. He is not only my hero's best friend, he’s a life saver. Dr. Rick Hauser is an Army veteran suffering from PTSD. Rocky possesses a strength and understanding Rick relies on. Readers love their special bond, and they’ve reached out to say so and share their own inspiring stories.

Another character is Barney, the one-eyed, scrappy, darling-of-an-old-cat from the same book. Fun fact… Barney is based on a cat my husband knew growing up. A sweet reminder of a dear pet who now lives again amid my pages.

I could continue, but you’ll have to stop back and see what fun creatures inhabit my next books.


Here's a blurb from Hellfire and Handbaskets - A Time Traveler's Journey

It’s hell in the ER, but Army veteran Dr. Rick Hauser wouldn’t work anywhere else. The hardened combat medic thinks he’s seen it all. Until she storms into his life.

Amelia Pennington is not just a pretty face. She’s a time-traveler. A medical student from 1895, forced to flee a madman. She’s been in trouble before, but this time everything she loves is at risk. Can a reluctant hero be the key she’s searching for?

What’s left of Hauser’s heart is still on the battlefield. Last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a mystery woman. But when he finds Amelia on the streets, he ignores the warning shots firing off in his head and takes her home. In less than twenty-four hours, she’s upended his self-protected world. Even his dog, Rocky, is in love.


Visit my Author Facebook Page for more pet antics. Saturdays are Caturdays, and Sundays are all about the dogs. I'd love to hear your stories and see your pics!

~Kathryn~

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