CARDING’S FAVORITE DOG

Edie Wolfe’s canine companion, the wise and whimsical Nearly Wolfe, was inspired by author Sonja Hakala’s own cocker spaniel, the wise and comical Goldie.

If you love a dog, you’re probably familiar with the way us doting owners often voice our pets desires. It’s a lot like trying to understand what an infant wants when it gurgles or smiles at you.

In our house, Goldie could inspire an entire soliloquy voiced for her by my husband, our son or myself. My son nicknamed this aspect of our behavior “dog balloons” in honor of the thought balloons we see in the comics pages every day.

Goldie just sat and looked wise while we did this. She had us well trained.

In The Road Unsalted, readers can often hear Nearly Wolfe’s thoughts as he escorts Edie about town at the other end of his leash. It’s fun to imagine his point of view, and wonder how much more he knows about kneecaps than we do.

Here’s more pictures of our favorite little dog.