This is Bebe. Isn’t she adorable? In these pictures, I believe she’s about six weeks old. The runt of the litter. It’s something we have in common that makes me go all gooey inside whenever I think of her.
As I mentioned in my previous post, my writer-brain searches for story. I can’t help it. Only, on my last field visit to the Male Observation Lab (aka, the day-job), my writer-brain focused on character. Specifically, a hero.
See, when Bebe’s dad (BD) first laid eyes on her at the kennel, she was curled up in the corner, eyes closed, and shivering. BD thought the vet who was present had come to nurse her to health. Instead, it turned out the breeder didn’t like her color, and she was sick on top of being a runt. Bebe was scheduled for a trip to puppy heaven.
As BD put it, “I had to give her a fighting chance.” So instead of one of the healthy puppies who scrambled all over each other as they played, he scooped up Bebe and took her home.
Two weeks later, Bebe’s active, and curious, and happy, and making wonderful puppy growls when she plays. And she adores her dad. 🙂
The whole experience made me think about a romance writer’s heroes and heroines — what makes them who they are, why they do the things they do, and, really, how they need to be created so their layers show as the story progresses. Kind of like an onion, only not so smelly.
Because while the dudes in the Male Observation Lab sometimes seem so unhero-like (oh, can I list a bunch of examples!), when they turn around and do things like this, it makes a writer discover something way deeper about them.
And, really, isn’t that discovery what we’re supposed to provide for the heroes/heroines in our stories? Just a thought. . ..
-Melia
Oh goodness I got tears in my eyes reading this. I’m a dog-lover and whenever I read/hear about someone who has been kind to dogs I feel a tug in my heart and such a gratefulness people are out there doing just that. The little puppy herself is adorable of course and makes me want to get another dog even more. Bless her =)
Sooo cute!
Yes! Yes, it is!
Good morning. I’m so glad you stopped by!
I love to hear about people’s kindness – renews my faith in humanity. 🙂 Last I’d heard, Bebe is doing even better today than when I’d last seen her.
Happy writing,
Melia
Isn’t she? 🙂
Happy writing,
Melia
Good! I wish I could adopt all unhappy dogs but it would be a bit crowded at home…
Hello, Eilis!
Yes, we writers are supposed to develop layered characters. Easier to know than to do sometimes, though!
Happy writing,
Melia
So happy to read this. I’ve never understood the breeder concept of getting rid of runts. I adopted two Akita’s from a breeder many years ago (more than 20 years now) that were considered runts or sickly. The good news is the breeder never considered getting rid of them. The only requirement I had was to never breed them. They were the most loving, wonderful dogs I’ve ever had. I miss them to this day.
What an adorable puppy, and a great post!
I’m with you! If we had more property I don’t know how I could say “no.”
Bless you, Amanda!
Hugs,
Melia
Being a “runt” myself, I’ve never understood it, either! I think runts have a lot to offer this world. . .. 🙂
Hugs to you for adopting the Akita’s, Maggie. Gives me yet another reason to admire you!
-Melia
Hi, Tammy!
She IS adorable. I can’t wait to see how she’s progressed since I’d last seen her. 🙂
Hugs and happy writing,
Melia
that puppy is beyond adorable 🙂
She certainly is! 🙂
Hugs,
Melia