The Power of Dog Friendships

Sharee Stover has been a trusted friend for years. We’re in a critique group together, and we’ve survived many ups and downs. Sharee’s newest romantic suspense, Cold Case Trail, came out last week. Please welcome her today as she shares about dog friendship.

Friendships are powerful, whether with another human or with a beloved animal, they make all the difference. Science is repeatedly discovering people do much better, physically and emotionally, when they have close friendships. There’s something wonderful about having a supportive presence in good times and bad.

And while there is no replacing the importance of human friends, animals take friendship to a different level. They offer their love and companionship unconditionally, detecting emotions and offering understanding in a way no one else might.

When I wrote Cold Case Trail, I wanted to focus on two characters I’d introduced in my second book, Silent Night Suspect. State Trooper Trey Jackson and his K-9 Belgian Malinois, Magnum, had already found their place in my heart and imagination so bringing them to life again was mandatory.

My own dog, Niko, played a huge role in the development of Magnum. Niko is not a K-9 but don’t tell him, he kind of thinks he is. However, he is a member of our family and pretty much dictates the day with going in and out, daily walks, mealtime, etc. Still, he offers his affection and devotion without question, and we adore him.

Trey and Magnum have a long-developed relationship and when they step onto the pages of Cold Case Trail, they’re recovering from an injury. Well, Magnum is recovering. That’s the thing about their partnership though, when one is hurt, the other suffers as well. Isn’t that true of friendships? We bear one another’s burdens and share one another’s joys.

It’s imperative that Trey and Magnum work in synchronicity. This comes from hours, days, weeks, months, and years of daily interaction and training. They showcase many of their skills throughout the story and Magnum proves he is hero-material.

If dogs talked, life would be so much easier for their owners. Alas, as a dog owner I need to rely on the time and experience I’ve had with Niko to know what he needs or wants. A slam against the side of the bed means “get up”. A nose nudging my arm says, “pay attention to me”. I anticipate his needs and somehow, he does the same. If I’m sick or feeling down, Niko is beside me offering his comfort and protection. If I’m excited and happy, he joyfully wags his tail in agreement. Now, if I could just teach him to fold laundry…

He also detects things whether visually or by scent long before I do. He has capabilities I don’t possess so I trust him to watch out for us. If we’re out walking alone, I know Niko’s got my back. That’s not to say he won’t chase after a squirrel if given the option, he is a dog after all, but I find comfort in just having him with me.  

In all fairness, I must say that dogs aren’t the only ones that provide great friendship. So here’s a shout out to the cats, birds, guinea pigs, and other creatures who find their way into our homes and lives. Whatever the animal, there’s nothing comparable to the love of a pet.

Thanks, Sharee. I love hearing stories about our pets.

Isn’t Niko beautiful?

Following the clues

could be the last thing they do…

Temporarily working in the cold case division was supposed to mean less danger for state trooper Trey Jackson and his injured K-9 partner, Magnum—until they thwart an abduction. Now he must protect profiler Justine Stark, even as she blames him for her friend’s death ten years ago. Can he right past wrongs by finally solving the murder…and making sure Justine lives to find closure?

Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild. Sharee is a triple Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and her debut, Secret Past, won Best First Book in the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd. Visit her at www.shareestover.com.

Other ways to connect with Sharee and buy links:

Website: https://shareestover.com/

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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sharee-stover

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/shareestover

Buy Link Cold Case Trail:        https://amzn.to/33sXjhq

Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/shareestover