It’s that time again! I recently asked newsletter subscribers to nominate their dog and/or cat for a featured role in my next thriller PLAY OR PAY. I had so many wonderful suggestions — and pictures — I’ve included ALL of the pictures of wonderful pets in this post.

Not everyone included a photo for the name that hero pet contest, and that’s fine–and doesn’t disqualify anyone. In fact, you’ll see in the polls (down at the bottom) that some of the selected candidates don’t have pictures here. I wish all could be included in the voting. Please forgive me if your dog or cat isn’t on the poll–it had nothing to do with you or them but often with past winners or character names, or that others described behaviors/attitudes better fit the story this time. It’d confuse readers to have more than one Shadow, for instance, or a hero cat with the same name as a human character.

The winners not only have their cat or dog featured as a character in the book, the winners also get an advanced Copy of the book, and a paw-tographed paperback print book when it releases–oh, and bragging rights! I also profile the winners in the FACT OR FICTION back matter of the book.

PLAY OR PAY COMING SOON! (Probably end of October…)

I don’t have the cover yet for the next book #8–but the image below gives you a bit of the flavor of the story. Lots of changes for September and Shadow (catch up with their story here). For the latest installment, here’s what to expect:

If not included this round, the next book will have more opportunities (yes, I have several more books planned). I received more than 50 pet name nominations. The story currently has spots for one (1) hero cat and one (1) hero dog. That MIGHT change, depending on how the voting goes. *s*

Vote as often as you wish. Please share the pole and encourage family and friends to vote. It’s a fun way to share furry love and maybe get your favorite nominated hero cat and hero dog included.

I send the book to my editor the first week of September. Preorders go up about the same time. That means I need the results of the poll no later than end of next week.

DEADLINE TO VOTE FOR HERO PETS = AUGUST 30!

Some of the Dog Hero Nominees (not all on poll…sorry)

HERO DOG: Any size, any breed or mix, helps a child victim escape from kidnapper. Strayed from home when July 4 fireworks scared him/her, the dog bonds with the little girl. The same dog (or perhaps a different dog hero) stops animals in a herding trial demo from injuring her and helps a couple of would-be rescuers escape their bonds. The hero dog is adopted by girl and family at end of the story.

Some of the Cat Hero Nominees (Not all on poll…sorry)

HERO CAT: Any size, any breed or mix, travels to festivals in RV with big tattooed male owner. Cat enjoys meeting new people, walks on leash, knows commands like “fetch” and “speak” and delights the crowds. Very confident and brave. Helps thwart the villain by “fetching” a weapon, among other things. A recurring character will adopt this cat, so s/he may appear in future stories, too.

Vote Now! POLLS CLOSE AUGUST 30, 2024 @ 5:00 pm CST!!