They say dogs are man’s best friend, but it turns out they’re also an author’s best friend! In honor of National Dog Day on August 26, we’ve asked some of our favorite authors about their four-legged family members. Sit, stay, and read on for the scoop on these authors’ dogs.
Meet Gus
Gus is the loyal guard dog of Phil and Jonathan. He is seven years old and weighs about ten pounds, but that won’t stop him from barking at the following possible intruders: neighbors hanging out in the hallway, dogs that are too close to his favorite tree, things that smell weird, and at times, his own tail.
Companion to: Phil Stamper, author of The Gravity of Us
Favorite book: Gus’s favorite book is The Gravity of Us, but that’s only because he knows that’s how Dad affords the good treats. Beyond that, I think he’d like How to Be Remy Cameron by Julian Winters, because there’s a very cute beagle named Clover in the book that he’d definitely want to learn more about.
Literary character he’s most like: Gus is most like Alucard Emery from V. E. Schwab‘s Shades of Magic series. He’s incredibly charming and carefree, but a little self-centered at times (especially when it comes to Gus’s passions: eating treats and sniffing tree boxes). Like Alucard, Gus also makes a scene wherever he goes.
Ranking as a writer’s assistant (1-10): Gus is a pretty annoying writer’s assistant. We live in a fairly small apartment, where my “office” is actually the kitchen table in our living room, so when he’s feeling especially alert to the noises outside our apartment, his barking can be very distracting. That said, he’s very cute and likes to cuddle, which is important in a doggy assistant. So, I’ll give him a 6.
Follow his adventures: On Instagram @stampepk
Meet Archie
I know I’m extremely handsome, but did you know that I am also extremely cuddly? Will always play fetch because I’m a baller.
Companion to: Andie J. Christopher, author of Not That Kind of Guy
Favorite book: Archie’s favorite book is whatever I read in audio so that I can walk him while reading, which is usually nonfiction. I just downloaded I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara and The Cooking Gene by Michael W. Twitty.
Literary character he’s most like: Archie is probably most like Piglet from Winnie the Pooh in that he always looks worried. I don’t know if he actually is worried or if that’s just his face. I’ve been home with him and physically attached to him for most of his life, so I’m not sure that he has anything to worry about other than whether he gets enough treats.
Ranking as a writer’s assistant (1-10): He probably rates 8.5 as an assistant. He keeps me on schedule by waking me up on the early side by demanding belly rubs, and he tells me when it’s time to log off. He thinks I spend too much time working and too little time petting, though.
Follow his adventures: On Instagram @authorandiej
Meet Sunny
Sunny Skye Jackson was born in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and thus wears a perpetual expression of shock and worry. He’s currently attending puppy school to become a professional ball chaser.
Companion to: Tiffany D. Jackson, author of Grown
Favorite book: Sunny loves Grown because it has a bright yellow cover he loves and has already chewed off. He also loves The Secret Life of Squirrels because squirrels are his favorite toys.
Literary character he’s most like: Sunny would be most like Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland because he’s adorably anxious and can’t sit still. He also looks like a brown bunny with floppy ears.
Ranking as a writer’s assistant (1-10): Sunny famously ate his mom’s paycheck but gets a 3 for being an adorable distraction during the pandemic.
Follow his adventures: On Instagram @writeinbk
Meet Lupin
Lupin is a rescue-doggo with a heart of gold and the waggiest tail in the world.
Companion to: Jayci Lee, author of Secret Crush Seduction
Favorite book: The Percy Jackson series. His naps and daydreams are filled with exhilarating adventures where the good guys always win. Lupin also thinks the demi-gods need a good dog like him waiting at home for them.
Literary character he’s most like: Lupin reminds me of Mr. Bennet. No matter how crazy the humans in our house get, he just shrugs (I swear he does) and goes to find a nice corner to nap in. I bet if he could read, he’d always have his nose in a book.
Ranking as a writer’s assistant (1-10): He is mommy’s dream writer’s assistant, never begging for attention but always by her side offering quiet support and encouragement.
Meet Teddy
Teddy Clark is a former street dog now living a life of luxury in Los Angeles with his three humans. He spends his days sleeping and keeping an eye on the neighborhood from his perch atop a chair. He enjoys barking at the mail carrier, long naps, and stealing food placed too close to the edge of the kitchen counter. He is best known for his ability to stand on his hind legs for extended periods of time, and believes he could have had a career as a circus dog.
Companion to: Julie Clark, author of The Last Flight
Favorite book: Teddy would love to read Fantastic Mr. Fox because it’s all about stealing food and that is Teddy’s true passion.
Literary character he’s most like: Teddy is most like Pippin from Lord of the Rings. He can be incredibly smart, but when he makes a mistake he’s very hard on himself and feels really bad about it.
Ranking as a writer’s assistant (1-10): I would score Teddy a solid 2 as a writing assistant. He spends our work time asleep, and his snoring can sometimes be distracting. When needed, he will offer emotional support, but it’s obvious he doesn’t really care about the publishing process.
Meet Jip
Jip is shorter than he expected to be, which he compensates for with an absolute absence of fear or sense of self-preservation. He one day desperately hopes to catch the fox that crosses the property twice daily.
Companion to: C.A. Fletcher, author of A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World
Favorite book: Self servingly, A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World, since the Jip in that book, for who he is named was based on a much more noble, long legged and laid-back terrier whose virtues he can admire but not quite bring himself to master.
Literary character he’s most like: The Artful Dodger in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist—cheeky, disarmingly irrepressible, inventive, almost reliable, and not averse to a little light larceny and mayhem.
Ranking as a writer’s assistant (1-10): 1, as he’s entirely distracting and makes walking—which used to be a good time for ideation and problem solving—an exercise in hands-on-canine control.
Follow his adventures: On Instagram @charliefletch_r
Meet Lennie
If you offer Doggo Lennie two people to snuggle, she will always feel torn. A real cuddle-love triangle is happening all the time in this house.
Companion to: Lauren Billings (of Christina Lauren), author of In a Holidaze
Favorite book: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Literary character she’s most like: Lennie is named after Lennie (Lennon) from The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson! Like Lennie in the book, Doggo Lennie is attentive and a little outwardly anxious, loyal, playful, and close to her family.
Follow her adventures: On Instagram @christinalauren
Meet Westley
Sweet, cuddly pup Westley lives with half of the romance writing duo Christina Lauren and is every bit as adorable as his namesake.
Companion to: Christina Hobbs (of Christina Lauren), author of In a Holidaze
Favorite book: The Princess Bride by William Goldman (yes, The Princess Bride was a book first!!)
Literary character he’s most like: He is very much like his namesake: adorable and flirty with the ones he loves, but capable of being surprisingly protective and fierce.
Follow his adventures: On Instagram @christinalauren
