Steve posted last week about creating character in stories and the way character influences behaviour and reactions. No need for a lengthy list of adjectives -- shy, fearful, arrogant -- just show us! He then described the very different behaviour of his two dogs. Being the owner of two dogs, I can relate! Furthermore, how people react to dogs tells a lot about their character, so they are a useful, not to mention heart-warming, addition to a story.
In all three of my series, my protagonist has a dog. Inspector Green has a large, lumbering rescue of indeterminate lineage who likes to sleep on his feet, and Amanda Doucette has a playful, resourceful Duck Toller who acts as her unofficial therapy dog, making her laugh when she is struggling with PTSD. I've owned five Duck Tollers, and currently have two, so it's easy to imagine them in scenes. Cedric O'Toole had a Border Collie (ish) mutt.
In all three cases, the dog brings out the character of my main character. Green is an obsessive detective who is often so focussed on his goal that he forgets the people around him. His dog, acquired accidentally, forces him to care about someone else. Scenes between Green and his dog Modo reveal Green's softer, nurturing side, and in return, she brings him an unexpected tranquillity when his job feels overwhelming. Their late night walks allow him to think through a case in peace.
How other characters in the story react to a dog also reveals character. Are they fearful? Does an angry teenager light up with joy? Do they exhibit tenderness, patience, dominance?
Many writers I know have a pet or two in their lives, often our closest and most patient companion who doesn't insist on conversation, (except when necessary, but who is usually at our feet as we work (or in my case, on the sofa beside me), reminding us we are not alone. Often they end up in our books and help to engage the reader. But we all know the cardinal rule -- kill as many people as you like, but never kill a cat or dog.
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