More Inspiration for Key with Hearts

My recent release, The Key with Hearts, opens with an attempted murder.

Our heroine's life is saved because of Sparky, her border terrier.

Having recently fallen in love with a miniature dachshund, I just had to incorporate a dog into the novel.  The question was which dog?  I needed a breed known in Yorkshire in the early 1800s, which is the basic setting frame of the book.

Off on research I headed and settled on this cute bundle of love.

The border terrier, considered a small dog, is friendly and non-aggressive although it will stake its territory and defend those it loves.  According to wikipedia, it's intelligent and eager to please yet still rather stubborn--in the most charming way, of course.

He will defend his territory and is adaptable to change which are the perfect characteristics for Sparky, who would need to move with his mistress to a new home and then defend her with his quick observation of danger and clever solution that saves her.

The mini doxie that has entered my life--my nephew's dog--is also intelligent and eager to please and stubborn--in the most charming way.  Never in my life would I have expected to so love a little ball of fur--he is so cute when he curls around in a ball and takes a long nap.  Funny how the world turns around on you.

Here he is, as a puppy, napping.  He now fills this little doggy bed.  He has also claimed the rug.  It's his safe base, sanctuary when he is being chased.

And here he is, getting in trouble by taking over the pack leader's chair.

If interested in more information or to purchase The Key with Hearts, you can find it at this link.