Bad Girls, Bad Dogs
I love heroines who are “bad girls”. The outliers, the sassy ones, the rebels and fighters, the ones who carve their own, deep, unique paths. But what about when that bad girl is not a human but a dog? I have a fun story to share with you.
In 2007, I received an email from Erin, one of my readers, who wrote to say she planned to name a newborn Collie puppy “Banzai” after the heroine in my action romance The Legend of Banzai Maguire. This story featuring a funny, strong, confident woman fighter pilot was one of her favorite books. I was so excited to hear this. But, wait, it gets even better…
It seems Banzai was born knowing she had a great name to live up to. She was always a big personality, self-assured—and she didn’t like following the rules!
I love heroines who are “bad girls”. The outliers, the sassy ones, the rebels and fighters, the ones who carve their own, deep, unique paths. But what about when that bad girl is not a human but a dog? I have a fun story to share with you.
In 2007, I received an email from Erin, one of my readers, who wrote to say she planned to name a newborn Collie puppy “Banzai” after the heroine in my action romance The Legend of Banzai Maguire. This story featuring a funny, strong, confident woman fighter pilot was one of her favorite books. I was so excited to hear this. But, wait, it gets even better…
It seems Banzai was born knowing she had a great name to live up to. She was always a big personality, self-assured—and she didn’t like following the rules!
Roly-poly baby Banzai
| As the months and soon the years passed, I loved hearing about the wins Banzai racked up. She was like an undefeated athlete, making the winning look easy. She eventually won the Westminster Dog Show in her category, which is like getting a gold medal in the Olympics. |  Top Dog! |
But, Erin nicknamed her "Banzai-Bad-Dog-Girlfriend" for a reason. From puppyhood she was a naughty girl—a rebel. I think Banzai was destined for a dual-career track—one was dog shows and the other was hellraising. Along with eating the decorative candles on Erin’s hutch (along with any other candles she could find) over the years Banzai has consumed a collector’s edition of “Old Bones: The Wonder Horse”, several treasured novels and cookbooks (I guess this is what you call sinking your teeth into a good read!), and a $300 statue of a mustang Erin kept on display on her landing. While never letting go of her wild-child ways, Banzai kept on winning shows. I love it. Work hard, play hard—in canine form!
 How the judges see her |  How she really is |
A few naughty moments caught on film:
 When opportunity arises—take action |  Never leave behind a crumb! |
Now, something tells me that if Banzai only had opposable thumbs, she would have given two of them to Bang-Bang, from Stray in the anthology Pets in Space. He is an alien street dog who also has a mind of his own. In this scene he makes sure his two favorite humans will meet:
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“Don’t look now but Blondie’s locked on. He’s looking at you, girl. Hard.”
So of course I turned around to peek—and swapped gazes with the Marine. His eyes were a steal-your-breath, butterflies-inducing shade of blue that was ice cold and blazing hot at the same time. Rebellious and wild, and yet mournful, too, like those of a lone wolf. He didn’t glance away, which might have been the mannerly thing to do. Instead, he stood there, looking at me, his eyes totally unguarded, allowing rapid-fire glimpses into his soul the way a dealer shuffles cards, flashing their suits.
Then his dog jerked him forward and practically dragged him across the street with his partner in tow. Blondie stopped right in front of me, standing there as if wondering how he ended up at our table.
The strangest feeling swept through me, of having waited my entire life to meet him. My insides cartwheeled. “Well, hello,” I said to break the silence.
“Good evening, Ma’am.” His eyes were hooded now. He reminded me of a poker player who realized he may have accidentally revealed his cards.
Then his K-9 plopped down in front of me, a furry chin landing in my hands after a few affectionate licks on my wrists. There were no secrets caged in those adoring yellow eyes. “What’s your name, cutie pie?” Its wagging tail generated a breeze.
“That’s Bang-Bang.” Blondie sounded frustrated. “I don’t get it. He’s never done this before.”
“Never?” I asked the dog as I scrubbed its coarse fur with my fingers. “I thought you were a big, bad military police K-9, but you’re not. You’re adorable, and sweet.” Bang-Bang and I bonded a bit before I collected myself enough to zoom in on the small gold metal bars pinned on the Marine’s collar tabs. “And you’re…a lieutenant.” Ugh. Could I have uttered anything more awkward?
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Thanks a million for having me at your blog! I love chatting about pets and books.
-----
“Don’t look now but Blondie’s locked on. He’s looking at you, girl. Hard.”
So of course I turned around to peek—and swapped gazes with the Marine. His eyes were a steal-your-breath, butterflies-inducing shade of blue that was ice cold and blazing hot at the same time. Rebellious and wild, and yet mournful, too, like those of a lone wolf. He didn’t glance away, which might have been the mannerly thing to do. Instead, he stood there, looking at me, his eyes totally unguarded, allowing rapid-fire glimpses into his soul the way a dealer shuffles cards, flashing their suits.
Then his dog jerked him forward and practically dragged him across the street with his partner in tow. Blondie stopped right in front of me, standing there as if wondering how he ended up at our table.
The strangest feeling swept through me, of having waited my entire life to meet him. My insides cartwheeled. “Well, hello,” I said to break the silence.
“Good evening, Ma’am.” His eyes were hooded now. He reminded me of a poker player who realized he may have accidentally revealed his cards.
Then his K-9 plopped down in front of me, a furry chin landing in my hands after a few affectionate licks on my wrists. There were no secrets caged in those adoring yellow eyes. “What’s your name, cutie pie?” Its wagging tail generated a breeze.
“That’s Bang-Bang.” Blondie sounded frustrated. “I don’t get it. He’s never done this before.”
“Never?” I asked the dog as I scrubbed its coarse fur with my fingers. “I thought you were a big, bad military police K-9, but you’re not. You’re adorable, and sweet.” Bang-Bang and I bonded a bit before I collected myself enough to zoom in on the small gold metal bars pinned on the Marine’s collar tabs. “And you’re…a lieutenant.” Ugh. Could I have uttered anything more awkward?
-----
Thanks a million for having me at your blog! I love chatting about pets and books.
Susan Grant
Website: http://www.susangrant.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Susan.Grant/
FB Handle: @Author.Susan.Grant
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Twitter Handle: @flyerdreamer
Website: http://www.susangrant.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Susan.Grant/
FB Handle: @Author.Susan.Grant
Twitter: https://twitter.com/flyerdreamer
Twitter Handle: @flyerdreamer
 | New York Times, USA TODAY, Award Winning, and Best selling authors have eight original, never-released stories and one expanded story giving readers nine amazing adventures that will capture your imagination and help a worthy charity. Come join us as we take you on nine amazing adventures that will change the way you look at your pet! 10% of the first month’s profits go to Hero-Dogs.org. Hero Dogs raises and trains service dogs and places them free of charge with US Veterans to improve quality of life and restore independence Available: Oct. 11, 2016 |
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