Home >> Talk Dogs

Talk Dogs

[ Add a Post ]

kim Arndt (West St.Paul, MN) HI Laurien: I got hooked, in a big way to your books. I found them next to Lillian Braun's "Cat who........." series and I am a third through your series. I was soooo rooting for Mel and Sam and then he jilted her. Thanks for making the books so much fun to read and multi-dimensional with romance,intrigue and society of the Dog world. My girlfriends mom breeds, boards and shows Airdales and Minnesota. Are there any of your books that have Airdales? I am not sure if "Watchdog" is showcases that breed. Just recently I went to Barnes & Noble and got a listing of your books in order of print. Originally I jumped in the middle and read "Raining cats and dogs". Now, six books later, I am reading "A pedigree to die for". Now that I got the print out I can read your series sequentially. Thank you again for getting me back in to reading. I used to have a Scottish Terrier when I was young ~ any chance of seeing one in your series? I bet every one asks to that. Keep up the great work. Kim arndt/Minnesota 2008-05-13 16:12:15 °834

Susan (FL) Hi Laurien love your books great stories full of info on the breed and showing. We had a rescued silver miniture my son got in Germany while we were stationed there with the AF. Casey took a while to trust us then develoed into an amazing dog. So smart and full of fun. My kids taught him so many tricks he was a sourse of much entertainment. We have had 6 labs these last 2 are 3/4 yr and a pr of sweat hearts.If I outlast them I'm going to search for a poodle to rescue and enjoy. Please keep writing as I so enjoy your cast of characters so much you all seem like family now. Sue 2008-05-13 01:11:53 °833

Elizabeth (Victoria, Australia) Hi Laurien, I missed meeting you at the Poodle National a few years ago, you were moving house. I was so disappointed as I'd been introduced to your books by Rita Perko (Palo Alto, CA)when I stayed with her on the way to the National. She gave my little Silver boy "TOTO" Best in Show at a Speciality Toy Poodle Show in Sydney Australia (1992/3). I managed to buy a couple of your books & brought them back with me but my 'friends' borrowed them & never returned them. I think they must have past them on! Our library used to have them but they've discontinued them .. don't know why - did ask them to let me have/buy them but they said no! Can you believe that! I've been breeding poodles since 1965, Minis to start with mainly Silver, now I just concentrate on Silver Toys. Not addicted by any chance am I?! I love the way you treat the babies in your books & wish some people out here would read them & follow your example. There are too many passages that I remember quite vividly but am sure you get that all the time, & I don't want to bore you! I'm going to try & get hold of all your books - I miss reading them; Keep writing, I learnt a lot about showing in the States from you. From Elizabeth & my seven four legged babies - and a new 1 week old little girl! 2008-04-18 00:55:20 °832 Comment by Laurie: Hi Elizabeth, I'm sorry to hear that it's so hard to get hold of my books in Australia--and thank you for trying so hard to remedy that. :) I guess the only thing I can do is recommend that you check out the online sources? At the moment, the entire series seems to be pretty readily available. And yes, in answer to your question, you ARE addicted--as are we all. :) 2008-05-02 22:48:54

Margo Steinman (WA State) Re your comment about Kerry Blue Terriers being the hardest breed to do up: I've had Kerries almost all my life, began trimming my Kerries when in grade school and showing when in high school. I groomed Poodles & other breeds for a while to support my breeding & showing, and also worked for a professional Poodle handler doing pet trims, but saw how the show dogs were conditioned and trimmed. I whelped my first litter in '67, and have mainly done all my own trimming and handling. I've finished several Champions, over 2/3 with specialty majors. I'm not currently breeding, but am still showing & handling my Kerries. Kerries do not need the extensive coats that Poodles do. Their coats don't require wrapping, and if you have an 8-10 week gap between shows you can shorten the body coat and blend in the legs. Other than thinning and shaping I don't cut back the fall & beard. I have always hiked with my Kerries, and in addition I now do herding and Drawdog (earthdog for the large Terriers). When I lived in the Southeast, I remember hiking in the mountains with my Specials bitch, then going home & bathing her. I drove to a show the next day and won the Group with her! Could you do that with a Poodle "in hair"? Kerry coats should not be backbrushed and scissored like a Poodle pack. Their coats should be soft, silky, and wavy.It takes me about 4 hours for an initial scissor trim, 1-2 hours to get a Kerry ready for the ring, less time if the dog has been maintained in a show trim. In between shows I keep the dog brushed (~1/2 hour)& clip the head, ears, belly, under tail, genitals & foot pads (~1hr) once a week. I towel, then crate dry after a bath. And I don't bathe my dogs after a show - no coat spray to wash out. Yes, it takes time to get the coat even, particularly the legs, and you have to be aware of what to emphasize and what to cover up, which does take knowledge, skill, and an eye for a dog, but that's true of any breed. In other words, it takes much less time to keep a Kerry in show coat, and one can pretty much do other activities while showing a Kerry. And it usually takes a lot less time to grow coat if an accident happens. I personally think it takes a lot of skill and more time to keep a Poodle in an adult show coat. Tim, Kaz, Christian, Wendell, and others do an outstanding job. I think your books are great. I can remember my first few times in the show ring and when I finished my first Ch.,so can relate to Melanie. I even had a mentor who was somewhat Aunt Peg-like. A lot of the happenings at club meetings ring true, some of the characters have their counterparts in real life, and we even had a murder, when one of our top breeder-handlers was found shot at a show (by a jealous husband). And I love your sense of humor. I'm looking forward to your next book, but hope you are not getting that trapped feeling, as I imagine can happen with a series. Margo 2008-04-07 00:23:03 °831 Comment by Laurie: Well Margo, based on your description, I think Kerries and Poodles sound pretty similar in the amounts of time needed to be devoteed to coat care. Actually my comment was made based on something I'd been told by a handler who had extensive experience in both breeds--I've never groomed or maintained a Kerry Blue coat myself. But actually, yes, there are many outdoor activities that can be done with a Poodle "in hair". When I lived in the northeast, I used to walk 2-3 miles a day through the woods with all my dogs and none ever suffered any significant coat loss--at least nothing that I couldn't blend with a bit of scissoring. ;) Thanks for stopping by and giving us the benefit of your expertise with Kerries. 2008-05-02 22:45:11

Rita (E. Kentucky) Laurien thanks for the books. After reading one of your books, I made the decision to get a Standard Poodle pup. I had a mini as a teenager who was the smartest breed I've ever owned. My akita is 12 and will not be around much longer so we've been pondering what breed we wanted. I'd debated with getting another dobie, but totally changed my mind and have already contacted a breeder for the Poodle. Thanks. 2008-04-05 11:20:46 °830 Comment by Laurie: Hi Rita, Best of luck with you new (upcoming) Poodle! They are definitely a breed to fall in love with and will probably be quite a change after an Akita. Interestingly, many people call Standard Poodles "Dobies with hair". As I'm sure you'll disciver, there are many similarities between the two breeds. 2008-05-02 22:38:58

Patti (Texas) Dear Laurien, I have e-mailed you in the past about showing my standard poodles. We now co-own a beautiful silver. I enjoy your books so much, the details about your poodles and the conformation world are a treat! I've been having trouble finding your last book, but haven't given up hope yet! Keep writing, and I'll keep reading! 2008-03-26 18:39:31 °829 Comment by Laurie: Hi Patti, Thanks so much for the kind words about the books and best of luck with your silver! As to finding the books, they're usually most readily available in stores in the fall. There's a Sept.1st release date each year and they usually don't seem to hang around for more than a month or two. After that, your best bet might be to look for them online either at amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com. 2008-05-02 22:36:11

Kerrie Heinz (Sea Bright NJ) Dear Laurien, I am a huge fan of your books !!!! As a dog Groomer and someone who has dabbled in Conformation I truly love how you capture the smaller details of the show world, as well as having a house full of dogs. I have always said My dogs own my home I just get to live here with them LOL "Yorkies" I can't wait until September 2008 until the release of your next book. I refuse to read anything else!!! Thank You Again, I hope you never stop writing. Kerrie 2008-03-17 05:41:48 °828 Comment by Laurie: Dear Kerrie, Thanks so much for the kind words. But please don't refuse to read other books--there are so many wonderful ones out there. Two other dog mystery writers whose work you might enjoy are Virginia Lanier and Carol Lea Benjamin. Both are well worth reading. 2008-03-23 20:01:12

Chris (N KY) Oh and I forgot, my best friend on the street has a black standard poodle that she enters in rally competition. 2008-03-11 12:24:25 °827

Chris (N KY) Just recently found your books at the local library. I have been active in Greyhound rescue for years( ex racers). I now have 3 greys and 2 mix breeds. I am now active in and all animal rescue here in N KY. It is so interesting to read your books and connecting with how you always put the dogs needs into the story. Like potty breaks. LOL I plan to go back to the beginning of the series and start working my way through. 2008-03-11 08:57:04 °826 Comment by Laurie: Hi Chris, Thanks for noticing that I try to write about "real" dogs. Authors whose animals never seem to eat or sleep and can wait endlessly in the car on hot summer days make me nuts. So I try to treat my fictional dogs as well as I treat my real ones. I've always wanted a retired racing Greyhound. Maybe we'll be talking in the future. :) 2008-03-23 19:58:59

Kathy (Tucson,Arizona) I've read all your books and love everyone of them. I am owned by 2 standards and a mini. Love the breed, they are so much fun. We are involved in agility with the mini. He loves it and so do we.I'm waiting anxiously for your next book. Thanks for writing about poodles. 2008-03-08 22:09:29 °825 Comment by Laurie: Hi Kathy, I had to write about Poodles, I was surrounded by half a dozen of them. They wouldn't let me write about anything else. ;) I'm glad you're enjoying the books! 2008-03-23 19:55:42

Fran (Florida) Just wanted to thank you so much for a wonderful series. I'm now addicted. I got your first book at our Bulldog puppy match from a friend (3 weeks ago) and am now on my third book. I show in confirmation with a Bulldog and a Keeshonden. FYI, your books are being passed around our Bulldog Club. Thank you and I'm looking forward to reading all your other books. 2008-03-05 15:35:15 °824 Comment by Laurie: Hi Fran, When you put it like that, addiction doesn't seem like such a bad thing.;) We had a Bulldog when I was little and he was a great dog. Thanks for passing the books around your club. As I've said many times, good word of mouth is the best thing an author can have. 2008-03-23 19:54:23

Wendy (Kansas City, MO) I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your books! I'm owned by 3 mutt-dogs, so obedience and some tentative toes into agility is what we do, but I do have an acquaintence who just finished a Newfoundland, and thanks to your books, I can talk intelligently about the process! 2008-03-04 17:00:40 °823 Comment by Laurie: Thanks Wendy! I'm glad the books are teaching you a little something along the way. :) 2008-03-23 19:52:12

Ann Marie (New Jersey) I have read everyone of your books and have enjoyed them immensely. I have two boxers one of which I show in conformation and is titled in obedience so I can relate to much of what you write about in your book regarding dog shows. I am anxiously waiting for your next book. 2008-03-03 16:54:50 °822 Comment by Laurie: Thanks Ann Marie! I hope you enjoyed reading about Brando the Boxer in CHOW DOWN (even if the dog on the cover looked more to me like a Dane.) 2008-03-23 19:47:25

Teresa (Greenville,SC) The first book of your I picked up was Hot Dog, because I own a dachshund and had heard it was a great read. Now I'm hooked. We had a miniature poodle when I was growing up and I have friend with a Standard poodle, Belle, who is now nine years old. I love the temperament of the Standards. Of course, she often thinks she is a lap dog! My only regret right now is that I didn't start reading your books before the AKC show here in town two weeks ago. It would have been great to have gone and watched the poodles being shown and, better yet, understood a little more about it. Keep up the great work! 2008-02-27 22:15:43 °821 Comment by Laurie: Hi Teresa, Thanks for stopping by! Did you know that both Poodles and Dachshunds originated in Germany? To give credit where it's due, the Germans really knew how to create smart breeds with great temperaments and a wonderful sense of humor. I'm glad you're enjoying the books! 2008-03-23 19:46:02

joann (michigan) It's amazing how many people snicker when my husband tells them that we own a poodle. We got a poodle (black standard) because my husband has allergy problems, but were not aware of what a funny, athletic, intelligent breed standard poodles are. We keep him in what some would consider a shaggy clip, not shaved and when we're out for a walk people comment on what a great-looking dog he is (and of course, Fozzie seems to understand that he's being complimented and struts a little taller). He's a great companion! 2008-02-15 15:12:50 °820 Comment by Laurie: I love the name Fozzie, what a great choice! It's amazing how many people who have never met a Poodle, have poor opinions of them. Then as soon as they get to know one, they change their minds. I have to say I can't think of a better companion dog than a Poodle. 2008-02-25 19:43:15

Shan (Tucson) Laurien- I cannot emphasize enough how much your books are loved out here. My mom & are are S. Poodle neophytes (3 yrs) we have shown in breed, agility, obedience, Rally. I love your characters, and your books are fast making rounds with a lot of poodle handlers & owners out here..you are very very loved. For the next specialty, I am planning on donating a set of you books for the raffle... Thanks again for showing everyone how much a poodle can change your life. (By the way, when Faith lost her mane/neck hair, we all cringed..been there, done that..but in my case it was a dog park incident..oh well) Can't wait for the nest one! 2008-02-11 01:10:06 °819 Comment by Laurie: Hi Shan, I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying my books, and that you're passing them around. I cringed, too, when I wrote the scene where Faith loses her neck hair--it's probably something every Poodle exhibitor goes through at least once, and it's something that no one ever remembers fondly. :) 2008-02-25 19:40:57

cathie (kentucky) Thank you so much for the great books. My pitbull Roxy died in August and due to your books(and alot of studying on my part)my daughter and I are looking for a black standard for our family. I didn't realize that poodles were so smart and funny too! Thanks again! 2008-01-15 10:23:39 °818 Comment by Laurie: Hi Cathie, My condolances on the loss of your pitbull. I know how it feels to lose a treasured canine friend. I wish you the best of luck in finding just the right Standard Poodle! I'm sure he or she will live up to your expectations. :) 2008-01-23 19:46:34

Anonymous Dear Laurien; A friend gave me one of your books a year ago and I have since become addicted to the series. I have shown in the conformation ring for at least twelve years (so still relatively a new comer in the dog show world) and really enjoy your portrayal of the crazy, fun while highly competitive world of dog shows. I work in an office and many of my co-workers find it completely mystifying how I live for the week ends for when I pack up my dogs and head to the next show. The comment on Fridays is always…so where are you off to this week end? While I enjoyed the movie “Best in Show” and have been at least one of the characters at one time or another…it didn’t necessarily give a positive portrayal of the dog show world. I enjoy your books because they give a humorous look at showing dogs without making us all appear as extreme eccentrics (or nuts as some may think!). Thank you for continuing to write your books and giving me something to read during the lull between shows. I am curious about your background. Your writings make me think that you are familiar with the dog show world but there is not a bio on your website to confirm or refute this conjecture. I show both welsh and airedales which also require a lot of grooming so find your information about poodle grooming both interesting and informative. I am curious about how it is that you are so familiar with poodle grooming. Are your writings about Melanie fictional or is the information about the poodles, grooming, showing and breeding as a result of personal experience? 2008-01-04 14:56:05 °817 Comment by Laurie: I used to have a bio on this site but it came down about five years ago. Frankly, I don't think my life was that interesting. But yes, I do have plenty of experience in the dog show world. I bred and showed Standard and Miniature Poodles for nearly 20 years (mostly conformation, some obedience), my mother bred and showed dogs her whole life, and my grandmother was a Terrier group judge. So basically I was immersed in the dog show world from the time I was very young. You've singled out BEST IN SHOW but actually I don't think any of the books in the series give a totally postive view of the dog world--which I don't see as a negative. If the books showed only the good side of things, they wouldn't be realistic. Plus, I'd have a harder time finding characters to kill off. ;) 2008-01-13 23:10:09

Nicholas (Wilkes-Barre, PA) Talk about a series of book after my own heart. I love how you incorporate your love of dogs into your work. You've definitely made me feel a little less weird about how I incorporate my experiences with dogs into my work (I'm a yet-to-be-published author). Got two dachshunds and a Shiba Inu in my house. Talk about a mixed family. :) 2008-01-03 00:53:43 °816 Comment by Laurie: Keep writing, Nicholas, you'll get there. When I started this series in 1995, dog related mysteries were pretty much of an oddity. Now there are a number of authors doing the same thing. And certainly there's a dog loving audience eager to read them. I hope someday I'll be able to enjoy your books. 2008-01-13 23:01:33

Leigh (Mexico) Nice job with the series. I enjoy reading about everyone. I need an Aunt Peg to help me teach my dogs, a pair of German Shepherds. We never had dogs before and we are doing the best we can. So far, they seem noble - never once snapped at my 3 year old twins nor bitten them. They are good watchdogs too. Thanks for writing - your books are a fun read! 2007-12-30 09:06:56 °815 Comment by Laurie: Nice to hear from you, Leigh. I think we all need an Aunt Peg in our lives. At any rate, I really wish I had one. Best of luck with your German Shepherds! 2008-01-13 22:58:27

Stephanie Ard (Georgia) Hello! I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE your books. I have never been a reader and while the rest of my family is...I was the odd one out. What I didn't know, was that I just needed to find the right kind of books! I like mysteries..but I love dogs...so this is the perfect combo. I am a dog groomer (not for show, just for pets), but it makes it even better that I know things that are going on with the grooming aspect for the poodles! I have gotten all of my coworkers reading them now! I just wanted to let you know how great they are! 2007-12-28 20:01:23 °814 Comment by Laurie: Thanks so much! And thank you for recommending my books to your fellow groomers. I'll take all the good word-of-mouth I can get. :) Especially as I'm sure you all can empathize with what Melanie goes through getting ready for a show. The groomers I've known contend that Standard Poodles aren't the hardest dogs to do up right. They say that distinction belongs to Kerry Blues. What do you think? 2008-01-13 22:56:49

Ann Nennig (Fresno, CA) There is not enough room here to tell you how much I thoroughly enjoy your books. I've suffered from severe depression my entire life and have spent the last 10 days once again trying to switch meds to see what will work for me. I spent Christmas in hell but you know, my refuge have always been your books. Always. Seriously! Your characters are real (unlike some other authors). And how they play off of one another is perfect! I couldn't stop laughing reading your most recent book - I could just imagine being in that car or in that hotel or by the spa with the three of your wild women! If you draw on real-life individuals as a basis for their personalities, you are one very lucky person! Sue Grafton grew stale for me about 5 books back -- you're just like fine wine -- you get better and better with age!!! Happy New Year! 2007-12-28 15:01:47 °813 Comment by Laurie: Dear Ann, Your note contains some of the nicest compliments I've ever received. I'm so glad you're enjoying my books and my characters. I did have a great time sending the three "wild women" away on a road trip. Actually I wanted to call the book ROAD KILL, but my editor wouldn't go for it, LOL. I hope you have a wonderful and happy 2008! 2008-01-13 22:53:13

Molly (CT) Wow, it's so funny how small the world is. I went to GA -- grew up in Greenwich -- and now live in New Canaan! (I had a feeling your Howard was GA). And actually my mom got her poodle from a Greenwich breeder, Peggy Larned, although that was in the 60's I think. I don't know if her name is familiar to you. And yes, it's amazing how quickly things are changing, esp. in Greenwich, but New Canaan also has a J. Crew now and another huge "big box" pharmacy is going in on Pine St. But even still, New Canaan remains pretty charming. Thanks for responding! 2007-12-19 09:01:22 °812 Comment by Laurie: Hi Molly, Nice to hear back from you! I'm afraid I don't know Peggy Larned. I was living in Greenwich in the 60s but at the time our house was filled with the Norwich Terriers that my mother bred and showed. I didn't get my first Poodle until 1978. She came from the Deryabar Kennel, which was also in Greenwich at that time. 2008-01-13 22:49:11

Molly (Connecticut) I really enjoy your books. We had a standard poodle growing up...she was really smart. Now I have two (!) Jack Russells. Yes, I know. Are you from Stamford? I live in the next town over and it's fun reading about Stamford and Greenwich. I also went to a nearby private school, and your local knowledge makes your books so enjoyable for me! I'm reading Hounded to Death now; it's great. Thanks for writing (from one who really likes to read). 2007-12-16 13:08:53 °811 Comment by Laurie: Hi Molly, With 2 Jack Russells, you must be busy all the time, lol. Which "next town over" are you in? I grew up in Greenwich and went to a private school there--though not Greenwich Academy which is situated where I've set the fictional Howard Academy. Then after I got married, I lived in New Canaan for 20 years. So I'm pretty familiar with the area, even though I no longer live there. It's fun to put little bits and pieces of local color into the books; I think it makes them seem more grounded in reality. Of course every so often I'll use a real restaurant or store and it will go out of business. Luckily for me, Bruce Park which has found its way into a couple of books, never seems to change. 2007-12-17 19:42:32

Andi (Hayesville, NC) Dear Laurie: I am the proud owner of 2 standard poodles, which I show in UKC. 1 is blue & 1 is silver. Faith is so very much like Happy and GiGi, that I think you must have been at our house. I saw you on Breed all about it, and then spoke to my breeder/friend and she had all of your books. I needed to read them, but had no idea how to find them. I happened upon Pudlez.com and bought the 13 set paperbacks and the newest hardback. I have not been able to put them down. I have just finished Dog Eat Dog, and can't wait to get home to start book 4, Hair of the Dog. 3 books in 5 days I must be suffering from "poodlinsanity" but arent all poodle owners? Thank you Thank you for allowing all of your readers into the lives of your wonderful characters and your life as well. Please keep writing. I am afraid that after 14 you might quit and then what would we all do? 2007-12-14 15:35:01 °810 Comment by Laurie: Dear Andi, Thanks so much for the kind words, I'm glad you're enjoying my books! I had no idea that segment on Breed All About It was still be shown. I think I taped that 9 or 10 years ago. Don't worry, there will be another book after #14. DOGGIE DAYCARE MURDER will be out in September 2008. :) 2007-12-17 19:34:55

Heather (Washington) I just stumbled across one of your wonderful books--I got "A Pedigree to die For" at a used bookstore a few months ago. Since I have been so busy in school, I just read it this week--the funny part of that is that when I bought it I didn't have a dog, and by the time I got to read it--I had my wonderful labradoodle, Chess, for two months. Chess is 3/4 poodle, that is dad was a labradoodle and mom a poodle--and he is so much like the poodles in the book! I loved it! I am going to go this week and pick up as many of the books in the series I can find at Barnes and Noble. Quick side question--do true "poodle people" generally like or frown upon all the recent "doodle" additions? Thanks! 2007-12-05 21:03:17 °809 Comment by Laurie: Hi Heather, In answer to your question--well, yes. Purebred breeders are often terrible snobs. Not only are they passionately sure that their breed is the best, they also look down on mixed breeds. So that prejudice isn't confined to just Poodle people. A friend of mine had a litter of Labradoodles that turned out wonderfully--the puppies grew up to be all blonde and shaggy and smart. While I'd probably never go that route myself, I can certainly see why people would want to have them as pets. I'm delighted to hear that you're enjoying my books! 2007-12-09 12:58:22

Marilyn Merritt (New Jersey) I thoroughly enjoy your work and anxiously await each new book. The cast of characters has become "family" and the warmth you emit throughout the stories is truly heartwarming. I hope Melanie has twins. 2007-12-05 12:04:50 °808 Comment by Laurie: Hi Marilyn, I love that you think of my characters as family. I feel that way about them too, but it amazes me that a reader would feel that bond. How truly wonderful to hear. I've been trying not to gve anything away about the outcome of Melanie's pregnancy, but I'm sorry to say that you'll be disappointed. She's much too busy solving mysteries to have twins. :D 2007-12-09 12:53:20

Jessica (Illinois) Hi Laurien! I just wanted you to know that I ADORE your books! I have a Pom, I don't show in her conformation, but I got her from a wonderful breeder in Indiana who breeds and shows. Your books are dead on! You meet the most interesting and wonderful characters at a dog show!! I have gotten my mom hooked on your books (she has a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever) and our other friend who has shown Goldens and Bedlingtons. We are spreading the word!! Your books are so hilarious and well-written, even a non-dog person (sacrilege!) would love them. 2007-11-26 16:27:37 °806 Comment by Laurie: Hi Jessica, Thanks so much for telling your friends about my books! Those are words every author wants to hear. I have a friend who has a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The first time she told me that I said, "Whaaa...?" But of course when I met him I fell in love with him, as everyone does. And I have to agree with you--there's no better place for meeting "characters" than a dog show. :) 2008-01-23 19:37:50

Steffany Hi Laurien, I love your books a friend got me started on the third one and I have been reading them in order from now on. I am about to get Once Bitten, I am sure it will be great just like the rest. Is Hounded to Death part of the series, it isnt on your website? Keep writing, I do obedience and did agility with my Sheltie, but I dont know much about conformation so this taught me so much I didnt know. Thank you and keep the books coming. 2007-11-20 11:30:24 °805 Comment by Laurie: Hi Steffany, Thanks for your interest! As I am always being reminded, I'm not very good at keeping my website updated. But now my weblady has done a total overhaul and HOUNDED TO DEATH has appeared. So yes, it is part of the series (that answer could have been a lot shorter, couldn't it? :) Agility looks like so much fun, I'm sorry I jever had a chance to try it when I was showing my Poodles. 2007-12-09 12:44:16

Cathy (Signal Hill , CA) Hi, Laurien! I haven't posted here in quite awhile, but I wanted to wish you (and your readers) a happy Thanksgiving. My 18 yr old Poodle, Bones, went to dog Heaven on 9/29/07. I miss him terribly, but have a pure bred Mini Poodle puppy named Smudge, whom I obtained in August. He's 6 months old and into everything and is a delight! Can't wait for your next book. All the best, Cathy 2007-11-14 07:28:32 °804 Comment by Laurie: Hi Cathy, My condolances on the loss of Bones. I'm so glad you have Smudge to help you through this difficult time. Thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes and the same to you! 2007-11-18 22:57:55

Lynn Dear Laurien, One of your books called to me from the library shelf a couple months ago and I've quickly devoured all but one of them over the past couple months. Having shown dogs for over 30 years now, a sincere thank you for some truely fun reading. This evening I was reading aloud to my husband the passage from "Watchdog" where Aunt Peg decides maybe she isn't such a good sport after all, as she opts not to help Melanie get Faith's lines just right for the first time. (I'm confess I winced as I know I might have been guity of a similar comment a time or two ;-) I had previously made some attempts to characterize the wonderful Aunt Peg to others and tonight suddenly realized you're development of her reminds me of the late great Annie Clark who was, of course a renowned Poodle person. (And whose gift of purple ribbons have been known to bring me to tears when showing her my beloved Gordon Setters ;-) Is it possible you had/have her in mind as Aunt Peg's model? I had to ask! Thanks again and happy writing! Sincerely, Lynn Snoqualmie, WA 2007-11-12 23:11:36 °802 Comment by Laurie: Hi Lynn, Many people have asked if Aunt Peg was modeled after Annie Clark--that combination of height and knowledge draws an inevitable comparison. But actually no--Aunt Peg is the only character in the series who was somewhat based on a real person and that person wasn't Mrs. Clark, but rather a friend of mine who bred some truly wonderful Poodles. I'm glad you enjoyed reading the books! 2007-11-18 22:56:09

september Hi Laurien, Love your books! Are they availabe in audio format? I'm a dobie person, can you add them to a story? Thanks! 2007-10-27 15:25:34 °801 Comment by Laurie: I really wish my books were available on audio, but unfortunately they're not. Maybe someday an audio publisher will express an interest, but it hasn't happened yet. As for Dobies, check out RAINING CATS AND DOGS. There's one on the cover and one as a character inside. :) 2007-11-03 19:16:54

Laurie Berenson Hi Everyone! As many of you have noticed I'm having some trouble with this portion of the website. While your questions and comments have thankfully reappeared, I'm not currently able to respond to anything that's said. I hope to have things back up and running again correctly soon. In the meantime, thanks for your patience! Laurie 2007-10-24 12:54:13 °800

Rosemary (Texas) Hi. I know that Poodles are prone to epilepsy, and evidently so are cats. My fourteen and a half-year-old has had two grand mal seizures in two weeks. This is on top of having kidney and liver problem, and being hyper-thyroid. He has been started on phynobarbatol. Are there any other pointers anyone can give? I do have a really great vet, but any tips will be appriciated. By the way, Sandy was an orphan and bottle raised. His feral mother had been gone for two or three days before we realized that no one in the apartment complex had seen her. He is very special to me. 2007-10-21 23:09:17 °799 Comment by Laurie: Hi Rosemary, Unfortunately I'm not going to be very helpful. As I've never owned a cat, I know very little about them. And luckily for me, I haven't had a Poodle with seizures either. If you have a great vet, the best thing I can recommend is to follow his advice. 2007-11-03 19:14:31

Taylor (Portland, Or.) Wow. I just finished the latest book and it is awesome. I really liked seeing the new characters you added to the book. But I really wished there were more dogs in it! The next book with Davy and junior showmanship sounds great. When is it coming out? (I hope soon!) 2007-09-29 20:24:26 °798 Comment by Laurie: Hi Taylor, I'm glad you liked the new book! Unfortunately it will be a wait until the next one is available as my books only come out once a year. The title right now is DOGGIE DAYCARE MURDER and it's scheduled for September 2008. 2007-11-03 19:11:53

Mary (wisconsin) Hello, I have read all your books but 2, looking forward to the next one. I've enjoyed them so much that I have all my fellow 4-H dog project leaders and even a few parents reading them. Mite add we would love to see Davey showing in Jrs showmanship. My own daughter showed a black stardard in jr showmanship. 2007-09-27 23:32:27 °797 Comment by Laurie: Everybody wants to see Davey in Junior Showmanship, LOL. Along with bringing back Aunt Peg's boyfriend, that's the second most common request I get from readers. Now you guys who are involved in showing dogs should know that there's a minumum age for competing in Jr. Show. And at 9, Davey just became eligible. Which is why in next year's book (DOGGIE DAYCARE MURDER) he finally gets to give it a try. Thanks for spreading the word about the books! I could use a few more readers. :) 2007-09-29 19:30:38

Lin (Riverside, Ca) Laurien, I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoy your books. My sister started me on them this summer and have read all of them including the latest. Please write some more! I have been involved with dogs and dog showing for about thirty years and it is great to see someone capture that. Keep up the great work! 2007-09-17 22:36:53 °796 Comment by Laurie: Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm glad you found the books and I'm delighted to hear that you're enjoying them. 2007-09-29 19:26:30

Kelly (Meadville,PA) Hi Laurien! I just finished Hounded to Death and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wanted to say that I was tickled to see that you added a romantic interest for Aunt Peg--that definately made for an interesting plot line. I have always imagined Aunt Peg as Bea Arthur from the Golden girls, strangely enough I imagined Florence as an evil Estelle Getty. Hmmm..maybe I watch too many re-runs. Anyway keep up the great work! 2007-09-11 22:10:16 °795 Comment by Laurie: This was Aunt Peg's second try at having a boyfriend. I still get emails from people asking whatever happened to Douglas (who appeared in 1997's book HAIR OF THE DOG). So I figured she was about due to try again. :) 2007-09-29 19:25:20

ralphmerridew I'm mildly disappointed that _Chow Down_ failed to even mention Chows (AFAIR), and while _Hounded to Death_ did involve hounds, neither of the dogs to appear prominently were hounds. 2007-09-06 19:55:58 °794 Comment by Laurie: Well, here's a stupid confession. I was so focused on the dog food aspect of CHOW DOWN that even after my agent came up with the title, I never even thought about Chows (the breed). Which either means that I'm very focused or else that I'm very dense. I'd hate to have to decide which. 2007-09-29 19:23:35

Laurie S. (Denver, CO) Hounded to Death was great! I am curious to see how you are going to go forward with Melanie with her being a new mom. It will be intriguing! 2007-09-06 09:18:03 °793 Comment by Laurie: LOL, it was intriguing for me too. I definitely had to come up with some new ways for Melanie to do things. And of course it helped that she had a built in babtsitter in Sam. (I wish I had been that lucky.;) 2007-09-29 19:20:07

Jan (Fort Worth, Texas) Yikes! I don't have that one! Must go get it now! Keep on writing! 2007-09-05 22:44:39 °792 Comment by Laurie: I will. :) 2007-09-29 19:18:04

[Home] 1 [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [»]