Reading Retreats: In the Company of Animals

Pets can make great reading companions, can't they? Of course, that's only when they're behaving--otherwise, they're horrible reading companions (even if they are cute). Above is my wonderful purring-machine, otherwise known as Mr. Murphy. Isn't he adorable? I agree that he does have the "fierce tiger" look, but don't let him fool you. He can be tamed by a simple scratch behind the ears or rub on the belly. =)

Anyway, today I would like to welcome one of my great blogging friends, Kav from Best Reads (2010)! She's got an interesting story to tell about her own furry reading companion, so be sure to take a moment and read the following interview:

Amber: Where is your favorite place to read? Do you prefer curling up by the fire or going out into the sunshine?

Kav: Pretty much anywhere I have a book in hand. Maybe the bus while I’m traveling to work and home again. I’d go squirrelly if I couldn’t read on the bus.

Amber: Where is the most interesting place in which you have read a book? (This could include an intriguing town, an exotic trip, or simply an unusual quiet spot.)

Kav: Okay…this is going to sound weird and definitely not glamorous – but walking my dog. I have this sheltie with a prey/herding instinct so high that he really should be a working dog. Wish I’d realized that when I got him. Let’s just say he’s had challenges adapting to city life since he was a puppy. He has issues with squirrels. BIG ISSUES. Basically he thinks this planet isn’t big enough for both species. His soul purpose in life is to chase (thankfully he never catches) squirrels. So what does this have to do with interesting places to read a book?

Well, after multiple obedience classes and personal trainers and oodles of cash I had a perfectly trained dog – unless there was a squirrel around. Since I live in a lovely treed neighbourhood with a squirrel family living in every tree…well, I won’t go into the grim details here. In desperation I tried the desensitization theory -- taking your dog into an area that is ripe with his problem and totally ignore him while he goes demented. You keep him on a short leash and only walk when he is behaving nicely. The minute he goes ballistic you stop and ignore. It’s very important not to make eye contact or engage the dog in anyway because that just feeds the frenzy. He thinks you’re joining in on the squirrel rampage. The dog trainer suggested reading a book.

So that’s what I did…for months. Walking down streets and stopping every time Simba saw a squirrel. I’d open my book and read and he would howl and yowl and moan and cry. It created quite a sensation. I could read pages before he’d calm down enough to continue the walk. We’d barely get half a block before there’d be another squirrel sighting and off he’d go again and I’d start reading again. The neighbours thought it was hilarious and still greet me with “Read any good books lately?”

And, in case inquiring minds want to know – alas, the desensitization method did not work on Simba. Seven years later after quite a bit of negotiating and mediation we are more or less on the same page now…He doesn’t chase squirrels on a walk and I don’t haul him back by his nice plumy tail.

Amber: Wow--that's quite a story, Kav! ;) If you could choose any location to read in for a day, with any kind of scenery, where would you want to go? And if you could choose to bring only one fiction book with you for this day trip, which would you choose?

Kav: Hmmm…only one location? Well, I guess I’d say I’ve always had a hankering to own a wingback chair in my very own home library. With a fireplace. And a window seat close by. And an old globe – the really big kind with an oak pedestal. And a plush comfy lounger. Oriental carpet on the floor. Brocade drapes framing the window seat (glass would be leaded). I’d spend the day moving from window seat to wingback chair to lounger with my nose stuck in a book all the while.

And you actually want me to name only one fiction book????? You know I’d read more than one in a day if that was all I was doing, don’t you? Well…it’s impossible for me to name just one. That’s like asking your mother who her favourite child is. It’s just wrong. I’ll just say that I would bring the book I was currently reading at the time and I’d sneak in the top book off my TBR pile when you weren’t looking.

Amber: I like the place you envision. It's lovely! So, which upcoming release (book) are you most looking forward to, and why?

Kav: Ack – is this a trick question? Book as in not plural? I can’t do that either…it’s just so wrong to pick favourites.

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad (she’s a writing buddy of mine and she writes historical romance with a touch of comedy. I’ve read some of her other work and it’s fantastic. This is her debut novel with Revell and it comes out beginning of September).

A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman (need I say more…I’m really looking forward to this one – especially since she gave us a sneak preview on your blog).

The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Her debut novel as well. It’s a YA fantasy – retelling of a fairy tale – from Zondervan. I LOVE that kind of fantasy so I’m really excited to read this one).

Made to Order Family by Ruth Logan Herne (I’m committed because this completes her first series and she knows how to spin a tale full of laughter and angst and romance. Sigh. It’s also due in September…though if you order from eharlequin I think you can get it in August sometime.)

Okay – I could go on…but I’ll stop there. Those are the September releases I can remember at this point but now I’m feeling guilty because I’m sure I’ve left somebody out.

Amber: Remind me never to suggest picking just one book again to you! ;) I think I've learned my lesson now! Thank you so much for joining us today, Kav!

I'll leave ya'll with another picture of Mr. Murphy. I confess that usually he's not the best reading companion because he always likes to knead me and rub all over me, which is a bit distracting. Doesn't he look guilty here? =)