Growing up, a parade of dogs surrounded my family and me—no cats, just dogs of all shapes and sizes. Each one left a pawprint on my heart and played a significant role in shaping who I am today.
We had a German Shepherd who was as brave as he was loyal, and a tiny Chihuahua who might have been small but had a heart as big as a lion. Then there was Sally—a dog whose breed escapes me now, but her smarts are unforgettable. Just saying, “Go get her, Sally,” was enough for her to spring into action and protect us.
Teddy, our fluffy Pomeranian, was a bundle of joy and fur. I loved dressing him up in costumes—one year, he was a sunflower and even made it into magazine contests. Teddy was a star in his own right.
And now, there’s Nala, our therapeutic dog. She’s my constant source of cuddles and kisses, and my brother even barbecues special treats for her during our family BBQs. Dogs truly have a way of changing lives and bringing people closer together.
These dogs have been loyal companions and incredible sources of inspiration for my creative work. I consider all animals special—even rats and pigeons, who deserve love and kindness. This belief profoundly influenced my writing of Ratnapped, where I crafted a story that reminds readers of the value of every living creature, no matter how small or overlooked.
Beyond writing, I’ve also taken this love for animals a step further by working closely on rescuing stray dogs in Serbia. It’s my goal to help them find loving homes in the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Seeing so many without homes breaks my heart, and I’m dedicated to doing something meaningful for these animals in need.
So here’s to all the dogs who make our lives richer and more meaningful. They’re not just pets; they’re family—and I hope to continue honoring their importance in everything I do.