This week I finished reading Craig Johnson's newest (and terrific) Sheriff Walt Longmire title, JUNKYARD DOGS, and the author includes Walt's pet dog named, simply, Dog. That got me to thinking about how pets are used in fiction. The thinking goes that including a pet makes our hero more humane, sensitive, or well-rounded. I'd tend to agree. A couple of years ago, we had to put down our cat after 21 years with us. It was a heart-breaking event. Stinky was one of the family. Why? I don't know. She just was. So, I think pets do play an important emotional role in our lives (if not our sanity). By the way, I'm happy to report we got a black-and-white cat, and Frannie has made herself right at home.