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| Photo by Di Starr |
Carol A. Foote is the author of the new children's picture book Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero. A former journalist, she lives near Santa Cruz, California.
Q: What inspired you to write Trouble Dog?
A: I had never heard of conservation dogs until I saw Pepin at a Wildlife Conservation Expo in San Francisco. Pepin’s handler, Megan Parker, from Working Dogs for Conservation, had Pepin demonstrate his skills by hiding things for him to find.
She described how these dogs help conservationists by sniffing out invasive plants and animals not easily detected by humans, and by finding the scat of rare or endangered species so scientists can study the animals without disturbing them.
That was all fascinating, but what really moved me and inspired me to write this story was learning that these incredible dogs are often abandoned at shelters because they are too rambunctious and full of energy to fit into family life.
Fortunately, canine conservation organizations have learned to search shelters for these misfit dogs because the same traits that make them trouble can make them great conservation dogs.
When I learned of these abandoned dogs getting a second chance at life, I knew I wanted to tell that story—of a rejected dog being recognized for his talent and finding a home, love, and work he enjoys that benefits the world.
Q: What do you think Larry Day’s illustrations add to the book?
A: I love everything about Larry’s illustrations—his wonderful use of color, the sense of joy and movement he captures, and the range of emotions he shows in Tucker.
It’s fun to see Tucker’s delight and enthusiasm, whether he’s knocking over a fish tank, playing tug-o-war, or ready to work, but Larry also shows Tucker’s sadness and confusion at being abandoned, and his love for Laura.
His illustrations truly contribute to this being a fun, heart-warming book.
Q: How did you research the book, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?
A: After seeing Pepin demonstrate his talents at the Wildlife Conservation Expo, I approached Megan with the idea for the story. She was enthusiastic and happy to help, but first I turned to articles, books, and online videos about conservation dogs. I didn’t want to take up her time with questions I could answer on my own.
After that, I spent a lot of time on the phone and in email exchanges with Megan and others at Working Dogs for Conservation.
They were all incredibly generous with their time, answering question after question about a dog’s sense of smell, the trouble these dogs can get into (pretty much anything you can think of!), their training, and the dangers, excitement, and successes of their work in the field.
One thing I learned that surprised me was that a dog can collect scents over more than one sniff.
I knew, of course, about the superior canine sense of smell, but I didn’t realize that a dog’s nose has two sections, one for breathing and one for smelling. The smelling one sends scents into an area with some 300 million olfactory cells compared to the 5 to 6 million humans have.
Since dogs exhale through slits at the side of their noses, odors build up in the olfactory section over multiple sniffs. I would love to have that ability when I’m trying to hold onto the lovely scent of a rose or chocolate! Wouldn’t that be nice!
Q: The Kirkus Review of the book said, “With humor, heart, suspense, and adventure, this story will win over animal lovers of all ages.” What do you think of that description?
A: I was thrilled and deeply appreciative to read that review! Wow! Kirkus hit on all the qualities I’d hoped to capture in the book, and Larry Day’s illustrations truly contributed to that.
I am so pleased they think we succeeded. It’s great to hear Kirkus say the story will appeal to all ages. I couldn’t hope for more than that!
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I have another picture book in the works that also deals with conservation and is based on a true story. It’s about a wild cheetah in Botswana and the young girl whose love for cheetahs helps save its life.
I’m also working on a middle grade time travel novel. As much as I love science and nature, I also love the idea of visiting history through time travel.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I hope readers will take away the idea that everyone has value and is capable of doing amazing things, even if their strengths haven’t been recognized yet.
I love that this story has that message at its core. As much as it is about the enduring relationship between dogs and humans, and about the positive work being done in the field of conservation, it’s also about everyone having worth and a place in the world.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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