One for the book
Whiskey Joe’s adventures are topic of local author’s new children’s book
Advice given to every fledgling author: Write about what you know and love.
The pair are a familiar sight as they enjoy their daily strolls in downtown Plymouth. Young says Whiskey Joe’s spirit and determination to meet everyone in town helped inspire her to write the story.
She recalled her distress when Whiskey Joe wriggled out of his harness last year and was on his own four paws for several hours as she frantically searched for him.
When he was finally located and returned to Young’s Old Village home, she said she couldn’t help but be curious about where he might have gone and who he might have encountered during his adventure.
Her curiosity grew into the new book, which chronicles Whiskey Joe’s attempts to get back home using his wits and determination. His efforts include a trip to the police station, where his microchip identifies him and his owner for a happy ending, Young said.
“Whiskey Joe is a fun, quirky dog, and his heart is enormous,” Young said. “He really does love to run and run in the nearby field. We often visit local stores and restaurants in Plymouth on our daily walks. He just loves meeting everyone.”
Whiskey Joe, a retired show dog, and Young have been devoted roommates for about 3 years. Young, who is a familiar face in Plymouth, has lived in the community for more than 40 years. She said she has always been partial to the Basenji breed. She adopted Whiskey Joe after losing Henry, her previous beloved companion who also achieved a level of fame by being featured in a daily newspaper story centered on Young’s former photography studio in Plymouth. Famous for her pet portraits, she operated her studio for more than 25 years.
Young also illustrated the book with a distinctive watercolor caricature of Whiskey Joe.
The book, Young said, is designed for early readers, bedtime storytelling, classroom story time, or any young dog lover.
Young will be available for a book signing and launch event from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at E.G. Nicks in downtown Plymouth. Books will be available for sale.
Whiskey Joe Gets Lost is available in paperback on Amazon as well as at local independent bookstores.
