Jeanne's Dogs ...
Susie
This is me when I’m about seven, with Susie, my Great-Aunt Jane’s Boston Terrier. She looks a lot like Cagney, the dog I have now.
Laddie
The inscription on the back of this picture says “Laddie and Jeanne 1958.” It’s my handwriting—a message to myself across time not to forget my very first dog. In my book, Hound’s insistence on trying to escape came from Laddie, who was truly the Houdini of dogs. He also ate rocks from the driveway. No one believes me about that, but it’s true.
Ozzie
Though Ozzie wasn’t my dog, I spent lots of time with him. He lent his love of all creatures—even annoyed cats—to the Penderwicks’ dog, Hound.
Berky
Berky lived across the street and let me walk him sometimes. He lent his gorgeous black fur and large clumsiness to the Penderwicks’ dog, Hound.
Cagney
Cagney lives with us now, and rules our life. He is loud and smart and bad and the love of our lives. By the way, I named him for Cagney the gardener (in the book), not the other way around.
Cagney with Blue
Here is Cagney with Blue, who belongs to my nephew and niece, Jesse and Kelsey Welborn. Though Blue is four times the size of Cagney, he is easily ruled by him. We all are.
Scuppers and Cagney
Scuppers, Cagney’s best friend, belongs to the wonderful illustrator Jane Dyer. Jane often lends him to us so that he can keep Cagney company. They’re good at barking at cars, chasing cats, and tearing up cardboard boxes.
And they now have their very own book, Lucky and Squash, illustrated by Jane!