DENVER -- July 25, 2008

Did you know that we've started a book club here at 7News? It's true! The first selection was "Fearless Fourteen" by Janet Evanovich. Check it out on our main page under NEWS BLOGS, where you can read our members' comments and add your own comments about the book.

I am a member, though to be honest, if the book isn't written by a dog, or at least about a dog, I'm not all that interested. However, I perked up when I heard author Janet Evanovich's latest book was chosen by the club.

Why, you ask? Because there is a dog named Bob in Janet's Stephanie Plum series. He's a big, goofy Golden Retriever who eats anything and everything and...um....how can I put this delicately? I guess I can't -- Bob has some highly amusing moments related to items he's eaten. Marianne says these moments are only funny to dog owners, puppy raisers and other dogs. Yeah, well, that pretty much covers our household.

Anyhow, when Janet was in Denver for her book tour she stopped by the station for an interview. I got to spend a few minutes with her and confirm a rumor I'd heard: that Bob is loosely based on a CCI puppy that her daughter Alex raised when she was in high school!

Yes, it's true -- we have a CCI connection to the delightful Ms. Evanovich. She told me that Alex's dog was so wonderful that they were dreading the day when he would go to CCI College. She said they were trying to figure out a way to fake a death certificate to avoid turn in. She was kidding, of course. I think.

Anyhow, it turned out that his hips weren't as perfect as they need to be for service dogs, so he was released from the program before turn in! No fake death certificated needed after all. Janet told me they immediately adopted him as their pet and he lived a very long and extremely happy life.

*sigh* I love a good ending, don't you?

I wonder if she needs another CCI release dog for inspiration? If so, and if I decide that college isn't for me, I'm volunteering to be that dog!

Chow for now!

Parker

Questions or comments for Parker? Send me an e-mail!

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to CCI for details.