I’m doing a short story collection for Random House, on the emotional connections between people and their dogs. This will be the book in between “Rose In A Storm” and the sequel to that book. The stories are fiction, but all are inspired – as is “Rose In A Storm” – but ideas, people, events that I have seen, as most fiction is, I guess.

I’ve been talking this week with my friend Audrey, who does agility work in Connecticut, and who is a kind and generous person, in addition to be a great Australian Shepherd Lover. Audrey embodies the best qualities in many of the dog and animal lovers I know. She was telling me stories about the “Agility People,” as she calls them, and how they rush to help fellow dog lovers in trouble. When a person is sick, or a dog is, or a dog is lost. They share information and form intense and supportive communities. To me, the love of animals is the most rewarding when it connects us to people, as it has done for me. People like Audrey. She’s the kind of person you just feel good talking to, and optimistic about the nature of human beings.

I’ve talked to a number of agility people, but Audrey is perhaps the most impressive and articulate. She’s a lot of fun. She came to one of my readings, and I met her again recently when she came to a trial in the area and brought Maria some vintage fabric for her potholders. I think generousity is just an instinct with Audrey.

She says she makes many friends through her agility work, and her community is ready to rush in and help one another at any time, whether there is an illness, financial trouble, or issues relating to their dogs. I’ve been to a couple of agility trials, and Audrey has inspired me to go to more. I am very fond of Audrey and also a bit envious. I would love to be part of a community like that. My life doesn’t really lend itself to it, but it is something to aspire to. I admire what I am learning about the “Agility People.” In fact, that’s a good title for the story.