"Step Up and Speak": An Interview with Linda Lael Miller

Best-selling author Linda Lael Miller makes it a habit to incorporate compassionate portraits of animals—particularly adopted animals—in her novels.  The prolific writer released five books last year alone, and her latest work, "McKettrick's Luck", is scheduled for release in February.  Miller, who teamed up with The HSUS to sponsor "The Most Awesome Adopted Pet" contest, recently shared with us some of her own experiences with companion animals.

HSUS: You've written more than 70 novels, introducing readers to scores of animal characters through the years. Are the animal in your books based on real animals you've known?

LLM: I suppose I've been influenced by the animals I've known, but in essence my story animals are fully developed characters in their own right.  They always have a vital part to play in bringing the story to life, as much as any of the human characters do.  There are always exceptions, of course—my Yorkie, Bernice, appeared in all three of the "Look" books, (Don't Look Now, Never Look Back, and One Last Look) along with my friend's one-eyed golden retriever, Waldo, and Sadie, the beagle, was prominently featured in "Springwater Wedding".

HSUS: What can we tell—if anything—about people from their companion animals?

LLM: If I can observe how a person relates to and interacts with a pet, I can tell you everything important about that person. Are they affectionate? Over-indulgent?  Reserved? And even more importantly, how does the animal relate to the person? Animals are wonderful judges of character, you know. If they recoil or shrink from someone, it may be because of past abuse, but it might also be a warning you'd be wise to heed.

HSUS: Was there one pet in your history who first inspired you to include such compassionate portraits of animals in your work?

LLM: I've been around animals all my life, so it would be hard to single one out as an influence. There was Peanuts, my dad's horse—I rode in front of Dad in the saddle when I was under two years old, herding cattle, which Dad called 'cutting brush'. There were Tippy and Topsy, the ranch dogs, who could round up strays and head them all in the same direction with no help from a human being. There was Old Crip, the lame bull, and Cindy, the chocolate brown cocker spaniel. For me, a life without animals wouldn't be a life at all.

HSUS: Tell us about your rescued horse. What is his story?

LLM:  Buck used to work on a ranch. He was abused, beaten and probably neglected. Rather than being rescued, he was sold, and I bought him after that. I like to say Buck is retired. He's a pet now, nothing else is required of him. I've had several offers from people who wanted to buy him, because he's a pretty buckskin horse, there is no way. Buck's home for good.

HSUS: You write about strong women and sometimes about strong cats, like Chester the ghost cat in "Deadly Gamble," who successfully wards off a menacing intruder. Do you view cats as more feminine than dogs?

LLM: No. There are few things more masculine than a male cat. I have two females, Cha Cha and Jitterbug, and of course they have a different energy from dogs. They are dignified, mysterious, smart as hell. When I have the flu, or some other malady, they will curl up on or beside me, and I know they are helping me to heal. 

HSUS: You've written often about the special bond between adopted animals and their human companions. In "Deadly Gamble," when the heroine, Mojo Sheepshanks, envisions an idealized future, it includes a pet adopted from a shelter. What is so special about adopted animals?

LLM: Adopted pets, like adopted children, are chosen, and I think this creates a special bond. Adoption is an emotional contract, a commitment. If I could envision an ideal future, there would be no shelters at all, because they wouldn't be needed. Every animal would have a loving home.

HSUS: We've been primed to expect to see Mojo Sheepshanks again down the road. Will we get to see Chester the cat or Russell the basset hound again?

LLM: You won't see Russell or Chester again, except as Mojo remembers them. You will see Bill, Mojo's adopted dog, and a succession of other engaging animal characters

HSUS: The HSUS is grateful to you and your publisher for joining us in sponsoring "The Most Awesome Adopted Pet" contest. What made you decide to work with The HSUS?

LLM: Trust me, the honor is all mine. I could go on for pages about why I believe in your work, but it comes down to one essential principle—Animals are sentient beings, with feelings, looking for a chance to love somebody, and they give way more than they receive, no matter how well they're treated. This is mainly a matter of conscious awareness.

I firmly believe, too, that the measure of any society or individual is not in wealth or power, but in the way that society or individual treats the helpless ones. Animals have no voices—we have to step up and speak for them.

HSUS: What are the most important messages about pet care and animal welfare that you want to convey to your readers?

LLM: First, recognize that any animal is a living being, and thus sacred. They deserve to be treated with kindness and dignity.

Always have them spayed or neutered. It is heart-breaking to think of all the unwanted animals who will never live in a warm house, have enough to eat, or be somebody's cherished companion.

Animals can also present challenges, if they've been strays, in abusive situations, or are simply young and/or untrained. In any case, they will change your life, often in profound ways, and you need to be prepared for that. You should not adopt a pet on a whim, or around a holiday—this is a serious commitment.  When you accept the responsibility for an animal's welfare, you have entered into a sacred contract. You must not turn your back on the animal because it's harder than you thought it would be. Animals are not disposable. 

If you are having problems with a pet, there are resources. Don't give up! Go to Petsforlife.org, for a start. You'll find help there.