Meet Sonny.
Our dog Sonny was the real-life inspiration for Kate’s dog, Ralph in The Lady In White.
Sonny and me 2016
Sonny lived to boss us around—and only occasionally judged me. At least, I think it was only occasionally. Have you ever met a corgi? They are the most magical little dogs, with their stubby legs, menacing barks, and personalities far larger than their bodies.
If you’ve never met a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, you probably know them as Queen Elizabeth II’s dogs.
Yes. Those dogs.
The Queen owned more than thirty corgis during her lifetime. Thirty!
Three of our four dogs were rescues. Sonny was the only one who came with papers—and his entrance into our family was entirely unplanned.
When Ellie was little, she begged me to visit the pet store at the mall. (I know!) That was where we first saw Sonny, a tiny puppy sharing a crate with his three siblings. As the days and weeks passed, his siblings were adopted one by one, while Sonny stayed behind and grew bigger and bigger.
On my next visit, I stopped by to check on him and saw a giant SALE sign on his crate.
I knew he was coming home with me that day.
With their fox-like faces and short legs, corgis were believed to be connected to the fairy realm, according to Welsh folklore and legends. One Welsh myth said that fairies used corgis to pull their tiny carriages and rode them into battle as warrior steeds. But corgis are best known as herding dogs and their short stature allows them remain low to the ground and nip at cattle heels while avoiding kicks.
For ten years, Sonny was my most loyal friend, confidant, hiking partner and one of the sweetest creatures we could ask for.
Sonny judging me
Could he be judgmental? You bet!
Corgis are famous for their side-eye, deep sighs and expressive huffs. Sonny would sometimes flop on the ground with his back-end facing me, then glance over his shoulder as if to say “What am I going to do with you?”
Ralph does the same thing to Kate—especially if she does something he does not approve of.
Sonny captured all our hearts, but especially mine. He accompanied me on camping trips along Lake Huron while I was beginning to imagine the story of Fannie and Jacob. He was wonderful company and hardly made a peep—although I’m sure he was silently supervising the entire creative process. ;)
Me and Sonny by the campfire.
My sweet boy. I miss you!
Sonny passed away when he was only ten and I still miss him so much.
By bringing Sonny (aka “Ralph”) into Kate’s story, I was able to have him beside me again, even if only for a little while.
Ralph.
You can now listen to The Lady In White!
Bringing Sonny to life as Ralph was already incredibly special to me. Now, hearing the entire world of Hopes Bay brought to life in the audiobook—narrated by the amazing Tanya Eby—has given me the unexpected gift of experiencing the story, and having a little piece of Sonny beside me, in an entirely new way.
Whether you prefer to turn the pages or let someone else tell you the story, I hope you’ll join Kate and Ralph in Hopes Bay.
xo
Nan