Cathryn Michon–the showbiz hyphenate who co-wrote with husband W. Bruce Cameron “A Dog’s Purpose,” the film adaptation of Cameron’s New York Times bestselling novel, considered the most popular live-action dog movie of all time—reflects on the dizzying number of dog books (including children’s books) and films that constitute the collective Michon/Cameron juggernaut. 
She goes on to address stepping back into her author guise, while bridging the sensibility
of “A Dog’s Purpose,” this week publishing a distinctive new book, “I’m Still Here: A Dog’s Purpose Forever,” written from the point of view of a dog who’s crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Michon speaks to the genesis of “I’m Still Here,” outlining the circumstances that spawned the initial notion of the book, quickly agreeing with my observation that it partly involves an effort for “Current Cathryn to speak with Earlier Cathryn.” That’s a reference to crucial Michon/Cameron lore: when they were dating, Michon–having been gutted by the passing of her dog, Ellie—declared she’d never have another pooch; on the spot, Cameron made up the story that became “A Dog’s Purpose,” seeking to puncture her position. And for some years now, the 
couple has shared their lives with a sweet dog named Tucker. She addresses some of the attributes that make “I’m Still Here” a singular book, including that it’s written entirely in free verse (she’s been
writing poetry since she was a kid…free verse was well-suited to the dialogue-oriented observations and assurances offered by the dog narrator, who aims to provide solace to humans who’ve been left behind at the Rainbow Bridge, persuading them they have much reason for hope, love, and healing.) Another trait distinguishing “I’m Still Here” she discusses is that all its pages are graced by water-color illustrations, created by artist Seth Taylor, and the process by which she found Taylor. Lovely and soothing, some of these Taylor pieces depict Tucker in assorted scenes (including ones with Michon), amidst renditions of various dogs and humans. We had some frank, poignant exchanges about the extent to which, in working on writing this book, Michon was comforted—albeit retroactively—in the loss of Ellie…and, clearly more jarring emotionally, the degree to which she felt better prepared for when the time came to say goodbye to Tucker. She does…[Photo by W. Bruce Cameron; Illustrations by Seth Taylor]
ALSO: I spoke briefly with with Peyton Davis, Marketing Manager at the Humane Society of Pinellas, discussing their forthcoming Walk for Whiskers event. She first provides a brief overview of the Humane Society of Pinellas, its mission and history, noting the organization has been in operation for 75 years. As a nonprofit, Davis explained, to underwrite its array of efforts the Humane Society of Pinellas relies on donations and fundraisers, like the Walk for Whiskers event, slated for Sept. 21, 2-7pm at John R. Lawrence Park in Dunedin. Beyond the Walk itself, Davis described the other activities that will be offered that day, including adoptable dogs, vendors, celebrity lookalike dog costume contest, pool “pawty” and more. She noted that interested folks can register or get more information at this section of the Humane Society of Pinellas website: https://www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org/event/walk-for-whiskers/
COMEDY CORNER: Amir K’s “My Dog Talked To Me” (https://amircomedy.com)
MUSIC: Rebekah Pulley’s “Talking Animals Theme,” instrumentals
NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE: The Rolling Stones’ “Monkey Man”
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