2004 Dog Story Contest Winners
These winning stories, selected from over 200 entries, are fun to read, touching and always entertaining. More than simple tales, the stories get to the core of the relationship between dogs and people, and each story tells us something about why we love dogs.
There were so many good entries in the contest, many humorous, some sad but all great reading for dog lovers. To share the best, ten stories were awarded an Honorable Mention
In the winning entry, A Dog Named Jeff, author Wayne McDowell shares his memory of a mascot in Vietnam and the events of one terrible night when the camp was invaded. McDowell will never forget Jeff or his actions, and neither will you in this moving story from Vietnam. But be prepared to cry when you read about Jeff. Read A Dog Named Jeff
In the second place story, Sleet, Sandra McLeod Humphrey introduces the most unique dog you will ever meet. A dog who does not quite look the way he is suppose to look or act the way he should but whose antics are endlessly entertaining. Read Sleet
Author Pamela Jenkins, in her third place entry, Nothing That Can't Be Fixed, shares her story of a stray dog and the tough decision she has to make. Find out what she chooses and if she makes the right decision. Read Nothing That Can't Be Fixed
Alta Follis introduces a lonely World War II veteran in her fourth place story, The War Hero, and tells about the difference he made in her life when she was a child. Again, grab for the tissue before reading this story. Read The War Hero
For a change of pace, in the fifth place story, A Small Gift, Neil Mace brings the sport of field trials alive with his recollection of a dog who would rather race than hunt. Read A Small Gift
For additional information contact: Tiffin Shewmake at tshewmake@doghero.com.
Honorable Mentions
Jenny and Brandy: Red Demons in the Dark by Rob Hugger
Can people-loving Irish Setters save their owner in a dangerous situation?
Behind Daniel's Door by Penelope Thoms
A hospital chaplain struggles to help a desperately ill patient.
The Prize by Annette Miller
When things go wrong at Windfields Farm, it's a mess.
Joining the Pack by Robert Gehl
Sometimes, you just have to decide whether or not you want to belong.
Scooby Does by Lynette Sheffield
How many cows does it take to overcome a Jack Russell Terrier?
Parent Training by Michelle Rasey
Dogs really can help prepare you for being a parent.
The First Days by Hope Leedom and Sharon Anthony
Find out what puppies are really thinking.
Negra by Gary Winters
Relax, head to Mexico, and have a beer with Negra.
Loki's Story by Kathy Johns
This story is for every dog that has ever flunked out of obedience school.
Poindexter and the Christmas Ornament by Dorry Pease
Everyone has a story about something unusual that their dog ate, but not everyone has a story quite like Poindexter's.