"I have always thought of my life as a MERRY-GO-ROUND because so I've had so many escapades with my human and animal family. I really had it made, but something happened to me recently that I'll never forget-and neither will Mama." --Sarge the doxieIn this, his final book, Sarge shares his most unforgettable experiences with readers-some humorous, some touching, and some ridiculous-but all entertaining. Sarge also includes several of his family's Southern recipes: Bethany's pecan pie, Nana's "jam from Alaska," Mama's breakfast casserole, Papa's candied yams, and more. Since all doxies are chow hounds extraordinaire who love human food, he figures readers do, too! Both children and adults will experience smiles, tears, and even surprise as this appealing doxie amuses them with his doggie attitude and insight. Once again, Sarge's beloved human characters leap from the pages of his book, forever enshrined in this memoir. From his humans to the animals-Duke his protégé, the six conniving cats, and Gizmo the annoying cockatiel-they all make up his charming but unique family. Sarge intends to enjoy his "retirement" by visiting Papa often to hear the retelling of his favorite stories and listen to Papa and Sellars reminiscing about old times. He has begun to see Mama, Daddy, and the children (growing so quickly) in a new light, because life is rushing by and he savors every moment. And, he entrusts his title of top dawg to Duke, well trained by Sarge and ready for the task. Finally, Miss Savannah, their fun-loving friend and superb cook from his previous books, astounds everyone at church with her unexpected news. She will be moving away after inheriting a . . . oh, never mind. Read Sarge's story to discover what it is!
About the Author: With a degree in English and Secondary Education, MAVIS DUKE HINTON has published four other novels in THE DACHSHUND ESCAPADES series: I AM SARGE (Book 1), I AM DACHSHUND (Book 2), DACHSHUNDS FOREVER (Book 3), and A DACHSHUND'S TRIBUTE (Book 4). She taught all levels of English and related subjects in her 23-year career. Over the years, other pursuits have included editor and writer (notably for the North Carolina Biennial State Budget and Liberty University), office administrator, and police officer. Married for 45 years to her husband Clark, they have two married daughters and three grandchildren. Sarge in her books is based upon their doxie "granddawg," Shadow. Their own doxie, Duke, is introduced in I AM DACHSHUND. Although her books are fiction, Sarge's tales are based on real-life family and friends. Her hobbies include church activities, traveling, reading, writing, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and stimulating conversation. Raised in a military family, she lived in France and Germany in her childhood, beginning her schooling in a French parochial school and becoming fluent in French in the process. On camping trips across Europe, the family enjoyed meeting people from all over the world. She has also traveled across the USA and Canada, with Alaska being her favorite U.S.S state. With its subzero weather, northern lights, and natural beauty, she loves cold weather and snow, incorporating these experiences and character-rich details into her writing. She became a Christian at age 28, and her Christian worldview influences all aspects of her life, including her writing, where she endeavors to share her faith, encouraging and uplifting readers. As an educator, Ms. Hinton presented workshops at education conferences on creating and utilizing videos of student-composed skits and interviews with literary characters and authors--complete with period costumes and scenery. Her motto: "Learning English should be fun." Ms. Hinton has also taught Bible study groups and speaks to Christian women's groups. For five years, she taught high school English online, interacting with students from across the USA and in several foreign countries. She retired from teaching altogether in December 2013. Now devoting much of her time to writing and marketing her books, she also enjoys church activities, traveling, cooking, laughing, stimulating conversation, and spending time with family and friends.