Understanding Two Big Dogs

A Bemis Double-Header

What is better than a Helen A. Bemis novel about mystery and romance in Riverview, home of the Riverview Animal Shelter? Two Bemis novels.

For those who like their fiction in larger than 100-page doses, we have put together two of Helen's novels, each dealing with a big dog, Curly and Godzilla. One of Helen's sweet Great Danes, Angel, died recently, and the author liked creating this double-the-fun edition in Angel's honor. Yes, there is mystery. Yes, there is romance. Yes, there are interesting facts about "man's best friend," often "woman's best friend," too.

Recall that a noted fictional frog maintained, "It isn't easy being green," to which we add, "It isn't easy being a big dog...but it's fun!" Take Curly, the hero of book 1. In his genes, he has a lot of Newfoundland, looks scary, and he sorely misses his "old lady," who has fallen and has been shipped off to a nursing home, leaving him alone in their house for days, until he escaped. 

Con-man Junior tries to have Curly killed and collect an insurance settlement by falsely claiming "ferocious" Curly attacked him. In fact, Curly had kept Junior from molesting Sharon. Curly may remain homeless, unless....

When you have a name like "Godzilla," people expect Big Things. This Mastiff-Great-Dane-mix star of book 2 seemed impossible to get adopted from the Riverview Animal Shelter. That is, until well-to-do, matronly single lady Helene decided it was either get a gun or a big dog to make her feel safer in her ritzy home. Godzilla versus a 9-mm revolver was an easy choice for her, and she and the big dog made quite a pair. Even her parrot agreed.

Helene distrusted banks. She kept her cash stash in her refrigerator and made no secret of that. She also kept her back door unlocked, afraid she would lock herself out otherwise. Better than a lock was a Godzilla.

One day, a robber thought going in the back door to Helene's home while she was out would net him some of the ready cash he knew she had on hand. Godzilla objected fiercely.

This escapade led to a series of robbery attempts that came up against Godzilla's strict sense of right and wrong. The game of "dog and robber" got played seriously. Who won? Don't bet against a big dog. 

About the Author

Helen Bemis has enjoyed working with dogs all her life. 

She obtained a college degree at SUNY Adirondack, earned the Certified Professional Dog Trainer international certification, and has a successful business, K-9 Karing. She is grateful for the opportunity to help others understand these loving companions. She loves to hear people say, "Helen has gone to the dogs."