Paws in the Dark: Tails from the Barkside

By Val Campbell

Get ready for a paw-some adventure under the moonlit sky with 'Paws in the Dark: Tails from the Barkside.' As the stars twinkle above, join Selina and her spirited canine companions for a night of enchanting stories that will tug at your heart and tickle your funny bone. The campfire crackles, the fireflies dance, and the tales unfold, weaving a magical tapestry of friendship, courage, and a touch of mischief.
 

Ever heard the parable of Dogtopus? Once a regular pup who lost sight of his blessings, he transformed into a curious creature—a mix between a dog and an octopus. Now, he roams the world, sharing his story with fellow dogs, a reminder to be grateful for the simple joys. Have you ever crossed paths with The Barkadook? This mischievous monster appears to dogs who sincerely despise baths, and can only be defeated by a hero with a heart as big as his bark. You can read about these, and more in 'Paws in the Dark,' in which each story is a portal to a world where laughter echoes through the trees, life lessons blossom like wildflowers, and unexpected friendships shine as brightly as a full moon on a clear night.

This heartwarming collection of stories is not just about dogs; it's an invitation to rediscover the magic that happens when friends come together. Whether you're reading with your little ones or curled up with your furry sidekick, 'Paws in the Dark' promises a delightful journey where every wag of the tail and every twinkle in your eyes are a testament to the joy of companionship.

So, grab your flashlight, snuggle up with your pet, and let the campfire glow illuminate the pages of 'Paws in the Dark.' Adventure awaits, and the stories are just beginning. Are you ready to embark on a magical night with Selina and her extraordinary furry friends?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Val Campbell
• Release date: Oct 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223698692

Val Campbell

Val Campbell is a first-time author and proud dog mom. 'Paws in the Dark: Tails from the Barkside' is a heartwarming collection of stories inspired by Val's beloved canine companion and her furry friends. As she navigates the world of storytelling, Val finds joy in capturing the whimsy and love shared with her fluffy family. When not writing, she enjoys long walks with her dog, cozy evenings by the fire, watching movies, and cherishing every precious moment with her four-legged friend.

Book preview

Foreword

Of Paws and Pages

Groucho Marx may have been joking when he said, Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read, but to me, funny as they are, truer words have never been spoken.

When I met my best friend, and most trusted confidant, Luna, she was but a small bundle of fur. Her sister and she were the only survivors of a much bigger litter. Their mother, a silly hurricane of happiness, was eager to guide us around the farm which they called home. The farmer, a kindly old man, said he was giving them away at only 6 weeks old, which was much sooner than advised. He didn’t want these pups to meet the same fate as their brothers and sisters. Luna was so tiny, and she was shaking with fear when I first picked her up, while her sister barked at me joyfully. You see, her sister was very outgoing and loved people, while Luna seemed to be fearful.

When I pressed Luna next to my heart and felt her shivering, I knew that I would never ever let her go again. I knew it was my job to keep her safe, and mother her to the best of my knowledge.

The wise farmer said to me: I think she found her happiness, as I was walking away. I wanted to tell him all these years that he was wrong. It was I who found mine.

If you’re wondering, Luna’s sister was adopted that same day, only a few hours later. The farmer was kind enough to inform us so that we wouldn’t worry.

Bringing Luna home turned out to be the most special moment in my life because from then on, we would learn things from each other, play, go on adventures together, and just never leave each other’s sight. She truly was the most precious gift I could have ever hoped for.

One thing which we got into the habit of doing each night, is reading a book together before bed. She would get comfortable next to me, and I would read to her out loud. Now, what I usually like to read are mostly horror books and scary stories, which I wasn’t very comfortable reading to her. I didn’t want to spook my dearest friend, of course, so I veered away from such stories and books. I kept wishing, however, that there were spooky stories out there that I could share with her. Not too scary, that always end well; in a comforting fashion.

Now, some people would tell me that this is nonsense and that she can’t understand the words anyway, but the pitch and tone of voice. I, however, disagree. I think that words matter, and have an impact; whether we believe the listener of these words comprehends them or not. I also believe dogs can understand much more than we give them credit for. It was proven to me time and again, that all of our furry friends know us much better than we know them, and are adept at reading feelings, situations, and our faces, enough to know when something scary is being said. After all, what makes us uncomfortable, will make them uncomfortable as well.

Now that you understand how the idea came to be, I invite you, dear reader, to join Selina and her friends — all based on Luna and her own pawsome pals — around the gentle glow of the campfire, where the enchanting tales unfolding are not only appropriate for our canine friends, and children but also for every heart that beats in rhythm with a furry friend.

Happy camping!

Val Campbell

Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.

― Dean Koontz

It Begins

Once upon a time, on the fullest, bluest, biggest of moons a very special event was taking place. Six inseparable doggy friends named Selina, Blue, Dolly, Nenita, Zack, and Chevy were busy wagging their tails with excitement and packing their backpacks. You see, tomorrow they are going camping. They have been preparing, fussing, and planning this exciting event for weeks, and tomorrow is finally the day that their big adventure begins.

But first, let me introduce our intrepid canine adventurers:

Selina, a fluffy English Springer Spaniel with a soul so beautiful and kind that it feels like it’s bathed in sunlight, is their planner and navigator. Her special skill is smell; Oh, and smell she can. Why, once she smelled a sandwich all the way in the neighboring county. It was pastrami, and she wished she could have had a bite. Her job on this camping trip is to ensure that our group of friends never lose their way in the wilderness.

Blue, a sleek, but sturdy Pocket American