Big Dogs

Attention Big Dogs fans: We have signed with WildBlue Press for our third book, Ghost Stories, Book Three in the Big Dogs series. All your favorite characters, JW, Ares, and the rest of the Big Dogs, are in it. There is a lot of action; I'm telling you this is a book you will want to read.

As part of our kick-off, we will have a little contest. What do you think the best cover should look like? There is no need to send drawings; just send us a description, and we will run with it. The prize will be a signed copy of Ghost Stories.

The first two book covers are on the top of my page. In anticipation of your submissions, here is a pic of Elsa. She is waiting on your ideas.

Hey, Big Dogs fans! We have great news: we have been recognized as finalists in the American Book Fest awards for 2024. See below for the press release.

July 2024

Just Announced! You have been honored in the 2024 American Fiction Awards!

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Big Dogs: Book One in the Big Dogs Series by S.L. Ditmars

WildBlue Press

Finalist
Mystery/Suspense: Procedurals (Police or Scientific Investigation)

I have reached 300 followers! Thank you for your continued support. I could not have done it without each of you. 🙏🤗🎉

Dog Stories

Note: this story has nothing to do with the puppy in the photo. But who doesn't love a good puppy pic? This one is stolen from the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, the photo, not the pup. Puppy Rain is available for adoption at GSROC at the time of this posting.

Early in my law enforcement career, I knew I wanted to be a K9 handler. Like many specialized units, there was a bit of a buy-in. I mentioned I was interested in being a handler to some of the officers in the unit. My first opportunity came shortly after that conversation.

I was working Watch One (Graveyard or Overnight Shift) in North Long Beach when we received a burglar alarm call at a nearby elementary school. We responded and quickly surrounded the school, trapping any suspects that hadn't fled inside.

We called for a K9, and two arrived shortly afterward. The first K9 officer got out his dog, a massive Rottweiler, and sent him off on a search. It turned out it was a false alarm, and no one was there to be found. The handler, who happened to be the officer I spoke to earlier about being a K9 handler, told me, "It's not good for the dog to always find nothing on searches. Do me a favor, put on a sleeve, and hide at the end of the hallway."

Realizing I was about to become dog food, my heart beat faster. I put on the sleeve and waited for my imminent doom. I heard the handler make the K9 announcement, "Long Beach Police, come out now, or I will send in the dog." I became a little paler.

He released the dog, and I could hear his nails clicking on the linoleum floor. I thought, 'Oh hell, that dog is gonna slip and take out my legs. My life is over.'

The rottweiler, all 120 pounds of angry hound from hell, appeared in front of me. Before I could react, he jumped up and bit hard into the sleeve on my arm. I could feel the pressure even through the heavy sleeve. The dog twisted and shook me like a rag doll. Finally, the handler appeared, gave the release command, and leashed the dog up, praising him as they turned away.

I wondered if I did OK, but nothing was said to me. Then, I decided I did OK as I heard the handler tell the other handler, "Go get your dog; he wants to be a K9, and he'll take a bite from your dog."

I stepped back into my hiding place and waited. My heart again beat faster, and I wondered, 'Can I beat the devil twice in one night?'

I was talking to a friend the other day, and he said, "You should have 9 informational posts on social media for every sales post." I thought about that moment and decided I had failed my followers and would work to improve.

Another thing he mentioned was, "You have such great dog stories; you could write about that." Thus, 'Dog Stories' was born. What's it gonna be about? Well, Dogs... stick around and see.

For today only, both Big Dogs and Gasping for Air are on sale for the Kindle editions on Amazon. It's not too early to buy your loved one these for Valentine's Day.

To all of our Big Dogs fans, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hey, Big Dogs fans! At long last, Gasping for Air, Book II in the Big Dogs series is now available on Amazon as an audiobook. We have a new reader: Steven Rausch. Let me know what you think of him.
Steve

Hey Big Dogs Fans,
Get your early holiday shopping done and help grow our reader family. Now, until 11/26, both Award Winning books, Big Dogs and Gasping for Air are on sale on the Amazon website. Both eBooks are available for $2.99.

Barbi and I are out for a fun evening at the Marine corps Birthday Ball.

Hey, Big Dogs fans! Great news, Big Dogs, the First Book in the Big Dogs Series has been selected as a finalist in the Best Books Awards competition. Although we didnt win, this is a great honor!

Through the end of today, Gasping for Air, book II in the series is available for sale in the E-book edition for $2.99.

Thanks for all of your support!