“When he was about 7 years old, Buddy lost his left eye due to a car accident (well, Buddy and I weren't in a car but got hit by one), and people, mostly kids, would always ask me why Buddy only had one eye. This happened a lot, since we took Buddy everywhere. So, over the years, I came up with a fun way to answer this kind of awkward question. Whenever a kid asked me, I would bend down a bit and ask them, “do you really want to know?” in a mysterious voice. This always seemed to make the already uncomfortable parents a bit nervous. Of course, the answer was always “yes” and they’d get even more curious. So, I’d act all secretive and ask, “are you sure?” After this the parents would usually look even more anxious. “It’s because” - dramatic pause- “he’s a PIRATE DOG! But don’t tell anyone!” With this answer the parents could finally breath again! And it always filled me with so much joy to see their faces (both - kids and parents) light up with big smiles and laughs. And so the inspiration for this book was born to spread Buddy’s joy even further.

After 12 years and one week, our sweet Buddy peacefully fell asleep on our patio surrounded by his family, who misses him dearly ever since. 

Thank you for keeping his story alive!”