May 18, 2026

Dear Reader,

The author and I have been having a disagreement.

I strongly believe the title of this series should include dogs. In fact, it should include the word Steve. There are two Steves in this book. The author stubbornly refuses to change the series title. She keeps offering me the chance to speak to you, as if it will somehow make up for the problem. Of course, it does not. But I'm smart. An opportunity like this should not be wasted.

Reader, maybe YOU are smarter than the author and will recognize the importance of dogs to this story. Particularly dogs named Steve. Until I can convince the author of this, I will use any opportunity I can to speak to you.

Today, I will start by telling you a little bit about me. I am a Jack Russell Terrier. Jack Russells have many positive qualities. We are independent and determined. Some people say we have something they call Small Dog Syndrome. Basically, this means our personalities are bigger than our size. I embrace this description without apology. For those who may think a syndrome is a bad thing, I assure you, it is not. How could having a big personality be a bad thing?

I once heard a dog trainer say that Jack Russells can be trained with the right structure. This is nonsense. You can’t train a Jack Russell. What you can do is befriend one. It may feel like you’ve trained them, but make no mistake, there is no training happening. If there is, it’s you who is being trained by the Jack Russel. The Jack Russel may decide to do what you request, in exchange for the comforts that you provide.

The author is telling me that that's enough for now. We engage in a battle of wills, she and I. But she’s offered me a biscuit. I'm hungry, so I will accept the exchange and leave you.

Until next time, yours in defiance,

L. Steve