News & Politics

Love Your Pet: Silver Spring Author Helps Save An Animal

After shadowing an animal-control officer to get insight into his book's main character, George Pelecanos adopted a dog that helped to complete his family.

This article is from 2006's Pet Guide package. The information may be out-of-date, so please call locations listed for new information.

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While working on his novel Drama City, Silver Spring author George Pelecanos shadowed an animal-control officer to get insight into his book's main character. Pelecanos was troubled by the animal neglect he saw. He told one of the officials: "If you find a good dog, give me a call."

A short time later, Pelecanos got a call about Sandy, a mutt who had been abused. "When we got her, she was wearing a cast," Pelecanos says. "We knew she was the one. She's a really sweet animal."

Sandy plays ball and tug-of-war with Pelecanos's three children. "A dog really completes a family," he says. "Especially when you show your kids that process of finding a dog and bringing her home."

The family has enjoyed Sandy so much that they plan on adopting another puppy from the Humane Society.

–Kim Forrest