Victoria Schade has been a dog trainer and writer for twenty years. During that time her dog duties have included working behind the scenes on Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl as the lead animal wrangler, appearing on two seasons of the Animal Planet show Faithful Friends, writing dog training content and appearing in educational videos for various pet-centric websites, and writing two dog training books in addition to her four novels. Victoria was recently in the July 2022 issue of Welcome Home Magazine and she generously answered a few questions!

1. Why did you become a writer?

Writing has always been a part of my life, from my humble beginnings in my diary at age 8 all the way up to when I was training dogs full time! (Let’s just say I wrote very thorough homework instructions!) I never imagined that writing would eventually become my career and sole focus, and I feel so fortunate to be able to spend my days doing it. Writing brings me such joy!

2. What inspired your current book?
Dog Friendly was inspired by my love of Nantucket, a magical place that my extended family has been visiting for over 25 years, and my support for my friends in the veterinary community. The novel is about what happens when a veterinarian is pushed to the breaking point and realizes that a summer in Nantucket might help her heal and take stock of her life. Add in an incorrigible foster dog and a handsome surfer and you’ve got the recipe for a beach read with all the feels!

3. What is next for you?
Even though the temperatures are regularly hitting the 90s, I’m hard at work on my first Christmas novel! What’s strange is I can tune out the weather as I write and transport myself to a place where it’s the perfect season for fuzzy sweaters, hot cocoa and mistletoe. (And no, it doesn’t have a name yet … that’s always the toughest part for me!)