the dog book guy

Chances are, if the face of an adorable dog on a book cover or a movie poster has made you smile, W. Bruce Cameron is the man to thank. His best-selling books and three hit movies—including the latest, A Dog’s Journey—portray the dog–human bond with humor and poignancy. The prolific author, producer and screenwriter gives new meaning to the term dog lover: His marriage, career, life philosophy and technique for getting to know the neighbors all center around a passion for pups.

When and how did you become a dog lover?

I was eight years old, around the age when Burke meets Cooper. My father opened the backyard gate one day and in bounded a Labrador puppy. I don’t remember meeting any dogs before then. We ran toward each other like twins separated at birth. That dog, Cammie, was my favorite creature on the planet from that moment on. She escorted me through my childhood and was at my side for knee skinnings, creek wadings and sled runs. She died when I was in college and just taking the faltering steps toward manhood. Perhaps she felt her job was done.