ABOUT ANDE AND MUGGINS 

Muggins is a black and white Springer Spaniel with an impressive lineage.  Her parents were both Grand Champions.  She was born on October 2, 1992, and she has 7 brothers and sisters—although she hasn’t had contact with them since she was 8-weeks-old.

Muggins was adopted by Andrea Rains Waggener and her then husband, Brad, two days after Thanksgiving in 1992.  For Muggins and Andrea, it was love at first lick.  Though Muggins loved her first dad, she’s even crazier about the one she has now—Andrea’s new husband, Tim.

Although Muggins has no writing credits of her own, she claims to be Andrea’s best muse.  Certainly, Dog Parenting—How to Have an Outrageously Happy, Well-adjusted Canine (Adams Media Corp. 2006) wouldn’t have been written if Muggins hadn’t been around to inspire it.  Muggins also inspired the website, www.dogparenting.com.  Muggins believes that the best parts of both the book and the website are the ones that feature her. 

As Andrea’s nearly constant companion, Muggins has rightfully earned the moniker, “Velcro Dog,” which her breeder says applies to dogs who love to stick near their people.  Muggins loves long beach walks; exploring the woods in her back yard; barking at deer, dogs, horses, and kitty cats; playing with any of her 50-plus toys;  and practicing her cute poses to cajole her dog parents into giving her treats.

Muggins is still a little miffed that her picture isn’t on the cover of Dog Parenting.  Although, she certainly wouldn’t have agreed to wear a silly bonnet even if they’d asked her to.  At least she’s on the home page of www.dogparenting.com.  

Muggins says that her dog mom, Andrea, is the best dog mom in the world.  Muggins takes great offense at suggestions that she is “spoiled.”  Cheeses can be spoiled, she says.  Dogs can only be well-loved.  As is their due.