The cover art of Storm Warrior, featuring a Neopolitan Mastiff standing in as a Grim.

If you’ve read any of the books in my Grim Series, you know all about the big Fae canines who most resemble the various breeds of mastiffs in the human world. The cover of Book 1, Storm Warrior,  features the incomparable Neapolitan Mastiff.

This led to an unexpected and delightful friendship with the owners of a fabulous blue-gray Neo, Vincent (GCH Vincent de BluHouse – and he has his very own Facebook page!).  They spotted the book one day, recognized the breed, decided to read the story – and liked it!

We’ve been happily corresponding ever since. And I’ve been following both the daily loving life and the illustrious show career of big, beautiful Vincent on Facebook. Most recently, the family visited the Big Apple to take part in the 2015 Westminster Dog Show!  See the set of photos at the bottom of the page!

Visit Vincent’s Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/CHvincentdebluhouse

A few facts about Neapolitan Mastiffs:  This is an ancient breed that traces its roots all the way back to the war dogs used by both the Celts and the Romans. The Neo was rediscovered

in Italy in the 1940s, where it was a guardian of both property and people. Characterized by its loose folds of skin, this majestic dog can reach over 150 pounds! It’s well-loved by its fans for its protective and loyal nature – and a loving gentle heart. A Neo would like nothing better than to be a lap dog!

Read all about the Neapolitan on the American Kennel Club website:  http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/neapolitan-mastiff/