About the Book

Book: A Dog Named Speed

Author: Larry Fitzgerald

Genre: Fiction

Release date: December 4, 2023

Join Speed, the most adventurous pup ever, in “A Dog Named Speed” by Larry Fitzgerald! Speed had a rocky start in life, living in a cave beneath the Blue Mountains of Oregon, battling freezing winters, sneaky coyotes, and even a junkyard keeper with a trigger-happy finger. But Speed’s luck takes a turn when he’s rescued from a watery disaster and adopted by Babe, a young newspaper boy.

As Speed and Babe grow up together, they embark on thrilling adventures in the wilds of Oregon, discovering secret fishing spots and having daring encounters. Speed becomes Babe’s trusty sidekick, and together, they form an unbreakable team.

But it’s not just about Speed and Babe; this story is packed with excitement and surprises! Speed meets Kate, a lively Australian shepherd, and their connection adds even more adventure to the mix. Plus, there’s a deeper message about faith and friendship that will make you think.

If you’re ready for action, friendship, and a heartwarming tale, “A Dog Named Speed” is the book for you. Get ready to cheer for Speed and Babe as they navigate life’s ups and downs and discover the true meaning of loyalty and love. This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and warm your heart at the same time!

Click here to get your copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are my own and not an endorsement of all author’s opinions

Author Interview

● What was the most challenging part of writing your book?

This was my first book. My biggest challenge was learning and recovering from my mistakes with Microsoft Word. Unfortunately, it still is. Writing comes easily, but I practically had to use the whole Geek Squad to bail me out of trouble many times before I finished the book.

● What was the most enjoyable part of writing your book?

I was undoubtedly reminiscing as I wrote the story. The book is about my life with “A Dog Named Speed,” the book's title. Speed was a stray collie I adopted as a boy growing up in the mountains of Eastern Oregon.

● How do you weave Biblical truths into your writing?

There was a natural avenue for this in my book. Speed was a faithful companion whose love for me was unconditional. The greatest truth I learned from Speed was how to treat my Master. Speed tells the story from his POV as he waits in heaven for his master to come home to him. From this vantage point, I could easily bring the Biblenumerous times into Speed’s story.

● Was your writing process spontaneous as it came to you or very planned and organized? Why?

It was spontaneous. I remember seeing him from a distance for the first time as he followed me on my paper route, never daring to come close to me initially. Then, eventually, we did everything together, including sleeping in the top bunk in my bedroom. I needed no outline or plan. I just had to pull it out and put it on paper.

● Why did you pick this genre for your book?

My favorite genre is YA. I was a youth soccer coach for several years. I remember how I was influenced by the coaches for whom I played when I was in school. I think our young adults today need a lot of direction. Wholesome stories and positive coaching can be invaluable resources young people can draw from today. I just finished my new book about two soccer players and their coach. I don’t have a name for it yet.

About the Author

Larry Fitzgerald, a retired businessman turned youth soccer coach, infuses his writing, managing, and coaching with an unwavering commitment to Christ’s Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Concerned for today’s youth growing up without spiritual guidance, Larry took to writing. Larry’s impactful short fiction is showcased in anthologies like “Stories from the Attic” (2022) and “Fortunes” (2023) by AA Inc. Publishing. His stories transcend pages, offering beacons of spiritual enlightenment for a generation navigating a world where God’s presence is often obscured.

More from Larry

Writing the story about Speed and the newspaper boy should have been a slam dunk. All I had to do was remember the years between my ninth and eighteenth birthdays—not all of it, of course, just the time my dog Speed and I spent together, which was, basically, all of it. Getting the story into my computer was easy. The hard part was getting it out of my computer and into the format(s) required for publishing and marketing. That was and continues to be a challenging learning experience. Someday, I may write a book about that.

The great thing about my book, A Dog Named Speed, is that it’s a true story except for the parts where Speed is not with me, alone, or with other animals. Those were imagined but very plausible. The story is told from the dog’s point of view, from heaven, as he awaits his master to join him.

Speed was a stray dog who started following me as I delivered newspapers in a small town in Eastern Oregon. He would not come near me despite my enthusiastic efforts to win his favor. He was afraid of all humans, which I assume came from having been mistreated as a young dog. Our coming together happened only when Speed was desperate and had no choice but to reach out to me.

After that, Speed and I were rarely apart. We shared many exciting times centered on fishing adventures, camping trips, and ball games. Speed and I slept together every night. He followed me to school each day and waited faithfully for me to get home so he could join in whatever was in store for the evening.

The most important thing I observed about Speed was how he treated his master. I knew Speed loved me unconditionally. As the story affirms, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to come to my aid. As this became clear, I began to think about how I treat my Master, Jesus Christ. Was I faithful? Was my every thought about Him? Were my first thoughts when I woke up every morning about Jesus? I am certain Speed’s were of me.

My book was written for young people, but it has found a broader audience as well. Any reader who has ever owned a dog can relate to this story. I am blessed to have owned A Dog Named Speed.