• “The smartest historical sci-fi adventure-romance story ever written by a science Ph.D. with a background in scripting 'Scrooge McDuck' comics.”—Salon.com
  • A time-hopping, continent-spanning salmagundi of genres.”
    —ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
  • “These books have to be word-of-mouth books because they're too weird to describe to anybody.”
    —Jackie Cantor, Diana's first editor

Best Wishes… and Sad News


Diana's dogs napping on a pillow.My best wishes for a good New Year to everybody.

I’m sorry that I have to begin the year myself with bad news; my lovely dog JJ died this afternoon (complications from a freak accident he suffered two weeks ago) and we buried him next to my garden, where he loved to hunt rabbits and toads with his brother, Homer.

Homer is bereft and so are we.

-Diana

In the upper-right image, JJ and Homer take a nap together. In the next photo, JJ looks for critters to chase in a prickly pear cactus:

Diana's dog JJ and a prickly pear.

familystuff-020-2

In the photo below, JJ and Homer were not sure of a visitor in 2012 and tried to hide:

Homer-and-JJ-under-table

95 Responses »

  1. Sorry for your lose of JJ. Give Homer lots of hugs and kisses he will miss his partner. A new puppy might make the lose a lot easier to get through. By the way Happy Belated Birthday. I hope you had a great day. The new year always brings surprises.

  2. I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I know from experience that there are no words that help with this, but please know my thoughts and best hopes are with you and your family. I lost my husband suddenly last year, and we lost 3 Dobies over the past 20 years, so I understand the pain. Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences.
    From
    Sandra Benton
    Phoenix AZ

  3. Just catching up on your web news and discovered your tragic ;loss!!! My sincere warm thoughts & condolences!!!
    I have been “owned” by 5 Dachshunds over the last 20 years.
    In November, I lost my last baby girl @ 12 years of age (Raurielle). Her big brother, Robbie passed away Nov. 2016 @14 years
    The house has just been sooo empty without her and I have typically always had two pups! The lack of “click-click” on the tiles and the sound of 2 baby elephants gallivanting around the house has been unbearable.
    However, the new year has brought some fabulous news… I am “expecting” 2 new pups in mid February 2019 to come into my home – they were born Dec 3, 2018.
    Wishing you and yours all the best for the new year & EVERYDAY!
    “woof, cuddles & licks”
    Regards
    Liz

    PS I attempted to add a pic of all my 5 pups in a collage that I created, yet cannot add a pic… “oh well”

  4. I am so sorry for your loss!
    Mary Ashby

  5. So sorry for your loss, Diana. Pets are like our children and loosing them is utterly heartbreaking. We lost two dogs due to illness last year. My heart goes out to you, your family, and of course to Homer who is learning how to live life without his beloved brother. I believe all dogs go to heaven and JJ is watching over you all.

  6. I am so sorry for your loss, Diana. Thank you for sharing JJ and his quirks with us. Give Homer a big hug from me.

  7. I used to enjoy tthe photos you posted of the dogs, when I used Facebook. I’m sad to hear of JJ’s passing. Such a little warrior! And so beloved.

    Perhaps we’ll find a “bulge” one day, in a collection of same, that immortilizes your wee friend.

    Peace…

    R.

  8. I was so sorry to read your news of your loss. How sad to start the year this way. Continue strong. Diane

  9. I am so sorry for your loss. I believe all dogs go to heaven to wait for us and visit with others (2 and 4 footed) they knew here.
    Your excerpt about Rollo addresses the same theme. Since he fathered many pups in various Indian villages, would it be possible for Ian to find one or many of his decendents?
    Bless you and yours.

  10. I am so sorry for your loss. I am a huge dog lover and am in love with doxies. My present rescue is a poodle, standard wirehair daschund mix who at this time is going through chemo for lymphoma. doing well, but losing hair so he looks more like a long hair than a wirehair.

    I know how you must be grieving andI know that Homer is too. It is so sad to see the dog that is left after his companion has gone. I have been through that too.

    Love your books and am waiting for the next one, very impatiently.

    Blessings.

  11. So sorry for your loss, he was a beautiful boy. I lost my lovely 12 year old dog Daisy in November. Sometimes people don’t realise that the loss of a dog is just as heart wrenching as the loss of any family member. I hope you and Homer will comfort each other during this painful time.

  12. I am so sorry about the loss of your pup. I hope Homer will be able to get on without his brother, and I know that he will have as much comfort from you and your family as possible. Enjoy the love he gives, and take comfort, if you can, in memories of the love you shared with JJ.

  13. Dear Diana, I am sorry for your lost of your dear friend JJ. Dogs are such an amazing source of unconditional love; there must be a heavenly place for them!
    Your amazing books have been such a joy and comfort to me! They have seen me through two separate bouts of cancer and 11 years of chemo. I’m currently on my third read, presently enjoying “An Echo In The Bone.”
    The TV series is wonderful; I feel as if Jaime and Claire have come to life before my eyes, as do all of the characters. Although the editors change some of the plot (why do they do that?), most of it captures the spirit of your books.
    I’m greatly anticipating Bees!
    You are truly a remarkable woman!!
    Sincerely,
    Margaret

  14. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I can relate on a deeply personal level as my family and I lost our beloved cat, Baggy, a week before Christmas. I wish the best for you and your family and hope you are all well in the new year. May you be granted blessings great and small and given comfort in all things.

  15. I’m sorry for your loss.
    Losing a beloved pet is always hard but know you will see him again on rainbow bridge.

  16. I am so sorry for your loss. I have a red miniature dachshund so know how funny and lovable they are. I will keep you all in my prayers for comfort and peace.

  17. I’m so sorry. It’s so hard because they love you no matter what happens to them. They are still wagging their tails until the end. Be well.

  18. It is devastating when we lose our pets. My thoughts are with you as you all grieve. Take care of yourself

  19. I am so sorry for your loss. They leave a big hole when they go, our dogs do. The grief is big and real.
    I think they do hang around a bit but it is not the same. Please take good care of yourself and drive carefully. Grief Puts a load on our cognitive processing. I am so grateful for you and your amazing books.

  20. So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your series I have read all 8 books 3 times and will reread the series before book 9 is released. You work is much appreciated and my mother is currently rereading the series. Thank you so much.

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