Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly follow two circus dogs, one old and wise the other young and full of energy, who must work together when a crisis happens to save the show. What was the inspiration for your story?

It might sound strange if I admit that my main inspiration for this story comes from the working life of adults. Most recognize workplace situations where people of different ages and in various professional situations struggle with their particular challenges.

In offices, shops, factories, educational institutions, and hospitals – in all kinds of communities – there are people with various capabilities, ambitions, and possibilities. It would be best if these differences were recognized, and the individuals would receive the support and opportunities they need. This would benefit both the people themselves and the entire working community.

Although crossing one’s limits gives self-confidence at best, it may lead to too much strain and pressure. A young person may worry that he is not yet mature for a demanding task, and an older person may fear that he cannot take it anymore. Continuous learning is a far more significant challenge today than in working life years ago. 

Roscoe and Rolly highlight the difference between older vs younger generations yet show how they complement each other as well. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

The purpose of my book is to show that a community needs a variety of members. Everyone can find a place that suits them when the right kind of support is available.

I consider it necessary that different people are respected and valued in workplaces. The work environment is not a battle arena but an opportunity for cooperation. The work results are in a completely different category if people do not always have to worry about their position.

The difference between the main characters in this story is mainly related to their ages. One circus dog starts his career, and his fellow is ending it. The friendship between them helps both in demanding situations.

The young circus dog aims to grow to his full extent as a new talent and professional. And the old dog’s depression is heart breaking. It’s not nice to discover that you can no longer do the same things you earlier used to. In that situation, the support of a friend is necessary.

Of course, the story’s suspense element – the child’s disappearance – plays an important role in the book. In a tight situation, the special skills of an old dog are crucial. With this, I also wanted to highlight the theme of caring for children and loving them, which is the old dog Roscoe’s special talent and trait.

In my own life, I have enjoyed the wise support of people more experienced than me. Even a tiny recognition or a friendly word of encouragement can be an essential support. They are like precious pearls that can be gathered into a string during working life. If you have a moment of disbelief, you can take such a pearl in your fingers, spin it a little and feel better… 

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Above I described some of the most important themes in my story, Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly – such as noticing different talents in the workplace, finding suitable tasks, and providing the necessary support. I want to highlight one more theme.

Not all things can be measured in money. In working life, it has often become an ideal to emphasize the efficiency of everything – especially cost efficiency. This kind of thinking seems to be going through the head of the circus director in my book as well. When only the cash register is rattling in the brain, many other valuable things remain unnoticed.

A small memory of real life could be in place to describe this matter. A town I know had several grocery stores. One of the shops belonged to a merchant family, whose owner-lady sat at the cash register and chatted with everyone while taking care of the business. That store was always crowded.

The shop was always packed with customers, and the checkout line was long. But nobody complained. It was precisely because of those relaxed moments of conversation that everyone wanted to do their shopping in that store. – For your information, the shop was also financially successful as long as the old lady continued working there.

Will there be more adventures for Roscoe and Rolly? If so what can you tell us about it and when will it be available?

This book will probably be the only story about circus dogs Roscoe and Rolly. I think I’ll leave the circus dogs’ next steps up to the reader’s imagination. Although on the other hand, never say never… I might still want to write about Roscoe’s retirement days or Rolly’s brilliant career in the circus limelight – maybe even the dog family’s little puppies. Having said that, I feel now slightly excited, though!

The circus theme is delicious, and I have already used it in two of my children’s novels Mr. Cannelloni’s Circus and Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain. I plan to write more adventures in that series.

The colorful life of the circus offers the writer many opportunities to let her imagination run wild. This rich environment includes a lot of cooperation between people and animals, and possibilities for exciting events, too. With the help of fiction, the whole group can be sent on a fantastic adventure in unusual places.

I know readers will be happy to be a part of these journeys with the circus crew and their animal friends! 

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