Jamie Kanis is the main character in the new book “Ghost Dogs” and we are sitting down with him today to ask him all about this amazing gift he has: Seeing Ghost Dogs!
So tell our readers Jamie, what is it like seeing Ghost Dogs?
I see dead dogs. They’re not the scary pet cemetery movie kind – they look just like they did when they were everyone’s pets, just a bit more transparent.
When I was younger I didn’t realize they were ghost dogs. I just knew they were friendly and fun. Have you ever watched any of those funny dog video compilations? If you have ever burst out laughing, you can understand where I’m coming from. Ghost dogs are wacky. The way they run around and try to pick things up and get frustrated when they can’t. Then they race around the room until they lose their ghost footing and slide right through a chair, a wall – or even me.
That is hilarious! What are some other things that used to happen to you?
I used to get knocked over a lot. My mom thought I couldn’t walk or had some sort of physical problem because whenever a dog came running up to me I’d feel this odd gust of wind, which would make me stumble and fall. There were even times when they would leap up to give me a lick on the face, and I’d fall to the ground giggling.
When I got a bit older I tried to explain what was happening, but the adults thought I had an active imagination. Later on I realized what was happening and was able to explain it better. It was like a magnetic opposite. I could feel an invisible pressure when they were near, so it was like I could feel them.
Amazing. So what was school like growing up seeing these Ghost Dogs everywhere?
School used to be hard. I was called a day dreamer and a fidgeter. The first couple of years were the hardest because I was surrounded by ghost dogs in class. I’d watch them play with each other, tussle and roll around. They’d try to chew on pencils, swat at swinging feet and howl when they were bored. That would make me laugh – not a good thing to do when the teacher was talking.
Of course, neither was watching the dogs play, that’s when they said I was daydreaming. Even when I was sitting still with a dog head lying in my lap, they said I was fidgeting because I was petting his head or rubbing his ears. One time, a young puppy tried to pull me from my desk. When I fell out laughing, I was sent to the principal’s office. I had to learn at an early age how to ignore the ghost dogs while I was in school.
Before our interview started we were talking about trying out for sports and how it took you many attempts at finding something. Can you tell our readers about that?
Sure. I used to be really good at baseball. I was almost a star! I couldn’t hit the ball to save my life, I always got struck out, but I made the best out-fielder on the planet. Ghost dogs love baseball. Well, they love playing catch and with their sixth sense insight they always know where the ball is going to go. All I have to do is follow the ghost dogs and their wagging tails as they race out into the field. When they stop and turn to catch the ball, so do I. They can’t catch the ball. That would be neat to see (if I were normal) but they can’t. I can catch though, and everyone on my team thought I was amazing.
I stopped playing baseball the day a goofy dog arrived on the field. It’s a long story but that wacky dog with wild eyes ended my baseball career with a single leap. It’s okay, I was still really young and it led me to try other sports. You won’t believe how difficult it is to play a sport when there are ghost dogs involved!
Is there anything else you’d like to add before we sign off Jamie?
Actually yes. I think the most important lesson I learned about ghost dogs was the day I watched a friend’s dog die. It was so sudden, and yet, in that moment, it all became quite clear. My friend was on the ground crying. His heart had been broken and his dog, the ghost dog could feel that. He placed his head on my friend’s lap and just sat there with him. You could see his worry and understanding by the look in his eyes.
Oddly enough, the eyes are the only things that are not transparent on a ghost dog. They are as solid as you and me. Guess it’s because the eyes are the doorway to the soul…
Wow! Thank you so much Jamie.
That is all the time we have today. Readers, if you’d like to learn more about Jamie’s absolutely amazing life, please check out Ghost Dogs. This emotional book was written by author Kathleen J. Shields and is a true MUST READ!
Until next time folks…
I would like a hard cover copy of this book. Is there any chance I can get a signed copy. I think I may enjoy reading it.
Please visit http://www.kathleensbooks.com to order or you can find it on Amazon or anywhere books are sold online. Thank you!
Also if i like it, I’d be willing to try make the audio version of this book, I’ve been told im a good at reading aloud. Plus how often does this opportunity come around saying your main character is the narrator
That would be quite cool! If you are with ACX, I would consider it, but I won’t be able to contend with a project like that until Spring of next year.