Adopted dog inspires happy tale

When Diana Ward and her family adopted a dog from the Cayman Islands Humane Society, they had no idea that she would inspire a book. Yet four month old Noodles, since renamed Marlee, was such an energetic companion that Mrs. Ward, a retired teacher, felt compelled to write a story about her adventures. 

“We would go out in the morning and meet these other dog walkers and she just immediately made these permanent friends, they just have an absolute blast. Whatever the other dogs did, Marlee wanted to do as well, and she was the inspiration for the book,” Mrs. Ward said. 

“Having been a teacher for so many years and reading stories to kids, you try to think what would appeal to kids and I know for me when my mum used to tell me animal stories I used to love it, and with my children as well. How fun it would be if Marlee’s story could get more children to enjoy reading books,” she said. 

Mrs. Ward donated five books and 10 copies of the iBooks version of Marlee and the Missing Diamond Earring to the Humane Society Book Loft to help support its fundraising for the animals housed at the shelter. The books were also signed by Marlee, who left a paw print in each donated book. 

“The humane society is always grateful for donations and Diana’s donation of the books will not only help the humane society with much needed funds through the sale of the books but hopefully will uniquely encourage the community to adopt a shelter dog. They are fun and just waiting for a good home. Marlee is a shining example,” said Twila Escalante of the humane society. 

According to Mrs. Ward, the iBooks are actually overtaking the sales of the actual book a hundred fold.  

“Because of the huge success of the book I am now translating it into French and Spanish as well. It is being downloaded in Australia, Canada, the United States, the UK, France, Spain, Italy, while the book itself is still not available anywhere outside of Cayman and the US,” she said.