Pet lovers enjoy novels that include dogs and cats, but the author better get the facts right! Misspelling breed names, calling the cat an “it” or (horrors!) showing the supposedly savvy heroine doctoring the doggy hero with human medication toxic to pets brings out readers’ claws. We purr with delight when authors include real-life characters and their pets—and bestselling author John Gilstrap’s latest thriller, No Mercy includes a tribute to his own furry muse. John also shares his take on author responsibility, and whether writers should worry about giving bad guys dangerous ideas.

Need pet care articles and behavior tips? Wonder about links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes? Sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.