Staff Report

“Mason, A New Mexico Hero,” describes the life of a dog, originally a homeless and unwanted puppy, running away, finding himself caught and taken to a shelter, from where he is adopted through the local annual Dog Jog into a loving family.

Caroline Mason is the author of this short story. The book is written in the first person by the dog, so the reader gets the dog’s perspective on the importance of food and regular baths and on his adaption to living in a multi-animal home.

However, Mason amply repays his owner’s trust in him by his heroic behavior in helping his mistress when they get caught in a terrifying thunderstorm in a canyon.

Mason came from a local shelter with the name Mason. So when the family, whose name is also Mason, were looking for a dog it seemed like it was a match meant to be. Thus the dog’s full name full name is Mason Mason.  

The photographs, mostly taken by Vanessa Mason, have been designed to showcase the canyons around Los Alamos and many of the animals found in them.

Mason and his family take hikes in these canyons most days and Mason hopes his story will encourage visitors to explore his domain. 

A number of the events described by him have already occurred, a few have not happened yet, and, hopefully, will never come to pass.

Anyone who has ever loved a dog cannot fail to be enchanted by this book. It is a gentle story for all ages.

It is a leap to the local area from her first book “The Blacksmith’s Cottage,” a story set in war time England.

Caroline Mason, often known as Cas, is a longtime resident of New Mexico.

Her children are graduates of Los Alamos High School.

The idea behind this story emerged from her desire to help the many homeless animals being cared for in local shelters, and to thank the people who helped Mason find a home.

The profit from the sale of “Mason, A New Mexico Hero” will be given to local shelters. 

It is available from Otowi Station Book Store, Pajarito Environmental Education Center and the author at casmason01@msn.com.