An interview with Among Animals 2 contributor Laura Maylene Walter (“Lost Pets”)
Q: What inspired you to write this story?
A: Several years ago, my husband was in the habit of photographing “Lost Pet” posters. Whenever he saw one of these posters while out walking or driving, he stopped whatever he was doing to photograph it. In the end, he amassed a fairly sizable digital collection of lost pets. I found these images touching but also distressing — I couldn’t shake how many people were out there seeking lost pets, not to mention the animals themselves. What had become of them? I could never know the fate of those pets, but I could create my own by writing a story. And thus “Lost Pets” was born.
Q: What was your writing/research process?
A: I viewed my husband’s photographs of the posters and, in a few cases, tried to incorporate some of their language into my fictional posters. The lost pet posters my husband found in the wild exhibited a wide range of syntax, level of detail/description, grammar, and design. I tried to reflect some of that variation in the story, but ultimately, I had to let go of the real-life posters and allow my fictional pets to take on a life of their own. As far as the writing process is concerned, I wrote “Lost Pets” as I write most of my stories: by starting with a character and a premise and then just writing with few to no plans, allowing the story to take me where it may.
Q: Which writers inspire you the most?
A: I love Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, Elena Ferrante, Angela Carter, Aimee Bender, Roxane Gay, and Ann Patchett, to name a few.
Q: What does the dog Starlight represent to Vicky in this story?
A: The home and past life Vicky can never return to.
Q: Where, and with whom, do you see Vicky ending up in the future?
A: I see her as remaining alone for a time. Not forever, but for a time. I don’t think she’s ready yet for anything else. But I do believe she’ll eventually find her way and become happier, no matter what form that will take in her life.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
A: Not to steal dogs? Okay, I suppose the real answer is empathy for both animals and owners who have lost their way. (But seriously, don’t steal someone’s dog.)
