Tales of An African Dog

"Alaska Malawi", a dog born in Africa in the country of Malawi is adopted by Americans who eventually take him back with them to the State of Alaska in the United States.

This half-wild dog has many escapades trying to learn how to live in a completely strange environment while he gets comfortable with his new family. No longer does he forage for his own food in the garbage pit. No longer will he fear people. No longer must he endlessly scratch his flea bites. Of course, he can no longer run wild and free with other dogs, but he quickly bonds with his new family where he finds lots of love and care.

"Alaska's" first year of growing up in Malawi shows the Malawian lifestyle, culture and topography. His adventures include having his first bath, going to the veterinarian, slipping through the fence to play with a pretty girl dog, eating forbidden chicken, getting dipped for fleas and visiting Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa.

Jean Straatmeyer has loved reading stories to her children and grandchildren throughout the years - in a variety of places from Minnesota to Iowa to Alaska. When she and her husband volunteered in Malawi, Africa for a year, they were robbed shortly after arriving. What was needed was a dog - for security. They adopted "Alaska Malawi", a puppy who became much more than just a security system for them. He became part of the family and made the trip back to Alaska with them.

Back home in Alaska, Jean began thinking about how many changes and new experiences her dog had gone through in his short life. She was encouraged to write his story from his own viewpoint and enjoyed reading the first drafts to her grandchildren.

Jean has recently moved to the Gulf Coast of Texas. She enjoys walking the beach, sewing, reading, writing and having fun with her grandchildren.