When you look into a dog’s eyes, you can tell exactly what they’re thinking. Whether it be a tail between the legs or a wide-eyed hungry gaze, humans can usually detect their furry friends intention. However, have we ever thought that it might be a little more complicated? In “The Adventurous Life of a Cape Cod Dog,” by anatomy teacher and naturalist, Nancy Scaglione-Peck, we see the vibrant Cape Cod landscape come to life through the eye’s of her golden retriever, Shelby.

“This was a long time coming,” explained Peck. For ten years she wrestled with the idea of writing a book about her dog- an adventurous golden retriever who always seemed to be involved in noteworthy situations. Adopted from the Brewster Animal Shelter League, Shelby collected adventures through romping on beaches, sailing with her owners, and getting into some “off leash trouble.”

Four years ago Peck expressed her desire to create her book to a writer who was staying at her Bed and Breakfast. The stranger simply replied, “Well, why haven’t you?” This was Peck’s green light and compelling force to follow her dream. “I felt so silly, I told myself that it was time to do this,” said Peck.

Peck’s vision for the book was to recollect Shelby’s stories- but with a twist. Shelby would tell them herself. The overarching theme however, is to, in a fresh way, teach people about Cape Cod through a different perspective. “I wanted Shelby to serve as a conduit for teaching people, especially tourists, about the Cape,” explained Peck.

Peck’s pen first hit the paper during the summer of 2010. She connected with artist Jenny Kelley, who has worked on several other books (including BHS teacher Barbara Gleason’s “animal esCAPEs) and the pair worked cohesively on the project. “I am a big dog-lover, first, so the subject really appealed to me.  I also had never illustrated a longer chapter book for kids and I thought it would be fun,” said Kelley.

Peck was a bit discouraged however, when her attempts to get published were not looking good. “It was very disheartening- it is not easy to get a publisher,” she explained. She let the book sit until she decided it was time to take another shot at her work in progress last June.

With no bites from publishers, Peck took matters into her own hands. She decided the best thing for her to do was to self publish her book. With motivation and support from fellow teacher and author Barbara Gleason, Peck started a “Kickstarter” page (a funding program that helps projects come to life) and raised enough money to “kickstart” the production of her book. It was then time for Peck and Kelley to sit down and lay out her dream which was quickly approaching reality.

Through hard work and persistence, Peck was finally a published author. “It was surreal looking at the boxes of my books,” said Peck. To distribute her books, Peck explained how she simply walked into every book store, fine gift shop, and dog boutique on the Cape in hopes that her book would be received with open arms. She was met with complete acceptance and her book can now be found in shops such as Hot Diggity, Paws and Whiskers, Titcombs, Books by the Sea, and on websites such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

“This is a full time job,” said Peck, explaining the reality of the situation. “I have done everything myself and it has worked for me so far.” Peck has been very successful in regards to her book and already has stores asking for more copies. “I just ordered 1,000 more books,” said a beaming Peck, “I think that says something.”