There’s a CD 0ut called Dog Tracks, all the songs are from a dog’s perspective. It includes a variety of song styles, genres usually called Roots Americana. So, how did this all come about? It all started with Bob Dorman, and a contest.

A few years ago I entered an informal songwriting contest. I sat down with my guitar, pencil and paper but couldn’t think of anything to write about.

As usual, my dog (Mabel, Rat Terrier, adopted June 2001) was lying on the floor watching me. Dogs are a great audience because they think everything you do is fantastic. They never criticize a poorly played note or off-key singing.

I jokingly asked Mabel to help me write a song (we talk to each other all the time; I use words but Mabel uses facial expressions and body language). The expression she replied with was one of those “How about me?”-looks she does when she wants attention. So I decided to try to write a song from her perspective.

My wife and I had just returned from a vacation in Hawaii during which Mabel stayed at the doggy hotel, so I decided to write about that. A few hours later I finished writing the first song, Wishin’ You Were Here:

I didn’t win the songwriting contest but I had so much fun with the idea that I decided to write more “dog songs.” Pretty soon I had quite a few songs…and the idea to make a CD of “dog songs” and sell it to raise money for rescue/adoption organizations.

Since adopting Mabel (rat terrier) in June 2001, I’ve become fascinated with how dogs think and learn. Of course, a big part of that has been to become more aware of how they communicate with us…and that’s what Dog Tracks is all about: stories from dogs (the best songs are simply a good way to tell a story).

We’re giving away five CD’s to Dogsters. It’s easy to win, just leave a comment in the comment section sharing if your pup ever listens to music or watches TV. The contest starts today and runs through Friday, March 6th when I will randomly choose the winners.

You can hear sample songs and order the CD at www.dogtracksCD.com, one dollar of the proceeds go to rescue organizations.