Meet Flapjack
The Real Aussie Behind the Adventures
Before there were books, there was a beautiful Australian Shepherd named Flapjack.
Gentle, loyal, funny and endlessly endearing, Flappy came into our lives when we weren’t looking for him—and became a beloved member of our family, Dan’s muse, and the heart behind The Adventures of Flapjack.
His story began with an unexpected adoption, a very determined Australian Shepherd…and a husband who went from“I am NOT! ready for another dog” to “HURRY! THEY’RE HOLDING HIM FOR ME!” in about fifteen minutes.”
The Day We Met Flapjack
We weren’t looking for another dog. We were still grieving Sydney, our beloved Australian Shepherd of 13 years, and Dan was adamant: “I am NOT! ready for another dog.”
But as we pulled into the shopping center, we noticed an adoption event underway outside PetSmart—and I spotted an Australian Shepherd. Dan was reluctant to go over, but I encouraged him. “Just take a look,” I said. Besides, I knew he’d prefer that to helping me shop for a birthday present for my girlfriend.
While I headed into Marshalls, Dan reluctantly wandered over to PetSmart. About fifteen minutes later, I suddenly sensed someone standing in front of me. It was Dan. He’d come racing into the store, slightly breathless, bursting with excitement: “I FOUND THE PERFECT DOG! He’s amazing! We’ve already bonded! HURRY! THEY’RE HOLDING HIM FOR ME!”
Apparently, even the heartache behind Dan’s certainty that he simply wasn’t ready for another dog couldn’t survive meeting a beautiful Australian Shepherd named Max. As we hurried back toward PetSmart, there he was, sitting beside his handler and watching us intently as we ran up the walkway—as if to say, “What’s taking you two so long?”
Another couple was interested in him, but his handler told them, “See that man and his wife? They have first dibs.” And that was it. Max became Flapjack.❤️
Life with Flappy
Our days with Flapjack quickly settled into a comfortable rhythm. Every morning at 5 a.m., rain or shine—and sometimes even in the snow—he and Dan headed out for their walk. When it rained, Flappy had his own doggie rain gear, but his wonderfully thick Australian Shepherd coat meant he never needed a winter jacket.
After their walk, Dan gave him a thorough brushing. Then, before bedtime, there was another brushing—Flappy was very well groomed! He had his own kennel area outside, complete with a cement pad, a blue igloo and a separate pebble area for taking care of business. Flappy, however, had other ideas. The igloo went largely unused, and as for the pebble area? He much preferred taking care of business during his walks.
Most days, Flappy and I took another walk together later in the day, and on weekends the three of us often went together. Those walks became such an ordinary part of our lives that we probably didn’t realize at the time how extraordinary those ordinary days would someday feel. ❤️
A Frisbee, a Garden and a Few Stolen Strawberries
Flappy weighed just under 60 pounds, but when his favorite soft Frisbee came out, he could bound across the yard with the enthusiasm of a puppy. Balls were fine, but Frisbees were better. Tug-of-war? Not so much.
When I worked in the garden, Flappy became my shadow. If I was picking strawberries, I’d carefully choose the good ones for him and toss the damaged berries aside. Or at least, I thought I was tossing them aside.
One day, I discovered Flappy quietly following behind me, helping himself to the rejected strawberries before I could dispose of them. Apparently, when it came to strawberries, Flappy wasn’t nearly as particular as I was.
A Truly Gentle Soul
Flapjack was one of those rare dogs who seemed to understand the world around him. He was gentle, loyal and remarkably well-mannered, with a quiet sweetness that drew people to him wherever he went.
He loved people of every age and seemed especially happy simply being near us. He never destroyed things, rarely caused trouble and somehow always seemed to know what was expected of him. He didn’t need to demand attention. His presence was enough.
But the bond between Flappy and Dan was something especially beautiful. From the moment they met outside PetSmart, Flapjack had chosen him—and for the next fourteen years, that connection never wavered.
There was a steadiness about Flappy: affectionate without being demanding, protective without being aggressive, and endlessly devoted to the people he loved. He wasn’t simply our dog. He was family. ❤️
Flapjack and His Unexpected Friends
Flapjack had a gentle way of making friends—even with animals you might not expect.
During one of his adventures in the woods, he encountered a Mallard we came to know as Fowler. Flappy wasn’t quite sure what to make of him at first. Curious but cautious, he studied this strange new fellow until uncertainty gave way to friendship. That unlikely meeting would eventually find its way into Flapjack’s adventures.
Cats were another story. Despite the old stereotype about dogs and cats, Flapjack seemed perfectly content to share his world with them. There was no chasing or fuss—just the same quiet, easygoing nature he brought to nearly everything.
Whether his new friend had feathers, fur or two legs, Flapjack seemed to approach everyone the same way: first with curiosity, and then, very often, with friendship. ❤️
Fourteen Wonderful Years
From the moment Flapjack came into our lives, he became part of the rhythm of our family. Morning walks, afternoons in the garden, games of Frisbee, quiet evenings at home—ordinary moments became treasured memories simply because Flappy was there.
We were blessed to share fourteen wonderful years with him. And when the time came to say goodbye, the loss was immeasurable. He had been so much more than a dog. He was our companion, our family, and a gentle presence woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.
But somewhere along the way, something remarkable had happened. The dog we loved had also become Dan’s muse. Flapjack’s personality, his adventures and even some of the friends he met inspired stories that would eventually become The Adventures of Flapjack.
So although we had to say goodbye to Flappy, his story didn’t end there. His adventure continues—in the books he inspired, in the lessons of kindness and courage they share, and most of all, in the hearts of the people who loved him. ❤️