Sprinkles the Akita (yes, he’s a male!) is a gorgeous representation of the breed, by any Akita lover’s standards. In fact, the moment author Tamira Thayne saw his picture on Akita rescuer JoAnn Dimon’s facebook page, she knew he’d be the perfect image of the warrior for her book protagonist to fight alongside—and maybe even fall in love with.

You see, Tamira’s characters in The Chained Gods Series shapeshift into different animals, and the king’s warriors manifest as dogs in their shifted forms: “One by one they proudly stood as canines, quivering in an effort to contain their excitement: two more shepherds, an Akita, three retrievers, and two St. Bernards. They were a majestic group, the elite of the Perrin army.”—from The King’s Tether, a Chained Gods prequel story.

Rosie Bear and the cat who loved her, Exhia

Akitas have long been the author’s favorite dog breed—since her years of rescuing chained dogs, in fact. Her first interaction with an Akita, a long-haired girl they named Rosie Bear, left her with a permanent affection for the loyal companions.

She knew she wanted to feature the breed in her Chained Gods Series.

She immediately wrote JoAnn and asked if she could use Sprinkles image on at least two of her covers (The Knight’s Chain and The Curse of Cur.)

In return, she shares a photo of Sprinkles and a paragraph about Big East Akita Rescue in the book’s interior pages, hoping to garner more support (and donations!) for the group:

“Sprinkles is the inspiration for Curjan’s dog form. Photo courtesy of JoAnn Dimon, Big East Akita Rescue. B.E.A.R. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, hands-on, Akita rescue group covering the NY, NJ, and PA metropolitan regions and the Northeast. The group rescues unwanted, abused, and neglected Akitas in need. This gorgeous boy was rescued from the Portage Ohio Animal Shelter. Learn more or donate at bigeastakitarescue.org.”

Sprinkles has been adopted by JoAnn, but there are many other beautiful pups at Big East Akita Rescue still waiting for a home of their own! For those interested in making an Akita part of your family, visit their adoption page here: https://bigeastakitarescue.org/available/

Sprinkles is featured on Tamira’s The Curse of Cur, just released in paperback and kindle from Who Chains You Books, and a short story, The Knight’s Chain, which gives the background of the dog and warrior named Curjan.

The Curse of Cur:
The Chained Gods Series Book 2

By Tamira Thayne

Buy in Paperback | Buy on Kindle

The Knight’s Chain:
A Chained Gods Series Story, Vol 1.5

Written by Tamira Thayne

Buy in Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Here at Who Chains You Books, we hope to do a lot more collaborating with rescue groups for our cover models. We get a beautiful cover image, and a chance to promote the work of some of the finest animal nonprofits in the country. Win/Win!

As for Sprinkles and Big East Akita Rescue? Well, he’ll try not to let the fame go to his head. And the rescue will keep on doing their best to save as many as they can…and they could always use all of our help! We’re pledging to include them in our year-end donations, and Tamira is pledging her Amazon Smile donations to the group for the remainder of 2019, too.

Did you know we sell wholesale to animal nonprofits? We know what it’s like to run a nonprofit and search for new and creative ways to raise money. Our nonprofit and indie bookstore wholesale program is perfect to help you both fundraise AND educate about animal issues at the same time. You are welcome to sell our paperbacks on your website, social media sites, at booths, as well as at any other fundraising opportunities. Visit our page to learn more, or drop us an email at info@whochainsyou.com with any questions.

For Akita fans, remember we offer a wonderful book in a new series about Hachi, too! Visit the page to learn more. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1946044474