Paws, Claws, and Story Flaws: Writing Animals with Purpose

Discover how to incorporate animals into your fiction to captivate readers and bring your stories to life. In this episode, I’ll share creative tips on using animals as plot points, comedic relief, and vivid scene enhancers. Whether you’re writing fantasy, drama, or comedy, learn how these unique characters can add depth and charm to your stories. Perfect for fiction writers looking to craft unforgettable stories with the help of animal companions!

Transcript

Animals are more than mere companions in fiction—they can be the beating heart of a story. Whether they’re driving the plot forward, adding depth to a scene, or sparking a laugh when things get too serious, animals hold limitless potential for creative writers. In this episode, we’ll explore how you can seamlessly weave animals into your stories as plot points, comedic relief, or as vibrant details that bring your world to life. Get ready to discover how these living, breathing elements of nature can elevate your writing and captivate your readers. Learn about all of this and more in today’s episode. 

Welcome to Writing Rural with Alley, the fiction writer’s weekly inspiration station for rural life and lifestyles, from historical to post-apocalyptic, helping you bring your rural stories to life! I’m Alley, and this is episode #103, Paws, Claws, and Story Flaws: Writing Animals with Purpose. Stick around to the end to find out all the ways things could possibly go wrong in your story, and for a special announcement at the end of the episode. 

A quick disclaimer. I am in no way, shape, form, or fashion a medical anything. This is not medical advice. This is strictly for the purposes of fiction writing and nothing else. 

Now, let’s get into this.

Animals have been part of human life since caveman times and should not be left out of your story, when and where it makes sense. They can be as intertwined in your story as you wish. Everything from plot points and suspense to settings and distractions during your foreshadowing that leads to amazing plot twists. Let’s go over how animals can be used. 

I’ll start with the simple, they can be the main character, or all the characters. Charlet’s Web is a great example. The trick is to make the animals both animal like and human like at the same time. Not an easy feat, but when done correctly, can be a wonderful story. 

Another example type is Lassie. Though the movie is sad, the book is a well loved tale that pulls at the heartstrings. For me, White Fang was more to my liking. I wanted to see teeth marks on a bad guy, but that’s just me. And for the suspense lover, Cujo is the book. Rabid dogs make an impression. 

Animals can also make great plot points. Nothing shows this off better than the real life feud between the Hatfields and McCoys here in the US. For those outside the U.S. unfamiliar with this true feud, it occurred between two Appalachian families in the mid- to late 1800s. Tensions were already high after the American Civil War and these families had been on opposite sides. In 1878 Floyd Hatfield stole a hog from the McCoy family. Now, a hog has enough meat to feed a family for most of a winter, so this was a big deal in those times. 

To make a long story short, there was a trial where the judge and half the jurors were Hatfields. The witness changed his story to say he saw nothing, and Floyd was found not guilty. The witness was soon gifted land by the Hatfields, in what looked like a bribe. This kicked off a blood feud, and depending on what version of the story you believe, there were between 12 and 18 people who were killed in the following years. If that stolen pig isn’t a plot point, I don’t know what is. 

Now, from feuds to battlefield, let’s talk about how animals have been used in battle. Horses, camels, and even elephants have been ridden into battle. We all know about the military dogs of today, with all kinds of talents. Historically, dogs were also used to carry communications, and in WW1 even helped find wounded men in No-Lan’s-land. 

Pigeons and crows were used to deliver messages as early as 3,000 BC. Vikings used Ravens to navigate by releasing them when they were in the ocean and following them to land. Which might explain why many of the regions they attacked saw ravens as an omen of death, since they flew in before a Viking attack. 

We all know dogs have been used as protection, and an alarm system since they were first domesticated, but did you know other animals are used as alarms and protection? Romans and even the US military used geese as an early alarm system. The Romans also used guinea fowl as an alarm. 

I have had both bird types, and can tell you, they will alarm (aka. make a ton of noise) if anything different is nearby, which is good and bad. Good if there is an intruder, and bad if a deer walks by in the middle of the night while you are sleeping. Too many false alarms can lead to your character not paying attention when they should. That said, if your character is around the same flock long enough, they can get a sense of the sound, rate of speed, and pitch to tell what they are alarming about. We used to be able to tell if they were upset about the cows in the next pasture, a vehicle, or a chicken hawk. 

Another thing to remember is that animals can also be an alarm system to when something in nature is not right, such as earth quakes, tornados, or tsunami. It has been documented all through history, to the present day (and will definitely keep going after the apocalypse), that animals will act differently that they normally do. All the animals could run away from the area. Horses can be spooked and buck or run in circles in a pen. Cows and buffalo have been known to stampede. I have seen cows lay over a barbed wire fence fleeing a forest fire. Birds have flown inland when a tsunami is coming. All things to things to add tension to natural disasters. 

These could be prominent or a background. If everyone and the animals are running for their lives, it sticks out, making it add tension. If a cowboy walks into the bunk house for dinner irritated that the horse have been spooked all day, this is more of a background as to why the character is irritated, that can double as a “duh” or “why didn’t I see that” moment later if there is an earth quake. 

Other background and setting-related ideas are land clearing. Goats are used to eat underbrush, and this reduces fire risks. It also makes it easier for settlers to get to trees to cut them down for making log cabins and things of this nature. If you listened to my episode on pigs, you will know they have been used to seal or reseal ponds. 

Of course, there is always the need for food, and they can be used as the source of food, milk, eggs, wool, or down feathers, depending on the type of animal. This can be as simple as fresh eggs and milk or being in the middle of a cattle run. It also gives your characters something to buy, barter, or trade. This was done between people groups for all of history. 

This also gives you the chance to add the senses. Each animal has a distinct smell. Manure has a smell you can’t miss, and if it is being spread on a field, you will smell it for days to weeks, depending on how long it takes them to finish, and how much they used. Another fun one is a wet dog. (Picture me saying that with a disgusted face.) 

Sounds can be useful too. Cows can even be heard lowing in the night. I can still remember the first time I heard a donkey in a cow heard at night. I thought it had gotten loose or something. Nope, they will actually protect a herd of cows or goats from coyotes and wolves. Did you know, roosters start crowing about an hour, sometimes even more, before the sun rises, which is annoying if I want to sleep in? (I mean, your character wants to sleep.)

Touch is another one you can toss in. Cow’s fur, at least the Jersey, and Angus around here, have course fur. Baby bunnies are super soft, at least once they get their fur in. They are actually born hairless, and it takes a few days to grow the fur. Pigs have hair that is coarse. I know it doesn’t look like it if you watch movies like Babe, but trust me, they do. In fact, now and through history, it has been used to make boar hair hairbrushes. 

I know sight is another sense, but a clever character can use sight against other characters by using animals. It’s possible to sneak around places without being seen, by moving behind or through cattle. I know, because I used to sneak off into the forest like that. At least until the day they smartened up and looked under the cattle legs. Scaring groups of birds to make a distraction has been used in many cultures for many generations. Trained dogs could be used to hold attention away from a character. Get creative, because I promise you people are. 

Now there are the more traditional ways to use animals. Pets have been around as long as people. Almost anything you can think of can be a pet, including a thousand pound bull. My dad had one as a kid. Pigs, cats, and even chickens have been pets. Just remember chickens poop, a lot!

People have also kept exotic pets throughout history. Lions, tigers, snakes, bears, zebras, and more have been popular at different times in history. Many people today keep exotic birds. I don’t know why, as I have never met one that didn’t bite me! I have better luck with feral dogs, and that’s not a joke. I hope your character does better. 

But that brings me to my next point, comedic relief. Even I have to admit, that it’s a bit ironic, and frankly funny, that while I can rehabilitate aggressive dogs, I can’t manage a one pound bird. I’ll take my toothy fur missile thank you very much. 

Then there are the service dogs. This could be a working dog, such as a police K-9. It could also be a seeing-eye dog. We trained ours with the intent of being a service dog, but she turned out to be mostly blind, so we just ended up with a sweet, well-trained dog. No complaints there. Other types include seizure and blood sugar, alert dogs. Dogs to help with PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma assistance. These are called psychiatric dogs. There are also autism service dogs, mobility assistance dogs, and even guard dogs. At least here in the US, these can be any breed of dog, but some are more common than others. Make sure if you plan to use one that you research into the laws of the country or state, as many places have different laws. 

Another helpful critter is a cat. I know it sounds odd in a rural place, but hear me out. Cats have been used throughout history as a pest control. They naturally hunt and kill mice, rats, snakes, and other unwanted animals. These animals will get into feed, homes, and other places. Mice and rats can carry diseases, and snakes can be venomous. Snakes also follow their food, the mice, and if the mice get into your home, snakes will follow. Been there, done that, never want to do it again! Snakes will also will eat baby birds, including baby chickens. I have lost hundreds of baby chickens to snakes over the years. 

Animals today, in history, and will likely be after an apocalypse, have been used as entertainment. Yes, they star in movies, but that is not what I mean. Horse racing is popular. The first historical writing about this that I can find is from central Asia in 4,5000 BC. However, it seems it was well established before it was written about. In fact, even many Amish race their horses, assuming they are of a sect that allows horse riding. 

Falconry and hunting dogs have been popular in history, and are still practiced in many places around the world today. It technically falls under entertainment, but frankly is more of a practical use. Using dogs to go coon hunting (aka. hunting raccoons) is common around here. Why? Hunger. People like to eat, and they want to get rid of raccoons. Racoons will kill chickens and other birds. They will get into feed and eat large amounts while peeing and pooping all over the rest, making it contaminated. They can be very destructive to barns, and other outbuildings, and if a dog chasing them into wanted, they will drown the dog. 

Other things done in history, was bullfighting that ended in the death of either the bull or the person. This was a practice used in Rome to entertain people in the colosseum. And was one of the many horrific things there. Others included feeding men, women and children to starving lions, and hyenas. Many people assume this is where the concept of a zoo began. Good thing they have come a long way since then! 

Many cultures throughout time have held spiritual beliefs or cultural relevance for many animals. Egyptians believed cats would bring good luck. Vikings believed cats to be related to one of their goddesses and believed they would bring love and fertility. Incas revered the condor, puma, and serpent. Buffalo were sacred to many Native American tribes. 

A side note that I find fascinating is that Native Americans have legends of the thunder bird, South Africans have legends of the Lightning Bird, and China has legends of the fire bird. More commonly called the Pheonix. All around the world there is a bird theme. 

Lastly, animals have been used to make medication since the dawn of man. I still remember learning that pig and cat guts were used to make stitches for wounds. If you heard my episode on honey, you will know it has been used for antibacterial and antifungal purposes since at least ancient Egypt. Speaking of Egypt, ground up mummies were used in medieval Europe as a heal all. We all know about leaches for blood letting, that were used all the way through the 1800s. 

If you listened to my episode on rabies, you’ll know that in America it was once believed deer gallstones could cure rabies by placing it on a rabies bite, and leaving it to draw out the disease. Ok, I know deer do not have gallbladders, but it is what we call it around here. They are sometimes referred to as madstones because the end stages of rabies was considered “going mad.” Most people call them bezoar stones. 

Now don’t think America is the only place where odd things were done. In Ancient Egypt, they once used to believe placing dead mice on tooth aches would help. I have read that doctors going into South America are advised there are many folk lore remedies. Some examples were to place a vulture brains on a goiter, placing cow poop on the eye to cure blurred vision, and to cure scorpion stings, tie the scorpion that stung you to the wound. I still think the mummy powder was worse, and technically, that would make your character a cannibal. 

One quick reminder before we get to all the ways things could go wrong in your story. To help others find this content, pop on over to Apple Podcasts and leave me a review. Or if you are watching on YouTube, drop me a comment and say hello, or ask a question. This is the best way to help others find my content. 

Now, for everyone’s favorite part, what could possibly go wrong in your story? 

Likely to go wrong: Your character gets chickens for the first time. The next morning they are woke before dawn to the rooster crowing. 

Likely to go wrong: Your character is a horse racer. One day, the horse throws them, and they break their leg. They have no idea how they will continue to make money when they can’t ride a horse. 

Possible to go wrong: Your character is trying to sneak around by using a herd of cattle as a visual shield. However, there are not enough cattle and the others can see their legs and feet under the cattle. 

Possible to go wrong: Your character is in a new land and is hungry. They kill an animal to eat, not realizing that this animal is sacred to the locals. 

Unlikely to go wrong: The enemies of your character decide to attack at night. They use the sound of the cattle to mask their movements until it is too late. 

Unlikely to go wrong: Your character sends vital information with a carrier pigeon. However, as it flies off, the enemy shoots the pigeon, and the message is never received. 

Improbable but still technically in the realm of possibilities: Your character has a service dog they take to a wedding. The dog is fully trained, but was not fed that morning in the rush. When the wedding cake is brought out, the dog can’t resist the lore of a yummy cake. 

Improbable but still technically in the realm of possibilities: Your character had a dog that dies keeping them safe from a booby trap. Now, your character wants revenge. 

And now for the announcement you have all been waiting for. Writing Rural with Alley has a book coming out! It is a compilation of this podcast in book form. It’s called The Writer’s Guide to Rural Life, complete with a probability index. The plan is for it to be out on April second, however, I am running into a few behind-the-scenes hiccups, that could cause it to be a little longer. Either way, it should be out by the end of April. I’m so excited! 

Thanks for listening! Until next time, happy wordsmithing.