Meredith Wargo Inspires Us With Her Passion For Animal Advocacy And Purposeful Storytelling
Photo: Award-winning author Meredith Wargo, renowned for her passion for animals and storytelling, continues to inspire change and compassion through her literary works.
Award-Winning Author Shines A Light On Compassion
Meredith Wargo shares childhood inspiration, passion for animal welfare, and insights on her award-winning work, including the creation of DAWGS and highlights of perseverance, compassion, and advocacy through storytelling.
M eredith Wargo’s extraordinary ability to weave passion, purpose, and prose into narratives shines brightly both on and off the page. As an award-winning author and devoted animal advocate, she has dedicated her life and career to giving a voice to the voiceless, whether through her gripping storytelling or her tireless efforts to promote animal welfare. With four prestigious Maxwell Medallions from the Dog Writers Association of America to her credit, Meredith has established herself as a tour de force in animal-centric literature. Her deep love for animals and a childhood immersed in storytelling blended to create a career that is as impactful as it is inspiring.
We are thrilled to feature an interview with a writer whose work goes beyond storytelling; it ignites change and inspires compassion. Meredith’s latest book, DAWGS, is a testament to the transformative power of both education and advocacy. A labor of love, it chronicles the efforts of a dedicated group of children who, with guidance from their teacher, created an animal sanctuary—a story that not only highlights youthful determination but also underscores the dire need for responsible animal stewardship. Meredith’s dedication to spotlighting stories that uplift, educate, and inspire readers is nothing short of admirable, and her unwavering passion for making the world a better place for our four-legged friends is a beacon of hope for animal lovers everywhere.
As we dive into this candid conversation with Meredith, prepare to be moved by her reflections on the joys and challenges of advocating for animals, her unique approach to writing from the heart, and her vision for a more compassionate world. Her journey serves as a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference—and sometimes, it’s the smallest actions that lead to the most profound changes.
What inspired you to become an author and what motivates you to continue writing?
Like many authors, my love for reading and writing began at an early age. When I wasn’t running around the neighborhood riding my bike or playing ball with the neighborhood kids, you could find me curled up with my nose buried in a book. Anne of Green Gables, A Wrinkle in Time and The Nancy Drew Mystery Series helped contribute to my love of reading early in life. These books were also major influences in igniting my dream of wanting to be a published author one day.
As an animal advocate, I love helping the underdog (or cat) through animal rescue. Using my writing to promote the heroic efforts of animal rescue groups or to share news about the latest advances in animal health and wellness is an extra bonus. I’m always motivated to share the valuable lessons our companion animals can teach us.
How did your childhood experiences influence your love for animals and writing?
When I was little, I used to take sheets of colored construction paper and staple the pages down the side to make books. I would then write my own stories and draw pictures to illustrate them. I guess writing was part of my DNA! Similarly, I think my affinity for animals began the moment I was born. I’ve always had a soft spot for animals of all kinds. From growing up with the family dogs to taking horseback riding lessons as a teenager, many of my happiest memories are those that include a four-legged creature. The famous cliché is to write about what you know and love so naturally I started writing about animals.
Can you tell us more about your experience with the Dog Writers Association of America and the Maxwell Awards?
The Dog Writers Association of American is the most recognized professional writing association devoted to dogs. Winning several Maxwell Medallions from the Dog Writers Association of America has been a highlight in my writing career. To be recognized by a group of peer writers who focus on all things animals made it more special.
What sparked the idea for your book, DAWGS, and what was the research process like?
I was intrigued by the fact that the sanctuary was the children’s idea and that they were one hundred percent committed to it for years. As much as I love animals, I’m not sure I would have been as dedicated as this group of students were at their age. Too often, kids are criticized as being lazy or indifferent. I was so impressed with these students’ resilience and dedication that I wanted to shine a light on their efforts.
Most of the research came from spending time with Diane, the former teacher. She kept a binder of all the media coverage, including the newsletters that she published plus many of the emails and letters she received from donors and people who adopted animals from DAWGS. Diane had also recorded most of the city council meetings, so I was able to listen to the exchanges firsthand that occurred during the meetings. I made a few trips to Dalhart, where the shelter is located, and interviewed Diane, her family and many of the students involved in the shelter. Diane and I had endless phone conversations and updates while writing the book.
How did you find working with Diane Trull and the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary?
Diane is a very humble person and although she felt a bit uncomfortable being the focus of the book, she wanted the children to be recognized for what they were doing. Everybody was always eager to chat with me, and they went out of their way to welcome me into their world. Because it took years to write the book, Diane and I became good friends, and we remain close today.
What do you hope readers take away from your book, DAWGS, and what impact do you hope it has on animal welfare?
I think there are a lot of people who want to make a difference in something they believe in, but they don’t see how their individual contribution will matter, so they end up doing nothing. Feeling powerless can lead to frustration and hopelessness, which often results in inaction. The student volunteers in this story are different in that they didn’t necessarily look at the result. Instead, they showed up every day, no matter how bad the obstacles were, and did their small part, and the difference happened gradually over time because of their collective effort. It’s a great example of how children can teach adults valuable life lessons.
Most people are not aware that more than eight thousand dogs and cats are put to death every day in America’s shelters because there are simply not enough homes for them. The most effective way to curb animal homelessness is responsible pet ownership in the form of spaying and neutering. Fortunately, it’s a movement that is gaining traction as it’s the only proven way to reduce the number of unwanted births and ensure that animals don’t have to face a lonely and heartbreaking death.
How do you balance your passion for animal welfare with your writing career, and are there any future projects in the works?
I’m working on a book for an international animal protection organization. Like DAWGS, the book will feature a lot of true stories of rescued animals and the people who love and care for them. The book is scheduled to be released mid-2026.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are looking to write about their passions and make a difference through their work?
I think being a writer means different things to different people. Regardless of whether you aspire to become a New York Times’ bestselling author or you’re simply writing to document your family history or penning your memoir, perseverance is key. Many people think sitting down to write a book is easy but, like any other profession or career, you get out of it what you put into it. I once read there are no new stories to write but because everybody’s perspective is slightly different the possibilities are limitless. At the end of the day, you have to feel good about what you’ve written, no matter what others may think or say. I also think it’s imperative to read a lot, especially books that are in the genre in which you are interested in writing. Go where your passion lies.
