Nasha: The First Dog

Few events in human history were as important as the domestication of the wolf. Nasha: The First Dog tells how this might have happened. In this tale, a young girl finds an abandoned wolf pup. She rescues the young wolf and brings it to her clan. The leader says she must return the wolf to the wild because there is not enough food for the people in the clan, much less an animal that has traditionally been the enemy of humans.

Maddia refused to give up the wolf pup, and her decision is supported by the priestess of the clan, Lartha. She has had a vision and believes that, "The Wolf will be a friend of humans for as long as there are days." Nasha, as Maddia names the wolf pup, has an almost mystical effect on the clan, and she seems to prompt them to discover things that will one day form the foundation of civilization.

Written by first-time novelist Dr. Michael Milone, best known for his work as a research psychologist, the story is based on our understanding of ancient humans. In addition to being entertaining, the story helps readers understand that our ancestors fifteen thousand years ago were not the violent brutes as they are often depicted. Humans were intelligent, persevering, and caring people who were like us in many ways. "The human journey is the greatest adventure ever," insists Dr. Milone, "and along the way, our lives were enriched enormously by our interdependence with dogs."

Although recognizing that it is a "spoiler," Dr. Milone insists that readers should know that the wolves are involved through the final chapter and are in the sequel, which will be available in 2010. "Readers can be assured that the wolves are unharmed, despite their willingness to protect their humans at any cost."

Some people think Michael Milone has a wonderful life, and he agrees with them. He lives in a beautiful part of New Mexico with his wife, Sheri, two dogs, and lots of cats. They have a xeriscape garden that is mostly native plants and requires little water. Birds and desert animals enjoy their garden, and among their visitors is a bobcat family. Because he works at home, Michael gets to see his garden and the visiting animals many times during the day.

Dr. Milone gets up very early every day so he can swim, bike, run, or work out at the gym. He has completed more than 30 marathons, including Boston, two Ironman races, and hundreds of other races. In the winter, he goes skiing or snowboarding when he can.

Among his odd hobbies are juggling, woodworking, and fly-fishing. He ties his own flies, and if he manages to catch a fish, he releases it. He enjoys golf, tennis, and surfing, although he confesses that he simply doesn't have enough time to do justice to these pastimes. He loves to cook food that is tasty, healthy, and simple to prepare.

Dr. Michael Milone is a nationally recognized assessment specialist and award-winning educational writer. He earned a Ph.D. in 1978 from The Ohio State University and has served in an adjunct capacity at Ohio State, the University of Arizona, Gallaudet University, and New Mexico State University. He has taught in regular and special education programs at all levels, holds a Master of Arts degree from Gallaudet University, and is fluent in American Sign Language.