If you know me, you know I absolutely love reading murder mysteries. I read Encyclopedia Brown as a kid, and Murder On The Orient Express was on my reading list in sixth grade (that is still one of my all-time favorite books). I read roughly four or five novels every month, and at least two of them are murder mysteries.

Hands down, my favorite mysteries are the Sherlock Holmes series of books and stories. I’ve read the complete collection at least twice.

In a few classic stories, Sherlock enlists the help of his friend’s hound. Sherlock is always convinced he will sniff out the killer. Every time, the dog merely leads Sherlock around the city on a random adventure that leaves him no closer to solving the crime. But he still loves that dog.

Enter Artemis. She is my hound. She’s a black and tan coonhound, and she is a serious love bug. She has hugely floppy ears, which are supposed to sweep up scents and push them toward her nose as she trots and sniffs, but she would much prefer to sit next to you and let you scratch her ears for hours.

A few things you should know about Artemis:

1. She is a rescue pup. She was found chained to a dock in Arkansas.

2. Despite her traumatic past, she is happy, healthy, and loving. She wouldn’t hurt a fly.

3. She is, however, LOUD. Artemis does not bark. She bays. There’s a difference.

4. She also needs roughly 20 hours of sleep per day.

5. George Washington had a bunch of Black and Tans that he used for hunting, so Artemis is almost like an American tradition!

6. Her ears are the softest things on the planet.

7. If she gets on a scent, Artemis will lead you all over the city. You won’t be any closer to solving your mystery, but she’ll make sure you’ve had a great day.

Thanks, Artemis! You’re a good girl!