Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello! I’m Tanya Bugelli, a Canadian author, lifelong animal lover, and founder of Happy Bully Press. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for animals, particularly rescue dogs and breeds that are so often misunderstood.
I share my home with three very spoiled rescue pit bulls, Jypsea, Starr, and Rory, who provide endless inspiration, entertainment, and the occasional reminder that I’m not actually in charge of my own household!
Through Happy Bully Press, I write books that educate, entertain, and celebrate the incredible bond between humans and animals. My work includes books about canine behaviour, pet health, aging, grief, and responsible ownership, along with journals, colouring books, and other creative projects.
My goal is to create books that people genuinely enjoy reading while encouraging greater understanding, kindness, and compassion toward animals.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book The Secret Lives of Pitbulls?
One of the biggest challenges was separating fact from fiction. Pit bulls are surrounded by decades of misconceptions, sensational headlines, and deeply rooted stereotypes. I wanted to examine those beliefs critically, using credible research rather than simply repeating arguments from either side of the debate.
Another challenge was finding the right balance between scientific information and accessible storytelling. I wanted readers to understand the research without feeling as though they were reading a textbook.
Perhaps the most important challenge was making sure the book remained fair and balanced. I love pit bulls, but I didn’t want to write something that ignored legitimate concerns about dog behaviour or responsible ownership. My goal was to encourage readers to look beyond labels and consider the individual dog, its experiences, environment, training, and behaviour.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
One book that has always stood out to me is The World According to Garp by John Irving. I love the way Irving combines humour, tragedy, and the unexpected realities of everyday life into such compelling storytelling.
What I particularly admire is his ability to create characters who feel genuinely human, complete with their flaws, contradictions, and complexities. His writing can make you laugh one moment and break your heart the next.
Although my own writing is primarily nonfiction, I appreciate that same ability to connect with readers emotionally. I believe the best books don’t just give us something to read. They give us something to think about, feel, and remember long after we’ve turned the final page.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Without a doubt, Canmore, Alberta! Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, it’s one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited.
There’s something almost magical about being surrounded by those magnificent mountains. The scenery is spectacular, the atmosphere is welcoming, and there’s a wonderful combination of natural beauty and small-town charm.
I love the peacefulness of the area and the incredible opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re exploring the town, admiring the mountain views, or simply sitting somewhere taking it all in, it’s a place that makes you appreciate just how beautiful Canada really is.
If I had to recommend one Canadian destination to someone who has never visited, Canmore would certainly be near the top of my list.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book When Dogs Say Goodbye?
The inspiration came from thinking about one of the most difficult experiences any dog owner will eventually face: recognizing that a beloved companion is approaching the end of their life.
Dogs become such an important part of our families that it’s almost impossible to imagine life without them. Yet when they begin to age or their health declines, many owners find themselves overwhelmed by uncertainty. They wonder whether their dog is suffering, whether certain changes are normal, and how they’ll know when it’s time to make difficult decisions.
I wanted to create a compassionate, informative resource that would help people recognize important changes, ask better questions, and work with their veterinarians to make informed decisions.
Above all, I wanted readers to feel supported during an incredibly emotional time. Loving a dog means accepting that someday we’ll have to say goodbye, but understanding what is happening can help us approach those final days with greater confidence and compassion.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book The Secret Lives of Pitbulls?
It took approximately 15 months from start to finish, and it was quite a journey!
A substantial amount of that time was devoted to research. I wanted to go beyond the familiar arguments surrounding pit bulls and examine what credible scientific research actually tells us about canine behaviour, genetics, aggression, and the influence of environment and training.
The writing itself was only part of the process. There were countless hours of reviewing studies, checking references, revising chapters, and making sure the information was accurate, balanced, and accessible to readers.
There were certainly moments when I thought I was finished, only to discover another area that deserved further investigation!
Ultimately, those 15 months were worth it. I wanted to create a book that challenged misconceptions, encouraged critical thinking, and gave readers a deeper understanding of these often-misunderstood dogs. I’m proud of the finished result.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
My books are available through Amazon, and readers can learn more about my publications through the Happy Bully Press website at https://happybullypress.ca.
The website also features articles about animal behaviour, pet care, and other topics of interest to animal lovers.
I’m continually working on new titles, so there’s always something in development at Happy Bully Press!
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title When Dogs Say Goodbye?
I wanted the title to be simple, emotional, and immediately meaningful to anyone who has ever loved a dog.
When Dogs Say Goodbye reflects the idea that dogs often communicate changes in their physical and emotional well-being through subtle behaviours and signals. They can’t explain what they’re experiencing in words, so it’s up to us to pay attention and understand what they may be telling us.
For the cover, I wanted something that conveyed tenderness, trust, and the extraordinary connection between a dog and its person. The image of an older golden retriever being gently comforted felt especially appropriate.
The warm colours and peaceful setting were chosen to communicate compassion rather than fear. Although the subject is difficult, I wanted the cover to feel reassuring and hopeful.
Q9. When writing a book, how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Variety is a big part of it! I enjoy working on different kinds of books, from research-based nonfiction to journals, colouring books, and creative projects. Moving between subjects keeps the process interesting and gives me opportunities to explore new ideas.
I’m also naturally curious. One interesting fact often leads to another question, which leads to another discovery, and before I know it, I’m researching something I hadn’t originally planned to explore.
For readers, I try to keep the writing conversational and engaging. I want the experience to feel less like a lecture and more like an interesting conversation with someone who genuinely cares about the subject.
And, of course, living with three rescue pit bulls means there’s never a shortage of inspiration—or distractions!
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
One principle I try to follow is to write with purpose and always remember the reader.
It’s easy to become so focused on what you want to say that you forget to consider what the reader needs or hopes to gain from the experience.
I believe good writing should offer something meaningful, whether that’s useful information, a new perspective, emotional comfort, or simply a few moments of enjoyment.
I also believe that writing requires patience. The first draft is rarely the finished product, and sometimes the most important work happens during revision.
Ultimately, I want to create books that make a difference, even if that difference is simply helping one person better understand their dog or feel a little less alone during a difficult time.
