Walter And His Friends

Here is some background information about Walter, plus an introduction to some of Walter's friends from his books, Squeaks, Mousetails, Whiskers of Love and Mousetracks In The Snow.

• Walter - Walter is a brown field mouse, born and raised in the wilds of Exeter Township in Berks County, in southeastern Pennsylvania. Walter's best buddy Bill is an avid gardener, and it was under the dwarf lilac in Bill's back yard that Walter began his life. One spring morning when Bill was taking his coffee for a walk in his extensive perennial garden, he found Walter shivering in the grass under a tree. A great animal-lover, Bill brought Walter in and cared for him. The two have bonded famously and are quite inseparable. Walter often travels in Bill's jacket pocket, but you might also spot him on the car's dashboard, watching as the scenery whizzes by, or behind the ketchup bottle or sugar bowl in restaurants - you can't believe the racket if someone spots him on the table! Although tiny in size, Walter has a devoted heart for the Lord and has a burning desire to share the Word. Thus began "Field Mouse Evangelism" and Walter's special view on the world.
• Bill - Bill's a bachelor in his sixties. He retired twice, first from teaching special needs children for thirty-four years, and then from Pastoral Care Ministry. Bill lived alone all his life, until he met Walter, and now their unique friendship has enriched both their lives. Walter has many insightful thoughts about scripture and the Christian walk, but he's positively rotten at typing - Bill's not much better, but at least he's faster! So Walter's the author and Bill's the typist, and together they get the job done. Bill's special interests are reading, gardening, crosswords, Sudoku, and solitaire. He's also active in his church and enjoys dining out with friends.
• Bill's Mom - Bill's mom, Eileen, lives near Bill, so they see each other regularly. She's crazy about Walter and enjoys his company when Bill brings him for a visit. Eileen lives alone and celebrates being five years cancer-free. Her favorite hobbies include gardening, cooking, reading and knitting, and Eileen loves dining out and going on day-trips with her friends. Several of the devotions in Squeaks speak of Eileen's journey through diagnosis, surgery, radiation and healing. Eileen has a great fondness for the Word and a strong relationship with Christ - you'll enjoy her gentle fire and warm affection as Walter describes their interactions.
• Mandy - Mandy was Bill's miniature schnauzer - just the sweetest dog! She was bouncy and bright, always inquisitive, and welcoming to all, including Walter! Sadly, he lost her a few years ago to cancer. Memories of her still bring a smile to Bill's and Walter's faces.
• Tucker - Tucker, Bill's twin brother, lives in northeastern Pennsylvania. "Tuck" is a retired elementary school librarian, and he is not at all the stereotypical prim and proper librarian you'd expect - he's a bit of a nut. Once on Halloween, Tuck ran through all the classrooms in his school wearing a long black robe and huge witch's cap, yelling "OOOOooooooo!!!!" and then fleeing out the classroom door. Tuck said the children loved it, but the teachers didn't use quite that same word to describe the event! He and Bill are very close and see each other whenever they can. Tuck loves Walter, too, and like Bill, he's an animal-lover - Tuck's three cats even like Walter!
• Fritz - Fritz is a local friend of Bill's. They do stuff together and support each other through whatever comes along. Fritz is fond of Walter and appreciates his outlook on life.