Hurricane and The Ice Queen

Hurricane & The Ice Queen is the true story of four disparate canines from widely diversified backgrounds and upbringings that are thrown together in an impossibly respectable and new home, far from their lands of origin.

Their adventures, mis-adventures, reactions to the world around them (as they might view it) arid relationship with each other as they tell it -- could, judging from their actions and startling, unpredictable behaviors, rival that of any afternoon 'soap' opera.

'Drama' is the key word as 'the furry mix' settle in to accustom themselves to their new surroundings and owner, a journalist, who observes her charges, with kindness and when possible, patience -- although the latter is often strained.

The trouble-making, energetic foursome consist of two young Labradors, male and female, and two highly sensitive Skye Terriers, male and female. Add to that a pair of mischievous Skye Twins, that cannot be told apart and a rather thin Akita of low self-esteem.

First is Hurricane or Hurricane Jack, a young black-as-coal Labrador with sleek, rippling muscles and a high, high opinion of himself -- so much so -- he could, in human terms, be called an "ego-centric" But he has his good 'points' too, as will be revealed in the story. His name derives from a tragic beginning as the only survivor of a catastrophic flood in New Orleans where he was born. He might be the "boss" of this whole brood, if it were not for the beautiful and high-toned Nicole, or "The Ice Queen." Nicole is a Labrador too, but in contrast to Hurricane -- as creamy, glistening and white as the first fall of snow. Her nickname derives less from her aloof and distant manner than the fact she was born in the snowy wastes of Northwest Canada, before being shipped to her new home. The Palm-lined Streets of The City of Angels - known more commonly as Los Angeles.

When Hurricane sets his eyes upon this gorgeous creature from the frozen North - to say he is smitten would be an understatement. Clamoring obsessively for her attention, strutting and posturing in front of her, he annoys everybody in the house. But he's in for surprise. She sends him packing! There's more to come on this.

Then there is his conflict with Sampson. Sam for short. Sam is an inky-black Skye Terrier of uncertain age and very humble beginnings. Sam's life began in a ramshackle bungalow in the scorched brown Hollywood Hills. When the Los Angeles Health Department, threatens to close down this "Rescue Center," - he is rescued by non- other than the owner of new arrivals --- Hurricane and Nicole. Mayhem follows. Sam is, to put it frankly, extremely territorial. This is his home! To his fellows lie might be described as a 'Captain Bligh' of the community - always trying to boss everyone around.

Making up this diverse foursome and 'wanna-bee' bosses is another eccentric - Snowy, -- a silver-haired, creature - 'to the manor born.' Snowy's pedigree as a Skye is long, long as her silvery tail. Her nose is always, but always on an upward slant and well it might be since she is the household's 'Star' and has won prizes and blue-ribbons from all over the country. She is well aware of her status and let's everyone be aware of it -- although, the rest of the household always tries to 'put her down, much like contemporary homo-sapiens, they are secretly proud of her. A Diva Born and a Diva Bred. Snowy disdains the others' company but shortly into the story, is caught in a compromising situation, one she would like to forget and you will see why.

HURRICANE & THE ICE QUEEN is about the dramas, joys and tragedies too, of what in human terms, would be called a "dysfunctional" family. However, "dysfunctional" or not, they band and bond together in a 'United We Stand,' attitude when they or their owners, to whom, setting aside all differences, they are fiercely loyal, are threatened by any outside event.

Patte Barham's distinguished career in Journalism spans an astonishing cumulation of "firsts." Against family wishes, she became one of the first women 'crime reporters' for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner by breaking open a case baffling the Police for years. That same year, 1945, she became the youngest female reporter attending the opening of the U.N. in San Francisco and in 1951 at the personal request of William Randolph Hearst, became the only woman to report 'live' from the actual battle-front in Korea. * Mrs. Barham is a widely-read columnist and talk-show 'host.' An ardent advocate of Animal Rights, she has won literary acclaim with several hooks, most recently 'NY Times Rest- seller,' "Marilyn - The Last Take." * Marguerite Higgins was the only other woman to report from the Korea Front, in 1950 before being re-called.