By Cathy Miller

Warren County is home to a new author! Sue Steinhardt, from Columbia, released her first book in April 2020. Entitled “Philip T. Basher Is Imperfectphil,” it introduces her two year old St. Bernard/Mastiff pup.

The star of this book is Philip Theodore Basher, a huge, loveable furbaby with a zest for life.

Sue explained, “Every single story I tell on my website is a true story inspired by some ridiculous behavior of Phil.” Phil concurs on his blog, “I swear on all that is good in the universe (like walks and chew toys) that this is exactly what happened in my life!”

The book’s underlying theme focuses on self-esteem – don’t give up, just be yourself. Phil inspired the story which explains how he became known as Imperfectphil.

Sue lived in Belvidere and White Township before leaving for college. Upon graduation, she returned to New Jersey to student-teach, met her husband, and moved to Columbia in 2002.

As a youngster she loved to read, often hiding under her sheets, reading with a flashlight until her parents yelled at her to go to sleep.

One of her favorite childhood books was “Charlotte’s Web,” although **spoiler alert** she admits being so upset when Charlotte died that she threw the book across her room. Another favorite was “The Adventures of the Red Tape Gang,” which she read at least 100 times.

A teacher for 24 years, Sue has taught English at Mt. Olive High School for 19 years. Until recently, she was a coach and a class advisor. Additionally, she’s been involved with extracurricular activities such as Amnesty International, GSA, and International Club. Not long ago, she joined the Board of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Warren County.

In turning her first book into a reality, she shared every stage of her writing/publishing experience with her students, who were excited to be included in the process. Sue bounced ideas off them and asked their opinions. She remembered, “I was at work when the editor sent my first proof, so the kids were among the first people I told that it was actually happening!”

“Philip T. Basher Is Imperfectphil” began as a story on Sue’s blog in 2018. Was it difficult to write in a dog’s voice? “Not at all.” Sue said, “Once I decided to go from high school-level blog to elementary school-level book, it was an easy edit.”

Of her experience teaching older students and writing for younger kids, Sue explained, “I love teaching and working with young people. I fully believe every kid and every person needs to feel accepted and to have a safe space, and that is what I try to provide as a teacher…and now with Phil.”

The book’s wonderful illustrations were created by Jessica Murr, one of Sue’s former students. She recalled, “Whenever I assigned the kids poster projects, Jess would create amazing drawings. When I finally decided to go through with the book, I asked if she’d be interested in illustrating it. She came on board immediately. By the time we got into the nitty-gritty of the book, Jess had graduated and we moved from teacher/student to a co-worker relationship.”

People are curious about Phil’s lineage. “What is he?” Born in March 2017, and hailing from northwest New Jersey himself, Phil is a 130-pound St. Bernard/Mastiff.

“I was telling a student and his teacher how much my husband wanted a big dog,” she said. “The student mentioned their dog was pregnant. He told me the mix, we looked up some pictures, and we were hooked. We brought Phil home Memorial Day weekend.”

What about the name “Phil?” Sue laughed and simply said, “He just looked like a Phil!”

He was only eight weeks old and weighed a “mere” 17 pounds when he came home! Nervous about how Molly, their other dog, would react to a puppy, they gently put Phil down in the grass and watched. Molly was instantly loving and protective of her baby brother.

Sue said, “Phil had no fear of Molly. He would drag his toys around the room and walk right under her [she can now walk right under him]. He refused to sleep in his kennel starting his first night home. For two weeks we took turns laying in a sleeping bag on the floor next to him until we finally gave up and let him come into our room. He slept through the night and has never left! He sleeps on the bed every night…cat, dog, husband, and me!”

Besides running with Molly, and going for rides and long walks, Phil loves to play with his gigantic knotted rope. Turns out he’s “super-finicky” about treats, but enjoys a frozen beef marrow bone occasionally. Phil consumes about five to six cups of dry food and one cup of wet food every day. Even though he’s a very big boy, he has not relinquished his “lap dog” status.

Sue said, “For ten years, I’ve been telling my friends I was going to write a story called ‘How to Buy a Christmas Tree.’ Every year we go with our friends to get our Christmas trees, making a fun-filled day of it, ending with a group viewing of ‘Christmas Vacation.’ We love the day and always wondered at people who looked so miserable just choosing a tree. Our day was always perfect, we enjoyed each other’s company and celebrated just being together.”

Sue wanted to relay that feeling, urging people to relax and look at the big picture, but she never had the character. “When my husband broke his leg, I spent a lot of time walking Phil,” she marvelled, “It was obvious he was the character I was seeking. He thoroughly enjoys the uncomplicated parts of life. He loves a good stick and will carry one around the yard or house, so proud of his special stick. He constantly steals firewood from the pile, bringing it to us as if he can’t believe his luck in finding it. He’s so delighted with the small aspects of everyday living that he became my voice.” Phil is happiness personified, wrapped in a cloud of silky fur, a pro at putting people at ease.

Phil himself blogged, “Even though my journey is evolving, I am still here for you. If you’re ever feeling down or wondering what life’s all about, visit my blog and read my stories. I may be sleeping in or walking on a trail, but I promise to bring all the happiness and joy I can pack into my giant puppy body.”

Take some time to enjoy his posts, full of a young dog’s  joie de vivre. They’re amusing, sweet and insightful, frequently closing with “I’m a dog, I love life, and I have flaws. I’m perfect. Imperfect. Just. Like. You.”

Sue and Phil will be at the Blairstown Farmers’ Market on October 31. They’re hoping for some holiday markets, too. Sue quipped, “Our ultimate goal is a road trip to LA to appear on ‘The Ellen Show.’”

To order a signed copy of “Philip T. Basher Is Imperfectphil” directly from Phil, use this link: https://forms.gle/hb6JofEwNZPvCeHeA. An unsigned copy may be purchased through online stores such as Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Mascot Publishing.

Sue’s newest book, “Imperfectphil Is Who I Am,” will be available late October/early November through imperfectphil.com or mascot.com. “I like book two even more than book one!” Sue admitted. “It teaches a key lesson about believing what we read on the internet.”

$1.00 of every sale goes to a local rescue group.

To contact Phil directly, email: imperfectphil@gmail.com
Website: imperfectphil.org
Facebook: send a friend request to Phil Basher
Instagram: @imperfect_phil
Twitter: @ imperfectphil1