Welcome to my website! My name is Thomas Wikman. I am a retired software / robotics engineer with a background in physics—but this blog is primarily about Leonbergers, an unusual and fascinating dog breed that is known for its size, affectionate nature, and intelligence.
I know a lot about Leonbergers because my family was lucky enough to live with one for thirteen years. His name was Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle—but we called him “Bronco” for short.
Bronco wasn’t our only dog, but our world wouldn’t have been the same without him. For instance, he once saved the life of our pug by fending off an attack from another dog. He probably saved our Labrador’s life, too, by sniffing out an impending insulin shock before it happened. Then there was the time he scared off a trespasser who’d been terrorizing my wife and other women in the neighborhood.
Bronco is no longer with us, but even in his passing he was distinctive. Leonbergers tend to live less than nine years—but Bronco came very close to reaching his thirteenth birthday. In fact, he received an award for longevity called the “Grey Muzzle Award.” We already knew he was a special dog, but we sent his DNA to two labs for research anyway.
As for me: in addition to being a dog lover, I am a craft beer enthusiast and brewer, an amateur astronomer, a student of French, and an avid reader. From time to time, I may write about these or other subjects here, in addition to writing about dogs. I live in Dallas, Texas, but I am originally from Sweden. I am married to Claudia, and we have three children: Jacob, David, and Rachel.
Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy!
Leonberger Life 
26 replies on “About Me”
With this comment I just wanted to make sure to tell all of you that on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble you can find my book “The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle” as an e-book as well as the printed edition. You can searching for the book by searching for the title, or my name “Thomas Wikman”, or the ISBN number for printed edition: 978-0998084954 or the ASIN number for the e-book edition: B0B5NN32SR.
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Bronco sounds like a very special dog. His story sounds fascinating – and we seem to have a little in common. Dog lover, former professional beer taster, amateur astronomer, student of French, Italian, German and Russian (unsuccessful in the latter two cases), avid reader and writer! 🙂
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Yes Bronco was a truly amazing dog that we miss every day. You have some amazing interests. Professional beer taster that’s got to be special. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. You are the first one commenting on my About Me page.
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Bronc sounds like a one-of-a-kind dog and much-loved family member. Many thanks for dropping by my blog. Lynn
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You are right, he was. Thank you Lynn, and thank you for stopping by me as well.
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Thanks for your interest in my blog and for introducing me to this interesting and gorgeous breed of dog.
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Thank you for your kind words Peggy and thank you for the recipe.
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Thomas, lovely to meet you here on WP! I must admit I knew nothing about Leonbergers but wow Bronco sounds amazing and what a true and loyal friend, a hero at times, bringing love and fun to your whole family. Your book looks terrific and unique – good luck with it! In the UK craft beers are very popular with lots of festivals during the warmer months (my husband goes and I join him – but alas I’m not a fan of beer!) As you can tell from my blog I love books, reading and writing!
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Thank you so much for your kind words Annika. I’ve been to London and a place further north called Gateshead and I had some craft beers. However, I would like to spend more time in the UK and try more craft beer. I love books too. It’s a great pleasure meeting you.
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I love your Bronco, Thomas. Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. You are doing a post about your dog with Jacqui. Jacqui and I followed each other for a long time. I used to live about 37 miles from her, but I moved to Oregon 5 weeks ago. I’ll try to read your post tomorrow.
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Thank you for your kind words Miriam. That is a quite interesting coincidence about Jacqui. I read your book the Winding Road and I loved it. It was beautiful. It was written with such clarity, intelligence, and honesty about a very traumatic situation and I believe it gives a lot of people hope.
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Oh, it was you who wrote a review. I tried to locate you to thank you for such a heartwarming review. It touched my heart. I published it in the middle of my moving. After I get settled with my belongings in the new home, I may do a proper promotion. I think in some situation, the will to live, the optimism, and the desire to live for others help to boost the energy for healing. In my cases, I wanted to live for my daughter. It was a long story. I didn’t want to distract the readers so I didn’t talk about it.
I’ll check out your blog tomorrow for sure. 😊
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Thank you so much Miriam. I don’t remember how I came across your book, I saw it somewhere, I bought it, I read it and it really touched my heart. Thank you so much for writing it. What an amazing story. What you said “I wanted to live for my daughter” is so important for people to hear.
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Many people who reviewed my book have some connections from our blogs, BookBub, or Goodreads. I saw your review and tried to find you. I’m glad we’re connectedness. Sorry that your mother died young from cancer. It’s hard, Thomas. Thank you for mentioned it in your review to show the way your experience related to my book. It’s a best way to make your personal connection.
Do you post reviews on your blog? Would you like to post it, and I’ll reblog it on my blog? The reblog would show part of your post, and a link would direct readers to your a site to read the entire post. Please let me know.
I have a menu on the header of my blog. One category is reviews. You’re welcome to browse my reviews.
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Hello Miriam, thank you for your kindness. Yes, I’ve written a few reviews for a few books that are not Leonberger books, books that I wanted to promote, and that includes Jacqui’s books, Priscilla Bettis, and your Winding Road.
You are certainly welcome to reblog that one. However, now when we are in contact I could write a new post that is nicer, with author bio, etc. What do you think?
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That’s wonderful, Thomas! I just checked out your post for Jacqui! What a brilliant idea to write about Ump and Bronco.
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If you allow me to use your photo/bio/book photo on your website I could make a new nicer blog post about your book. Whatever you think is good.
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It will be wonderful, Thomas! I appreciate you doing that for me. My bio on my blog is quite long. I tell more about myself on my blog. You’re welcome to use that, or a mini one on Amazon, whichever you prefer. I’ll be on the road from 2/17 to 2/22, going to my husband’s niece’s wedding, and rent a truck to bring our stuff to Portland.
I would like you to do your post after 2/22 so I could interact with your readers!
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I love the sample pages of your book, Thomas! Who did the illustrations! They are wonderful.
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Thank you Miriam that sounds great. I will make the post after February 22nd.
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That’s wonderful, Thomas. I look forward to your post.
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Her name is Naomi Rosenblatt. She charged me $50 for complex drawings and $50 for 2-3 easy ones. She is very professional and we wrote a contract.
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It’s very reasonable, Thomas. My children’s book illustrator is Ukrainian. I don’t know if he’s in Ukraine. I think I paid about $45 a page. If I write another children’s book, I may talk to her. I like her artwork. How did you find her?
It’s almost 1:00 am PST. Where are you located?
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It was even later here in Texas. I stayed up late for something unrelated to the blog. Anyway, tell me anytime if you are interested in her contact information.
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I thought you got up at 4:00 am. It’ll be a while before I write another children’s book. I’ll keep that in mind.
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Hello Miriam I just made a new post with a review of your book The Winding Road. I think it is an improvement but I update it anyway you prefer.
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