About Me

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.

Leonbergers are affectionate dogs but may have issues with jumping. Our Leonberger Bronco greeting me.
Bronco our Leonberger was an extremely affectionate dog.

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.

Image of the back cover of The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, which was released on July 3rd, 2022. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the book.
Back cover of The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, which was released on July 3rd, 2022. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the book.

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!

32 thoughts on “About Me”

  1. 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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  2. 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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    1. 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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  5. 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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    1. 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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  6. 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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    1. 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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      1. 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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    2. 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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      1. 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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    3. 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.

      The Winding Road Is a Story About Survival and Courage

      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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      1. 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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      1. 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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  9. Sir, I am the owner of a 3 1/2 year old Leonberger named “Chewbacca”.. he is beyond description in what he provides to me. That said, and having never read your text, I would like to share that I absolutely hate reading. On the other hand, however I love learning! I have become almost addicted to audiobooks, and would love to read your work on your equivalent of my Chewbacca (or vice versa… lol). Has your Leos story been told as an audio book? If so, do you have anywhere or any resource that I can turn into to obtain a copy of the audio version? Today, I’ve been unable to find one, but I am intrigued to hear of your guys story anyone who’s ever owned a Leo I’m sure share the same sentiments that I have for my guy and you had for your “Bonco”. Please let me know,

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    1. Chewbacca is a great name for a Leonberger. As you already know, we really loved our wonderful, funny, and loving Leonberger Bronco. My book is a mix of funny stories and advice and information about Leonbergers. Congratulations on Chewbacca. Unfortunately, there is no audio recording for my book. I have to admit I don’t know how to do that.

      However, there is another Leonberger book that has an audio recording. The Complete Guide to Leonbergers: Selecting, Training, Feeding, Exercising, Socializing, and Loving Your New Leonberger Puppy Paperback – May 12, 2022, by Vanessa Richie. The ASIN for the audio is B0BKR64T31. I read the paperback verion, and I should say, it is a little different from my book. There are no Leonberger stories, and it is based on interviews with Leonberger breeders, she did not own one herself. It is focused on Leonberger facts. But if it is Leonberger facts that you are looking for it is a good book. Except, there is one thing she says that is wrong and may make you react. She says you should neuter your Leonberger at six months, which of course is wrong. But if you can get past that statement, it is a good book.

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