Gone To the Dogs

Pam Hillman here.

I called a fellow Seeker a dog this past week. I’m not proud of it, but it did generate a fresh idea for a blog, so all’s well that ends well, right? And I’m sure she’s forgiven me. We’ll see. If she doesn’t growl at me too much this week, I’m safe.

In my defense, I meant it as a compliment.

Really.

Anyway, the comment, and later several other remarks about our pets in general, got me to thinking about my writing and my relationships in the writing world.

Weird, but true.

If I were a dog, what kind of dog would I be? I mean Snoopy is an unpublished author, right? But nobody knows for sure what kind of dog Snoopy is. He’s sort of a mixed breed, isn’t he? So, I can’t really claim to be like Snoopy, can I? So, what am I?

Uh…I think I’m a mixed breed too.

I’m tenacious. I don’t easily give up. There are very few ventures in my life that I’ve washed my hands of before I’ve finished. So, maybe I’ve got a bit of pit bull in me. But I’m also kinda shy around strangers. It takes me a while to get to know someone. But I’ll do pretty much anything if someone praises my work and offers me treats (a contest win or a contract). lol

I asked fellow Seekers this question and received some fun answers. Julie Lessman said, “I'd be a golden retriever and pit bull mix -- I'm friendly and nice and maybe even a little bit simple until somebody gets in my face, and then let's just say I hope they've had their shots! And it's the same with my writing ... I like the bright-eyed, tail-wagging affection and emotion of romance with a little teeth in it and maybe even an occasional bite.”

Knowing Julie, I thought her observation was pretty accurate. I can see her as a friendly retriever, but also as a pit bull when riled. The funny thing is that when Julie took the dogster quiz after she pegged herself, the quiz identified her as a Chihuahua. At first glance, I thought, no way! Julie is not a Chihuahua! But then, she does have the high energy and is easily excited like the breed, so maybe the quiz wasn’t so far off after all.

Glynna Sirpliss responded, “I'm probably a terrier. Faithful and tenacious. Hanging on to my writing dream despite all the adversities life has slam-dunked me with.”

Great observation, Glynna. From what I’ve heard, terrier’s are tenacious. So, sink your teeth into that dream and don’t let go. You’ll wrestle it into submission someday!

“I would be a Labrador retriever/blood hound cross,” Mary Connealy responded. “I have about that same temperament as the dog on the Beverly Hillbillies. Remember him? They lifted his skin up but his body would just stay immobile? And the golden retriever? Desperate for approval and when people kick me (metaphorically) I tend to roll over on my back and whine instead of biting them in the ankle.”

Laughing out loud, Mary. Oh, I must be part Labrador retriever too. As a matter of fact, I wanted a picture of my chocolate Lab and myself to post today, but if I touch Ruby, she drops and rolls. She’s a sweetie, but getting pictures is like pulling teeth with her. Oh, guess what the dogster quiz labeled Mary? A Labrador retriever!

I’m a Golden retriever…or “the charmer” on Dogster. Yeah, that fits. I’m a hound on SixWise’s “If you were a dog, what kind would you be?” site. Well, that works too, I suppose. I am kinda lazy and laid back like that Beverly Hillbillies hound, Mary!

I loved Myra Johnson’s answer. This comes from a true animal lover who knows her breeds! Myra said, “I would be a greyhound. They are introverted, calm and quiet, polite and considerate of others, but also fearful and timid around strangers, and sensitive to stress and change. They need peace and harmony. A greyhound is an independent thinker and somewhat manipulative. This all pretty much describes me, in general and as a writer.”

Myra told me that she shares a home with a yellow Lab mix (probably the other half is something bloodhound-ish) and a border collie mix. Before that, Myra had a greyhound that she loved, saying she was probably the best dog they ever had. (But don’t tell the Lab. It’ll be our little secret.)

Lots more Seekers sat up and begged to be quoted in this blog, but there was only room for a few Best of Show. But never fear! The Comment section is open and waiting to find out just what kind of dog you are. So, let’s start talking.

What kind of dog are you? Do you aggressively pounce on your editor? Do you growl when your critique partners rip your ms. to shreds? Or do you roll over and play dead when someone hurts your feelings? Do you bounce into the fray, or hover around the edges?

Once you’ve answered the questions in your own words, feel free to visit dogster quiz or SixWise “If you were a dog…” and answer the questions to see how close you are in your own assessment of your doggie personality. You’ll need to enter an email address for both of these quizzes. Just letting you know ahead of time if you’d rather not leave an address.

Can’t wait to see what kind of dogs hang out here in Seekerville!