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Home • Life • Writing Paw Prints: Which Pooch Are You?

Writing Paw Prints: Which Pooch Are You?

March 22, 2012

Given the skills, would Snowball write like him, too?

According to ASPCA, every dog has a canine-ality, the way we humans have personalities. They’ve even established assessment criteria to help you determine your best pooch match.

Of the many special dogs I’ve had in my life, a few top the charts. Each one relates to a writing personality, in my humble non-professional opinion. Keeping in mind that I’m not a psychologist—i.e., I may be way off!—which one sounds like you? (FYI, dog comparisons are huge compliments in my book. You’re welcome!!! ;))

Nikki: The Savvy Spaniel
I fell in love with dogs because of Nikki. In her illustrious 13 years, she fulfilled her role as family dog—playing, exercising and tending to her humans—to a tee. When she had puppies, though, nothing came before them. She was a loving caregiver, through and through.

Nikki reminds me of you writers who wear multiple hats—parent, teacher, student, full-time day gigger, blogger, novelist. (The list goes on…) You’re a natural teacher, giver and friend. If you have a downside, it’s your tendency to please others before and more so than yourself. Lucky for all of us, your compassionate, loving nature radiates in your work, and you pass your creativity and stories on to others.

Eunice: The Tenacious Trooper
My friends, Tom and Heidi, lovingly took Eunice in after she was injured and abandoned. Though she was already upward in years and her back legs no longer worked, she was one of the happiest, sweetest dogs I’ve encountered. A lover of all-things-edible, this beagle could hunt down and snatch up any morsel in the neighborhood—no matter how much time or effort it took.

If you are a tenacious trooper, you pursue your creative goals with fierce determination. You plod along slowly, but smartly; every step counts and rushing seems impossible. You see the challenges life throws your way as opportunities and never, ever give up. You have a hearty appetite for life and take time to enjoy the sunshine. Though you may feel that accomplishments seldom come easy, Eunice’s legacy is proof that your work will pay off.

Zoe: The Determined Dasher
Some might call Zoe my furry other half. She’s about that big. When I first adopted her, she’d sprint after squirrels at the park, only to leave me “skiing” behind her. (Picture a waterskier on dirt, and a dog in place of the boat.) She’s determined, passionate and fast—when she wants to be. When she doesn’t, it’d be easier to sway a concrete wall. Much like her owner *clears throat* accomplishing feats she’s disinterested in takes discipline and reinforcement. (Yep, I’m totally buying new jeans once I finish my taxes…)

If you’re a determined dasher, you pursue your goals with gusto supreme. You enter writing furies and could stay there for weeks on end. When faced with a deadline, you meet it, probably early. Without some discipline, your passionate nature could cause you pain, and patience doesn’t come easy. That same passionate, go-getter attitude keeps you moving forward and opens doors. As long as you guide with logic and remind yourself to take breaks, you do just fine.

So I’m dying to know. Does a particular pooch resonate with you? If not, what pet or animal matches your creative style?

Speaking of dogs, a quick shout out to author/blogger/animal behavior extraordinaire, Amy Shojai who landed a publishing deal for her thriller, Lost and Found. CONGRATS, AMY! Check out her fantastic blog here.

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Life, Writing 53 Comments

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Comments

  1. Prudence MacLeod says

    March 22, 2012 at 6:31 am

    As the crazy dog lady, I really love this post. Me? I’m Dasher, no question.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 7:52 am

      I could have guessed that, Prudence!

      Reply
  2. Marc Schuster says

    March 22, 2012 at 6:59 am

    I’m definitely in the Savvy Spaniel camp! My first (canine) love was a Brittany Spaniel, and our canine/personalities complemented each other perfectly.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 2:06 pm

      Aren’t spaniels fantastic? Ours was a Springer.

      Reply
  3. fiercebuddhist says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:04 am

    We adopted our last few animals from shelters.
    I wrote a poem about the experience. Thank you August for sharing this.

    http://fiercebuddhist.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/death-row/

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 7:54 am

      Touching poem! Adoption and rescue are fantastic ways to go. In many ways, it seems the animals “rescue” us.

      Reply
  4. deanjbaker says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:11 am

    love dogs

    Reply
  5. Amber West says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:34 am

    I’m a Savvy Spaniel, with a dash of Determined Dasher.

    Given that my real puppy is a mix of boxer and pug (and possibly chihuahua) that seems appropriate.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 7:55 am

      LOL! I love it. Appropriate indeed, Amber!

      Reply
  6. Shannon Esposito says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:46 am

    Love this post, August! It is so true that people look like their pets, too. Here in Venice, the average age is 78 and I’m surrounded by fluffy white dogs…lol. Okay, I’d have to say the multiple hat spaniel would be me. What a lovely group of dogs you got to grow up with!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 7:56 am

      Hi Shannon! I thought of you and Abbey with this one. Hilarious about the fluffy whites… LOL

      Reply
  7. Mike Sirota says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:48 am

    Oh, that explains why I’ve started growing a tail. (Or is that tale?)

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 7:57 am

      Ha! I suspect you’re cultivating both.

      Reply
  8. BoJo Photo says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:54 am

    My first dog was a Yellow Lab that was a great teacher to me.

    Then I had a stray that looked like a miniature German Shepard with a curved tail that was a busy bee, goofball, and life of the party.

    Skip a few to Bloodhounds and now a Jack Russell Terrier that both have the last trait of being Free Spirits. No breed has impressed me so much as the Bloodhound. I can see why they have been the breed of Royalty down through the years. Very loyal once they bond to you though it may take some time.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 7:58 am

      I recently added bloodhounds to my novel. Fantastic animals! As are all dogs.

      Reply
      • BoJo Photo says

        March 22, 2012 at 12:17 pm

        A great addition!

        Reply
  9. susielindau says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:57 am

    Our bichon has human eyes. She has whites and irises just like ours! I swear she can see right through me and can read my mind…..

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 2:07 pm

      Amazing. I wouldn’t put it past her!

      Reply
  10. coleen patrick says

    March 22, 2012 at 8:05 am

    Savvy spaniel here!
    Fun post August!

    Reply
  11. crubin says

    March 22, 2012 at 8:10 am

    Hmmm, is there a pooch who’s creative style is mired in self-doubt? A basset hound, perhaps? Then I guess that’s me.

    Fun post!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 2:08 pm

      Aw… My sister fostered a basset named Rudy for a while. Adorable!

      I bet you doubt yourself lots more than others do.

      Reply
  12. Tiffany A White says

    March 22, 2012 at 8:40 am

    I think I must be the Tenacious Trooper… I like rescue dogs anyway.

    Reply
  13. Debra Kristi says

    March 22, 2012 at 9:32 am

    My first couple of dogs were mutts and I adored them. They disappeared when I was visiting friends for the night. Hmm. My last dog was a Dane. Loved her, After she had to be put down for illnesses that were killing her I couldn’t bring myself to get another dog. I haven’t given dogs a lot of thought since that loss, but for the purpose of this post I would say I am between The Tenacious Trooper and The Determined Dasher. I bounce back and forth, depending on what the family duties will allow.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 2:09 pm

      Hmm… Tenacious Dasher perhaps? Sounds like you, Debra, in great ways.

      Reply
  14. Kara Flathouse says

    March 22, 2012 at 9:35 am

    Love all these doggies! I’m the spaniel, even though I could use more dasher and trooper in my life. My doggie is an almost 17 year old Blue Healer. She is fiercely loayl, stubborn, smarter then most humans, and hardworking. Not so much me, but very much like my husband:)

    Reply
  15. Gloria Richard Author says

    March 22, 2012 at 10:21 am

    Where is the loopy yellow lab? The one who proudly pounces around with a new treasure (tree limb longer than she is). Loyal to a fault? Persistent. Confident in her voice. Laughably clumsy? Stands on her head for butt rubs?

    That would be me. And, my dog. Except for that last sentence. I don’t do that.

    Honest.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 22, 2012 at 5:21 pm

      Ha! Okay. Loopy Yellow Lab has been officially added to the pack.

      Reply
  16. Catherine Johnson says

    March 22, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I think I’m a mix of all of those, what a fun post!

    Reply
  17. Natalie Hartford says

    March 22, 2012 at 11:00 am

    Awwwww…fabulous post August! I love it! Ahhhhh dogs. I definitely take after the spaniel (have always wanted one). My little NS Duck Toller keeps me hopping and happy….

    Reply
  18. Rich Weatherly says

    March 22, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    If I have a match it should be The Tenacious Trooper My black Lab keeps me company while writing which is where I’m headed next.

    Reply
  19. katewoodauthor says

    March 22, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    I LOVE dogs! I’d be a Savvy Spaniel, with maybe a bit of the Tenacious Trooper mixed in

    Fun post, August!

    Reply
  20. amyshojai says

    March 22, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    What a great post! And thanks so much for the shout out. I’m not sure which doggy personality type best mirrors mine, there are “kibbles and bits” of each, I think. *s*

    Reply
  21. Posky says

    March 22, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    I had a dog named Oz that was really funny and fun but a total wuss and sort of odd. He was like the Woody Allen of dogs.

    Reply
  22. S.W. May says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:15 pm

    “A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of” Ogden Nash. Sorry, I wanted to post a quote about dogs, but all I could think of was this one about a door.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 24, 2012 at 6:45 am

      Ha. Thanks for the laugh!!

      Reply
  23. Debra Eve (@DebraEve) says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    Hmmm, I’m more of a cat person myself. But I’d have to go with savvy spaniel. In fact, my earliest memories include Sandy, a gorgeous ginger cocker spaniel, and our first family pet.

    Reply
  24. Raelyn Barclay says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    Fabulous post! I think I must be a mix…which I guess makes sense as my best fur-babies have been mutts, LOL. And I think your Zoe must be related to my Roxy

    Reply
  25. shanjeniah says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    I am a mix of all of those….a veritable mongrel, that’s me. =)

    Reply
  26. Tameri Etherton says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    I read this last night while watching TV and it had me in stitches. I’m such a Savvy Spaniel! Oh, how I wish I could be more like your Zoe, but nope. Spaniel it is. What a fun post!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 24, 2012 at 6:46 am

      Hmm… Perhaps the fur is always sweeter on the other dog? (It made sense in my head. LOL)

      Reply
  27. Karen McFarland says

    March 22, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    Funny, there’s a lot of Spaniels in this group! And I’m right there along with them.

    Reply
  28. Kourtney Heintz says

    March 22, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    I’m a determined dasher. I always beat my own deadlines. I forget to eat, don’t shower, and skip some essential activities to finish my task.

    Reply
  29. Louise Behiel says

    March 22, 2012 at 10:30 pm

    Fun post august. I am definitely a determined dasher. yep that’s me – even if it takes forever.

    Reply
  30. Nisha says

    March 23, 2012 at 3:51 am

    What a great post! Only you would be able to link canine personalities with writers, August! Not sure which doggie I am though, they all resonate with me! Lol. Though I am liking the Tenacious Trooper a lot…

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 24, 2012 at 6:48 am

      Maybe you’re an entire pack!

      Reply
  31. Renée A. Schuls-Jacobson says

    March 23, 2012 at 4:55 am

    I’m that annoying dog next door that just barks and barks and barks and barks until you want to kill yourself.

    Oh wait, that is the dog next door.

    Reply
  32. KM Huber says

    March 24, 2012 at 9:17 am

    Tenacious Trooper without a doubt or an apology, although I admit to learning life from my beagles, including Zen. Who else but a beagle?

    Great post, August!

    Karen

    Reply
  33. mj monaghan says

    March 24, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    I’m probably a combination of all three, really. I’ll pursue a goal like crazy, love to play, multi-task, and throw in undiagnosed ADD!

    We now have a mini-Australian Shepherd puppy (7 months old). He’s a shy, energetic sweetheart.

    Reply
  34. jansenschmidt says

    March 24, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    Well I guess I’d have to say I’m most like Eunice although my legs still work most of the time and I’ve never worn plastic Easter eggs. (Well there was that one time in the hot tub, but we won’t go there.)

    Me and Eunice, give us enough time and rope and we’ll make you a big ole knot that’ll never come untied!

    Interesting way to compare writing styles, too.

    Patricia Rickrode
    w/a Jansen Schmidt

    Reply
  35. Ingrid Schaffenburg says

    March 24, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    Adorable post! I’m definitely a combo of Zoe and Nikki

    Reply
  36. Raani York says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:06 am

    I love this blog post! I always wanted to have a dog but due to momentary circumstances I cannot have one. My sister does have four and whenever I’m with her I enjoy being around her dogs! I rescued two cats and love them. I like your writing!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The End is Near (and we deserve it). . . . Vibrating Tattoos « Author Piper Bayard says:
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    […] Is there a dog that’s a perfect fit for you? August McLaughlin asks, Which Pooch are You? […]

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  2. Sunday Summary « Raelyn Barclay says:
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    […] McLaughlin had fun comparing dogs and people in her Which Pooch are You? […]

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