All art forms have paid tribute to pets with personality. From books, to movies, to the paintings hung in museums, dogs and cats have been a part of our creative side as long as they've been by our side. And why not? What other creature on earth can color our lives like a cat on the lap or a dog gazing up with those laughing, liquid eyes?
I have three cats, but grew up in a house filled with both cats and dogs. As a result, I adore them both. Whenever I dream up a new character, I ponder what kind of pet they'd own. After all, without a furry friend, my characters would never know the same joyful companionship I've been blessed with.
So what fictional animals have influenced the importance I place on the pets in my novels? Here's a short list. I'd adopt any one of these darlings!
1. Asta (the wire-hair Fox Terrier of the Thin Man)
2. Sandy, the faithful dog by Annie's side
3. Charley of John Steinbeck's Travels With Charley
4. The lovable mixed breed in Because of Winn-Dixie
5. Toto of Wizard of Oz
6. The beagle pup of Shiloh
7. All of the Aristocats
8. Amber - The Cat From Outer Space
9. All of the cats petted by the bad guy sin James Bond movies
10. The cats in Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams
Who's your favorite famous pet?
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10 comments:
Most of these dogs can be found in Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series:
Graysfang
Smoke
Dejaal
Jaal
Well, basically all of the kindred I would like to be real and live with me.
Crap, they're not dogs, there are two wolves and two tigers listed there.
I really should have coffee before doing this.
LOL. Love the coffee comment and understand it completely. I thought immediately of Asta, so Asta it is. I have a very large soft spot for Whiskey the Irish Wolfhound also.
D.C. from "That Darn Cat," the original Disney film with Hayley Mills and Dean Jones. I saw this movie at the theatre years ago and have it on VHS and DVD. The cat is the star! I never tire of watching this film and have seen it more times than I can count.
Shirley in Baltimore
The Siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp. We had a Siamese at the time. I can still sing their signature song..."We are Siamese if you please. We are Siamese if you don't please."
Asta totally rocks! I've always wanted a wire-haired fox terrier because of him. :)
I'd love to have Zorro's horse Toronado, too.
I can't believe I forgot about Benji and That Darn Cat! I also need more coffee! :)
Asta
Tigger (from Winnie the Pooh), does he count? Also Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes (or is Hobbes the tiger?) I guess I'm on a tiger roll. So maybe add in Bagheera from the Jungle Book!
All the dogs that were in the movie Eight Below.
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