15 Comments
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Will Bain's avatar

These pics sure make me miss our old dogs!

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Wendy Parciak's avatar

Me, too! I wish we had more pics of Tenzing.

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Carol A Foote's avatar

I definitely find myself quitting on a book when I feel I don't know the characters, but I'm also surprised to sometimes find that same book popular with lots of other people! It's a mystery! I'm so sorry that Tenzing had such a frightening experience with childen. :-( How sad.

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Wendy Parciak's avatar

Books are so subjective, aren't they? As for Tenzing, he lived a long and happy life despite his fear of children. Thanks for reading, Carol!

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

What a great comparison you've made between creating a likable character and connecting with your sweet pup.

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Wendy Parciak's avatar

I always seem to find it helpful to think in dog terms. Thanks so much for reading!

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Tenzing! What a great name.

This was a wonderful piece. I love how you relate our beloved pets to our beloved MCs.

That phobia is wild. I cringe at the sound of a napkin ripping.

There have been MCs in books and movies I didn't like and either gave up or continued because there was something else about the story or supporting characters that intrigued me.

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Wendy Parciak's avatar

Hmm, I'm sure there's a name for phobias involving sounds, too! Thanks so much for reading - and appreciating Tenzing's name. He was our first dog, so we thought long and hard about it. Though actually, we've done that with the others, too.

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Amy Amano's avatar

I love this, Wendy!

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Wendy Parciak's avatar

Thanks, Amy! I'm glad you liked it.

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Karen Bain's avatar

This moved me to tears, Wendy! I miss Tenzing and Moth, (and Tarzan, even though you don't mention him.) And I remember Tock as a puppy and still love him. They all have and had definite personalities and quirks. Even though I don't consider myself a dog person, I can love dogs--some more than others. Now I'm thinking about what in a dog--or a person-- draws me to them. Lots of food for thought here.

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Wendy Parciak's avatar

I am so touched by your comment, Karen. And just so you know, I consider you an Honorary Dog Person. You don't need to own one!

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Suzanne Morrone's avatar

First of all your writing and your insights are wonderful. and the photos of Tenzing as a puppy... omg! Reminds me of baby Blueberry. I've been thinking a lot about what connects people. what is that magic chemistry that makes two people like each other and two others just go "meh." Same for agents, of course. It's a really interesting puzzle. I've had people really feel for my MC but not "fall in love." So save the cat isnt' enough. There's something more. I wish I knew how to manufacture it. But I don't. Great post, Wendy!

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Wendy Parciak's avatar

I was thinking Tenz looked like Blueberry, too! Kind of round and fuzzy and adorable. And you're right, saving a cat isn't enough. I think it's an intangible collection of things that create that magic chemistry.

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Suzanne Morrone's avatar

Round and fuzzy and adorable. Exactly. I find the subject of what makes people connect with each other, with a character, with an animal extremely interesting.

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