GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ Interview: George the Basset Hound and Mindy Mymudes The Lady With The Hands + dog gone good giveaway | I Smell Sheep

Monday, November 18, 2013

Interview: George the Basset Hound and Mindy Mymudes The Lady With The Hands + dog gone good giveaway

Today we have children's book author Mindy Mymudes and George the Basset Hound. They make quite a pair. I think you will enjoy what George has to say and he even gives great parenting advice!

Sharon: Welcome to I Smell Sheep guys! I invited Baaart to sit with us. George, do you like sheep?



George: While I’m not a herding breed, I’ve seen a sheep or two. What’s not to like? They smell good, they provide good things to roll in to mask scent from prey, and I love mutton. <Looks at Lady with the hands who is scowling, twists head and looks at Baaart > Um, I don’t eat friends.
Sharon: *moves Baaart behind her*


Sharon: I guess the most obvious question is “What does George Know?”
George: (With an affronted look). I know everything important. And my nose knows the rest.

Sharon: Mindy, has George changed since he got a book about him? Any Diva behavior?

Mindy: (Glaring at George) George was a diva when I met him. I was working on an article for Dog Fancy when instead of training tips a story formed under my fingers. Assuming it was about my English Springer Spaniel Pack, I went with it. By page 3 George went nose to nose with me and told me quite clearly he was no stupid spaniel. Spaniels will do anything for a treat, no matter what. He was a thinking dog, a basset hound, a perfectly designed familiar, who was teaching his 12-year-old witch-in-training named Karly. He calls her a Girlpup. 
Sharon: Hey! I have a Cocker Spaniel and she doesn’t do anything for a… oh, wait. Never mind.

Sharon: George, what aged kids will enjoy your book? Should people go out and buy a copy for their local school library?

Mindy: George Knows is first coming out as an eBook. It’s being released Dec. 6th at Amazon, Sony, BN, Smashwords, Kobo, all the eBook stores. If it does well enough, it will be released in paperback before the end of the school year. Until Dec. 6th, it can be preordered at 20% off at http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/museityoung/fantasy-2013-07-28/george-knows-detail for $4.40 cents. That’s a lot of basset for the buck.George: <Breaks in> In human years? Eight to twelve. Pretty old. I know everyone will love me. I’m brilliant and Peeps can learn a lot from me. I’m still not sure why everyone who reads it laughs at some parts. There is nothing funny about The Horrible Hodag! 
*Baaart starts to tremble at the thought of The Horrible Hodag*

Sharon: *confused* What is The Horrible Hodag?

George: It eats Peeps and leaves their bones. I found them. <Shakes head, drool flies, hits walls, chairs, Sharon and sheep>. Bassets are not supposed to taste Peeps’ bones. Peeps’ get us cow bones. <Eyes Baaart>
Mindy: Don’t even think it.



Sharon: *wiping Basset drool from her face* George, where is your favorite place to dig (dirt, sand, grass)?

George: Depends on what I’m digging for. My big paws and strong claws are digging machines, allowing me to tear out rabbits from their holes. Rabbit? Are there rabbits here? RABBITRABBITRABBIT! (Smelltastes). There aren't any rabbits here? Didn't you just tell me there were rabbits here?
*Sharon looks at Mindy, then back to George* No?

Sharon: George, Not many parents understand pre-teen girls, but you deal with Karly on a daily basis. Have you learned anything? Got any advice for the parents of pre-teens?


George: I don’t think Girlpups get their brains until they are very old. Like Packmom, or Auntie Heather. Sometimes, if she needs to see something, I’ll drag her by her leash. Like typical Peeps, she never looks down, so I’ve been known to trip her. I don’t like the stinky stuff she puts under her arms ever since she had the 12 candle cake, so I stole it. My advice to parents? Don’t let them off leash unless they’re in a fenced in area.
Sharon: Who knew a Basset Hound could give such great parenting advice. Thanks! 



Sharon: George, What is your stance on baths? Your ears are long and beautiful. Are they hard to keep clean?
George: BATH! AROOOOOOO! Uh, got to get going. A witch to teach, a Hodag to catch. Nice to meet ya Sharon. Baart. (Runs off in a rolling gait)
*looks over and realizes she has ignored Mindy* oops!

Sharon: Mindy, Was it hard writing from a dog’s POV?

Mindy: I was trying to answer questions for Dog Fancy. The pages turned into a story. I assumed the dog in question was an English Springer Spaniel, like my pack. 
George: (Looking around for a bathtub and ambling slowly back) She didn't write it. I did. All she had to do was act as my hands. Keyboards are not designed for perfect basset hounds. I had a story and her mind was open to it. And you know what ass u me means. Why would I be a stupid dog with long furs that get tangled in stuff? They’re called feathers, but they can’t fly. And they’ll do anything for their Peeps for a treat. Not like me. I don’t do stupid stuff. I still get treats.

Sharon: So you have her trained pretty well? Does she work for treats like stupid spaniels <G>?


George: She has to be related to her stupid Muddy Paws Pack. Seriously. She’s always eating. Except sometimes she says she’s on a diet. Whatever that is. I offer her Tuna Fudge, but she just makes gaggy sounds. She doesn’t need to work for treats. I offer her my magical drool and the privilege of petting me. That’s magic, too. Petting me, or I guess any dog, makes blood pressure go down. My witches are green - they are healers.

Sharon: Mindy, What is it like to have George’s voice in your head? Does he pop up to give advice at unexpected times?

Mindy: Irritating. Sometimes I’ll listen to my iPod just to get things done. Besides, if he gets ahead of me, it’s hard for me to remember what he said.
George: This is why Peeps need better memories and instincts. That way they wouldn’t need books to learn from.



Sharon: Mindy, when you aren’t writing what do you like to do?
Mindy: I love to garden, and was a professional gardener. I also run the largest dog genetics list for breeders on the Internet. Somewhere here I have a degree claiming I have a Master’s in biology. I also have some of the top-ranked obedience springers in the country. I train my own dogs, and instruct at a local club.
George: I try to teach her about dogs, but do you think she listens? She’s a terrible student. The Lady With The Hands has no idea what to do with the leash. The dog is the one with the nose and knows where to go, so why does she teach the Peeps they are in charge?

Sharon: This is for both of you. What is your favorite snack?

George and Mindy: (Said at the same time) Snickerdoodles.
George: And liver brownies and tuna fudge.
Mindy: Gag.
Sharon: *gags along with Mindy*

Rapid Fire (you both can answer or just one of you)

Sharon: left or right?

George: Huh?
Mindy: Depends on which is the hardest way.

Sharon: cake or pie?

Mindy and George: Both!

Sharon: Coke or Pepsi?
Mindy: No thanks. I can’t drink anything carbonated. I like hot tea, especially Chai.
George: Toilet water. If I can keep my Peeps from peeing in it. They don’t housebreak easily.
Sharon: O_O okay, moving on!


Sharon: tree or fire hydrant?
George: For Pee-mail, trees. There are more of them.
Sharon: do you send a lot of Pee-mail?
George: How else would I know what my fans are saying? More importantly, I have to know what’s going on in the neighborhood; strange things are going on in the woods.

Sharon: spring or fall?

George: When are there more rabbits?
Mindy: Man, I’m a gardener. I like the fall harvest, but hate winter. So, I guess spring.


Sharon: geese or chickens?
Mindy: Our city now allows chickens, and with two acres, I’m thinking getting a few. Geese aren’t very nice.
George: (Ears prick) We’re getting chickens? 

Sharon: beach or mountains?

George: Climbing or getting to swim? Get reals. Why would any self-respecting basset climb a mountain. Unless there are rabbits. <Looks around> Are there rabbits? Rabbitrabbitrabbit.
I don’t smelltaste any rabbits. Are you pulling my leg?
Sharon: Sorry George, we have a dragon in the dungeon and a rabbit wouldn’t have a chance around here. 

Sharon: woof, woof or bark, bark?

George: Aroooooo! You must admit I have the most beautiful bay in the world. 


Sharon: ball or plushy?
George: No doubt about it, I love my balls.

Sharon: rollercoaster or carousel?

George: What are those?

Thanks George and Mindy. This was an eye opening interview. Is there anything you would like to say before you leave? And George? RABBIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

George: RABBIT? RABBITRABBITRABBIT! AroooOOOoooooOOooooo

*Sharon covers her ears and wishes she hadn't teased George*

About George:
I am a four year old magical basset hound. My Peeps call me George, but my real name can only be pronounced by other dogs and familiars. Most of my time is taken by my Girlpup, Karly, a witch-in-training. When I’m not smelltasting important peemail or helping Karly and Auntie Heather, I can be found sunning on the porch thinking about important questions (like, where’s my supper?).

If you want to know more about me, and of course you do, my story George Knows, will be out in December, 2013, published by MuseItUp.



About the Author:
Mindy Mymudes runs with the Muddy Paws Pack in Milwaukee, WI. She insists she is alpha, even as the dogs walk all over her. She hunts, cleans the den and keeps them entertained. When she can escape the pack, she enjoys digging in dirt, listening to audiobooks, and weaving the antics of the pack into stories. The alpha male, Tall Dude, just shakes his head and stays out of the way.


GIVEAWAY!

A stoneware dog bowl. A webkinz basset hound. Doggy temporary tats. And a 5 dollar GC to Amazon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

37 comments:

  1. I think I would like one of those little fluffy ones.

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  2. Probably an Alaskan Husky :D I LOVE those eyes. One day I will own one.
    Hugs

    Missie Jones
    missie25524 (at) netzero.com

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    1. fair warning! We had one and he was a pain in the ass! When they blow their coat in the spring it will look like someone killed rabbits every where! Plus they are very stubborn and independent. I wouldn't own another one

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  3. I'm a Yorkie person at heart, so I'd love to have a Yorkie be my familiar. I enjoyed the interview. Hope Baart was safe and George found a rabbit.

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  4. I have a Beagle, and she's great! But for a familiar I think a smarter dog would be better - maybe a border collie, lol.

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  5. Although I love my dogs...I think I would want something less common. Maybe a crow? Can I have a crow as a familiar? PUHLEAZZZ

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  6. I think I would like to be a chihuahua. For once in my lifetime, I would be small
    JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com

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  7. I would like a golden retriever. Had one several years ago, sure do miss him.

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  8. A Bassett Hound, My Dad always had then when we were growing up.

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  9. Mindy rocks! I'm in LOVE with the "G". I want so badly to meet George! I'm absolutely certain that he can bring some magic into my life. Super giveaway ! Thank you, Mindy and Sharon for this fun post.

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  10. I would like my familiar to be a daushund, even though I have no idea how to spell it and spell check isn't helping me. WEEEEENIE DOG! There!

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  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. A German shepherd, just like my first family dog!

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  13. *Shakes his head* Basset hounds are perfectly designed familiars. We smelltaste the world better than any animal. Our senses are without a doubt superior to anything. We are natural educators, remember everything and don't do every stupid thing a human thinks is important but isn't. My paws are excellent digging tools, my ears scoop up scent for my nose, my mouth can taste ... I smelltaste something. Something very good. Rabbit? RABBIT! RABBITRABBIT... SQUIRRELSQUIRRELSQUIRRELSQUIRREL! ARROOOOOOOooOOOooo

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  14. Hate to say it but I'm not a dog person. I have rats. I'm a rat person. But if I had to pick a dog it would definitely be a tiny tea cup chihuahua. They are small like rats and my rats would probably like playing with him. lol

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  15. ::snort:: that was cute yall. *I don't eat friends* lol George and Mindy! Yall should try Snickerdoodle muffins. Just sayin.

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  16. *Raises ears* Recipe?

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    1. Anna loves to cook and showing how she makes things on her blog and she has a heard of fur babies.

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  17. LOL yup! I'll paste it below. If it doesn't format right my email is acade29@gmail.com. Just send a note and I can shoot it over to you.

    2 sticks butter, room temp
    1 cup sugar
    2 tsp vanilla
    2 eggs
    3/4 tsp baking soda
    3/4 tsp baking powder
    3/4 tsp cream of tartar
    3/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
    1 tablespoon cinnamon
    1 1/4 cup sour cream (I used reduced fat)
    2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

    Preheat oven to 350
    Cream the butter and sugar.
    Add the vanilla. Then one egg at a time mixing well
    In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar and nutmeg.
    Alternately add sour cream and flour mixture into your creamed butter/egg mixture. Mix well.
    In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon then set aside
    Drop spoonfuls of batter into a shallow bowl filled with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll the muffin around in the mixture until it is covered completely
    Place muffin into muffin tins
    Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20-22 minutes or until done.

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  18. Tartar? Isn't that the stuff they make me go to the vet to get off my sharp, white, fangs?

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  19. I think I would pick something cute like either a pug or a dachshund

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  20. A rotweiler. They are such sweet dogs. Plus some of them you can totally ride!

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  21. A rat terrier.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  22. An Alaskan Huskie. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  23. My dog is a Shih tzu/toy poodle so probably that.

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  24. I think a German Shepard would make a nice familiar. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  25. This sure is a fun interview, thanks you all :)

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  26. I want a Great Dane as my familiar.
    bituin76 at hotmail dot com

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  27. Ah, my dear Mud. Congrats. As to what animal for a familiar: Monster, of course. :)

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  28. I love my hound mix! I think he'd be perfect!

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  29. Oh myyyy, George. I can't wait to grill you next Thursday. But I'm afraid I'll have to side with Mud on the Tuna Fudge. Yuck! (Actually, the cat who owns me, Charlie, might agree with you on its yumminess.)

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    Replies
    1. Also, if I had a dog as a familiar, I would definitely go for a Siberian Husky. It's *cold* up here in Canada!

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