Monday, September 15, 2008

SWEET ADDICTION By Morgan Mandel

Rascal's DoggySpace Profile Shot

I've got a sweet addiction, but it's not about sugar. It started innocently enough. I was over at Bentley's Corner Barkery with my husband and Rascal talking to Lisa, the co-owner, when she asked me if I'd joined DoggySpace. I'd heard of it, but had never signed up.

Saturday night, I had a few extra minutes after scooping water from the basement, so I put up a profile for Rascal, using a photo taken in the van on the last trip to Wisconsin. It was easy for Rascal to make friends. In 24 hours she already had 142.

Along with the profile shots, each member gets a journal spot, like a blog spot. Also, comment sections. They can give away virtual presents like frisbees or bones to each other.

I started reading some of the posts and they were fascinating. One was upsetting, about people who left dogs tied in their yards when they evacuated the hurricane area. Then there was a dog who suffered from separation anxiety and needed medication because the owner-husband had to go out-of-town for one day.

I'm finding it difficult to tear myself away. The dogs are so precious and the blogs so engrossing.

In a way I'm wasting time there, but not exactly. Most members of Doggyspace use the dog's point of view in their posts, as if the dogs were writing them. So, I'm getting great lessons in going deep into doggy point of view which will stand me in good stead as I continue on with my children's book about Rascal.

If you have a dog and would like to make virtual friends with Rascal, her profile page at Doggy Space is http://www.doggyspace.com/profile/15418.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com

6 comments:

  1. It had to happen right?
    A myspace for dogs. I'm afraid I'd spend way too much time over there, but maybe I'll reconsider.
    For my dog's sake.
    Come, Noir. Let's see how well you can type.
    cmr

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rascal's a cutie! Enjoyed your post, Mary :).

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous2:14 PM

    Fun post! - but then I've come to expect that when I drop in over here. {-:>

    ReplyDelete
  4. Morgan,
    A doggie site-enjoyed your post...
    Margot

    Margot Justes
    A Hotel in Paris
    www.mjustes.com
    art brought her to Paris, then a stranger's death changes her life.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I was back there again tonight at DoggySpace. Rascal keeps getting friend requests. She's got 151 now!

    Morgan Mandel
    http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
    http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for all the kind words, you guys,

    Morgan Mandel

    ReplyDelete

Your Comment Is Welcome