5 Questions in 5 Minutes with Mindy Mymudes–And Book Giveaway!

Hi Mindy!  Thanks for being with me on SlipperyWords!  I just finished George Knows and wanted to ask a few questions.  (Readers, please note, anyone who leaves a comment is entered into a giveaway for a free copy of George Knows.  If you have children ages 7 and up, or are a child yourself, ENTER by COMMENTING.  Seriously, it is total fun.)

1. I LOVE how the book is told from George’s perspective. How are you able to get into a basset hound’s mind so well?

George: You are asking the wrong person. I dictate my life to my secretary and she just has to use her fingers to put it down. If I had fingers, I’d do it, but they are stupid for most things. Like, how do Peeps dig with those week nails. They developed the Computer with the help of a Border Collie, but decided that bigger keys didn’t work for them. Now we just let them do the work.

Mindy: Seriously? You’re a figment of my imagination.

George: Figment this: *Pfffffffffff*

George:  *Fans face*

2. Are basset hounds really that hungry, ALL THE TIME?

George: I wouldn’t be hungry if my Peeps would remember to feed me.

Mindy:  Or the dogs would remember that they ate. Yes, basset hounds and springers can’t get enough food. Unfortunately, it’s bad for long-backed dogs to get heavy, it can hurt their spines. Then again, all dogs (and People) should be at a good weight for their size. For dogs, you should be able to feel their ribs and see a tuck up. You don’t want too skinny, so feel, not see ribs for most breeds.

3. The Hodag is an interesting creature. Where did you get the concept and think of the name?

George: It was in the magic book I opened with my drool.

Mindy: The Hodag is actually a logging tool. In 1896, Eugene Shepherd pranked Rhinelander, WI, claiming to have caught a Hodag. He had to ‘Fess up when scientists wanted to come by to investigate it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hodag I never give the city a name, but it’s sort of Rhinelander…but not really.

4. Is there really such a thing as tuna fudge? And do dogs really eat it?

George: Are you kidding? It’s the best thing in the whole world. Everyone should have Tuna Fudge. Peeps seem to be immune to its charms, which just leaves more for me.

Mindy: I’ve been an instructor and dog trainer for many years. My partners and I have reached the top levels of obedience and one of the things they’ll do just about anything for is Tuna Fudge. Recipe below.

5.  I am fascinated by the concept of a dog as a familiar.  No cats?  Can any animal be a familiar?

George: Of course there are other creatures that are familiars. No bugs, though. Cats are inferior, but they exist. Auntie Heather’s Familiar is a Raccoon, named Roque. He’s okay, very sneaky. He promised to teach me how to be stealthy. I’m still waiting.

Mindy: What he said, I guess. I’ve never actually MET a familiar.

Tuna Fudge Training Dog Treats

By MSZANZ on May 01, 2005

 

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 1 pan

About This Recipe

“This is a wonderful training treat for dogs. It has the consistency of fudge so you can break off different sized pieces and the dogs can eat them quickly without a mess. It is also “smelly” so your dog can anticipate the treat! You must store it in the refrigerator or freezer.”

Ingredients

• 2 (6 ounce) cans tuna ( do not drain)
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients with an electric mixer until well blended.
2. Spread mixture into a greased 9×9 cake pan.
3. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
4. Store in refrigerator or freeze.

NUTRITION FACTS

Serving Size: 1 (655 g)

Servings Per Recipe: 1

Amount Per Serving

% Daily Value

Calories 1384.4

Calories from Fat 341   24%

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value

Total Fat 37.8g  58%

Saturated Fat 12.5g  62%

Cholesterol 523.2mg  174%

Sugars 1.5 g

Sodium 666.2mg  27%

Total Carbohydrate 138.3g  46%

Dietary Fiber 20.1g  80%

Sugars 1.5 g  6%

Protein 126.8g  53%

© 2015 Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved. http://www.food.com/120199