The Anthropomorphic Literature and Arts Association (also known as ALAA) is the membership organization that presents the annual Ursa Major Awards (formally known as the "Annual Anthropomorphic Literature and Arts Awards"). Its goals are the promotion of anthropomorphic media. Examples of anthropomorphic attributes include exhibiting human intelligence and facial expressions, the ability to speak, walking on two legs, and wearing clothing. Evidence from art and artifacts suggests it is a long-held propensity that can be dated back to earliest times. It is strongly associated with the art of storytelling where it also appears to have ancient roots. Lewis Carroll's novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was banned in China's Hunan province in 1911 because "animals should not use human language" and it "put animals and human beings on the same level.
- "Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
- The Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to
- Alice: I don't much care where.
- The Cat: Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.
- Alice: …so long as I get somewhere.
- The Cat: Oh, you're sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.
What follows is my interview with Remy, a dog. This would not have been possible without the cooperation of her human companion, Sharon. Many of us interact with objects, tools, machines and pets and may form 'attachments' to them, give them names, or direct emotions towards them.
- Alice: I didn't know that Cheshire cats always grinned; in fact, I didn't know that cats could grin.
- The Duchess: You don't know much; and that's a fact.
- Q: I have made mistakes with pet names in the past: I messed up the name of my sister's cat. I called her pumpkin when she's really pumkin. So to to start off on the right foot, excuse me, the right paw, can we confirm your full name?
- R - e-m-y. My full name is Remy Hurley (Hurley is for Bobby Hurley the great point guard from Duke University in the 90's-My human, Sharon, is kind of a fan)
- Q:How old are you Remy?
- I was born in 2003. Actually I will soon celebrate a birthday, my sixth, as I was born in January. I'm getting to that age where I don't make a point about birthdays.
- Q: So is Remy a she or a he? Without asking I was going to assume by the name, Remy, that you are a he.
- I'm a she, but was named for the Red Sox baseball player, Jerry Remy! Did I mention that my human likes sports?
- Q: You are a beautiful dog Remy. I'd be proud to be seen at the end of your leash any time, any where. Can you tell me a little about your lineage?
- Sharon adopted me from a shelter. My adoption papers called me an "All American" breed which is today's politically correct term for mutt! However, I like to believe I have many of the features of a Corgi. Sharon did some research which revealed that I look much like an Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher.
- Q: I believe Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers are a breed of farm dog that is accustomed to having a job to do, and are utilized to guard livestock. Do you get to spend time outdoors?
- I get plenty of outdoor exercise, although this time of year can be tough, especially in the extreme cold. I really do like to run and play.
- Q: Who are some of your friends? As the writer for Tom's Cats, I must ask: Do you count any cats among your friends?
- There are two cats who live across the street, I don't know their names. One is an orange tabby and the other is a grey. I like to chase them into the bushes. I guess that's my Pinscher coming out. I wouldn't call myself a cat fan! One of my friends is Molly, a police dog. I am also friends with Chance, a Great Dane. Chance is only a puppy, but is already almost four feet tall. As I am all of two feet tall, humans like to take our picture together. The great love of my life is a black Labrador named Jake. He lives with Sharon's parents. We love to play together every chance we get. However, I think I've also got a secret crush on Chance, although he's still pretty young. Call me fickle!
- Q: Do you have any unique traits, or features that come to mind? My readers want to know everything.
- I was very timid when Sharon adopted me. I had been abused by other humans. It took us over a year to bond, and to develop "trust". Now we are best of friends and are both avid Red Sox fans. I love to watch baseball and the "Dog Whisper" on NATGEO (the National Geographic channel). Sharon tries to get me to follow the dog whisper's training! She's a hoot! We are country music fans and will dance to George Harvey Strait. Do you like him? Sharon says Strait is sometimes referred to as the "King of Country."
- My favorite movie is A Dog's Breakfast which is a Canadian comedy independent film produced in 2006. It was the first film to be written and directed by David Hewlett, who is best known for his role in the TV series Stargate Atlantis. The movie stars his dog (Mars the Dog).
- I like to eat everything, I expect to lick every plate clean. That's very un-dog whisper like! Sharon also gives me Beneful dog food daily. We have two parakeets Jack and Leo. Jack was named for Jack Johnson the singer. Leo talks. His favorite line is "pretty birdie" but I've also caught him repeating stuff off the TV.
- Q: Do you have any political opinions?
- Although I lean toward being a democrat, I am definitely an Independent. I like to do things my way. I really wanted Hillary to win. Oh, another one of my passions is Cancer Research. I am a big Lance Armstrong fan and if they made yellow dog collars I would wear one. I assist Sharon with her fund raising efforts on behalf of the American Cancer Society. If I could walk in the Relay for Life, I would be on that track all night long!
Well Remy, like Alice I think I should understand that better, if I had it written down: but I can't quite follow it as you say it. However, I wish to thank you and your human Sharon for your time and insights.
You may enjoy reading: Dogs are our friends, too.
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