What Breed of Dog Are You?

My regular readers know that I started off my career as an ER veterinarian. From 1993 to 2001 I kept horrid hours and worked overnight shifts that lasted 12 to 19 hours. My mother worried. My social life faltered as my schedule was out of kilter with most of society. We had some super crazy nights when it seemed everyone and their Grandma was bringing in their sick pet. And we occasionally had the odd slow night. Funny how pets didn’t seem to get sick during the Super Bowl or during the first season finale of that show where they vote people off the island.

Anyway, one night we were playing on the internet (which was kind of a new-fangled invention back then) and one of the techs found a website, “What breed of dog are you?” That particular test was put out by psych students. I couldn’t find that particular website recently, but there are now several website tests that pop up when you Google, “What breed of dog are you?”

I took the test all those years ago and learned that I am a pug. There is validity here. Though I occasionally have naughty thoughts or snicker at my friends when they mess up, overall I’m a pretty nice person. I’m too nice usually. Pugs are amongst the nicest of all dogs. I’m also one of the happiest people I know. The same goes for pugs. They are excitable. I am, too. And finally, I do enjoy my food. That’s seals the deal: I’m a pug! Years later I worked with Pacific Pug Rescue (a wonderful nonprofit organization based in Oregon) and often smiled to myself when working with a silly pug, thinking I was one of their kind.

The other day I vaccinated a pug belonging to friends in their home. It was a social event and my “hostess gift” was to poke the unsuspecting doggy. I mentioned that I, too, am a pug and relayed the above. Sure enough, afterwards we sat around the table eating Thai food and passing around the iPad as others took the test. I didn’t take it again for fear that I might now lose my pug status!

So, the next time you are killing time in a waiting room or airport, if you have a tablet or smart phone, consider finding out what breed of dog YOU are! Could you be a terrier? Are you a Papillon? Perhaps you are a Golden retriever. You won’t know unless you take the test! Give it a try.

NOTE: Consult your Veterinarian first to make sure my recommendations fit your special health needs.