TailsInc.com

As my readers may remember, last year I had a guest blogger here named Doc, who is a vampire-hunting Border Collie. In his blog he gave instructions to other animals on how to hunt vampires. It was fascinating! Now, Doc’s vampire-hunting adventures have just been released in a new novella: DOC VAMPIRE HUNTING DOG. I thought that the, ah, perfect individual to interview him about his chosen vocation would be Talisman, the prissy, seriously-pampered, dancing dog from my canine chick lit novella, SHOW DOG SINGS THE BLUES.

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Talisman: Why do you hunt vampires?

Doc: They smell funny. Dead things shouldn’t be walking around. Oh, and several have tried to hurt my human.

Talisman: Do you receive any blue ribbons for your accomplishments?

Doc: Sometimes I get covered in goo. Does that count?

Talisman: That sounds really gross to me.

Doc: Getting covered in goo is gross. Then I have to get a bath. *flattens ears in disgust*

Talisman: Do you dance to celebrate a successful hunt?

Doc: Dance? Sometimes I get to herd sheep.

Talisman: Well, there is some complex choreography involved with both dance and herding. Do you work with a choreographer?

Doc: Huh?

Talisman: Never mind. So, you said they smell funny. As in icky?

Doc: *sneezes* Yes. Like they are dry, dusty, dead-things.

Talisman: Is getting dirty and breaking your nails really worth it?

Doc: I don’t think I’ve ever broken a nail. I broke a rib once, and maybe I did break a nail when I tore up my feet that other time, but I still got to work sheep, so it was okay. You should try and get dirty. It means you’re having fun, and working, which is the same as having fun.

Talisman: *shudders* Oh, I don’t like getting dirty. Well, does your person reward you with bottled water, special organic treats, massages, and trips to the pet psychic? If not, what is your prize for a successful hunt?

Doc: *tilts head* Huh? I guess I get head scratches and I get to watch Nelli on TV. She’s a famous Border Collie; so beautiful.

Talisman: Doc, you’re drooling.

Doc: Oh, sorry. I get to go for walks and play fetch and sometimes work sheep.

Talisman: (*whispers* I have to confess that I really do like working sheep, but don’t spread it around or they might expect me to do it more often and then I might end up on that ranch again where I got mixed up with a cowdog and had to protect a lamb from wolves and actually, work. I prefer massages and organic treats…I have a reputation to uphold.) *clears throat* What are your long-term career plans?

Doc: Long-term? Like next week? I suppose we’ll be hunting vampires. One day I’d like to work sheep with Nelli…

Talisman: Doc, you’re drooling again.

Doc: Oh, sorry.

Talisman: Has your sanity been evaluated by a dog psychiatrist?

Doc: I know this wolf who turns into a human. Should I talk to him?

Talisman: *Stares at Doc as if the entire canine world has gone mad.* Is there anything you’d like to tell our readers in closing?

Doc: Thank you for having me here Talisman. Maybe someday you can teach me how to dance. I’ll teach you how to hunt vampires.

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J.A. Campbell writes fantasy novels, often featuring heroic animals. Doc chose her to write his stories in 2010 and they’ve become quite popular. You can read more for free on her website at www.writerjacampbell.com. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found riding her horse and playing with her own vampire-hunting dog in training, Kira, the Border Collie inspiration for Doc.

Devin O’Branagan is the bestselling author of paranormal thrillers, urban fantasy, paranormal chick lit, comic chick lit, and canine chick lit. She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and uses her writing projects to support animal rescue. Visit her website at www.DevinWrites.com to learn about her books and sign up for her monthly eNewsletter.