Thursday, December 09, 2010

Animals and Children

I think it was W.C. Fields who said "never work with animals or children".  He was an actor/comedian/philosopher and he's said some really funny and insightful things. But what he said about animals and children is right on the money. 
Many years ago, Jilda and I used to play in talent shows. Not sure why, we just loved to play and sing, and talent shows were just another venue to us. We could hold our own with most acts, but if there were animals or children in the lineup, we knew we didn't have a prayer of winning. 
The reason is obvious. The quickest way to tug the heartstrings of any caring adult, is through children or animals. 
Some of the most popular pieces I've ever written were about kids or critters. The column I wrote for the newspaper last Sunday was about our old dog Charlie, and it got an incredible response.
A local TV station read it on the air last Sunday, I've received calls, emails, and comments on my blog and on Facebook. 
A woman whom I did not know stopped me in McDonald's yesterday and told me the story about Charlie made her cry.
This week I'm struggling to come up with a topic for my column. The words of W.C. Fields seem to ring true - how do you follow a story about animals or children?

6 comments:

  1. The only thing I can think of that might remotely come close would be something about showing kindness to old people. Something like that. But WC sure was a very smart man wasn't he?

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  2. Hello Rick. I found this wonderful blog after you left your very kind comment on Authors on Show.
    We used to have a 'blog of the week' nd yours makes me wonder if we should bring it back. Glad I found you and thanks again for your lovely comment of support.
    Lorraine x

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  3. I always loved stories about animals, especially when they center around German shepherd dogs. Great story,

    Jane

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  4. ...with another one about children and animals!

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  5. He also said "I like children .... fried"

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  6. Kids and dogs and this time of year. Can't think of any thing better.

    -N-

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