Marla Press is a book author from Houston, Texas, in the United States. In this interview she talks about her book I’m a Dog You’re a Cat: Love Lessons From Our Furry Friends and how it can be used to strengthen your communication with the people in your life.
What motivated you to write this book?
In April of 2008 I met a wonderful man. There was only one, tiny little problem. I didn’t quite understand him. As an example, when I left for a 2 or 3-day business trip, he sometimes didn’t call. My thought was that if you really like someone, you call that person 50 times a day. Ok, maybe 2 times.
I lamented about this new relationship but to my surprise he kept coming back. Dates, dinner, concerts; we had a great time when we were together.
One day I was sharing my frustrations with a good friend of mine. She is clearly a cat (as we determined very quickly). Her observations about my new beau were that he could have been busy and didn’t call because of that. She said, “He’s kind of like me. Sort of like a cat. Aloof, independent and will ask for your attention when they want it.”
It occurred to me at that moment that I was a dog! I was a true, blue, canine, with a loyal personality to match.
I started talking to people about my theory and realized that it was spot on.
People love to share stories and funny observations about their significant others. The more I heard the more I realized that I had tapped into a “Mars and Venus” personality scenario only with dogs and cats. The idea wasn’t gender specific, it was animal specific.
Often people will say, “I’m a dog person or I’m a cat person”. My theory is that it’s not so much about which animal you prefer, it’s about your own DNA.
I’m a Dog You’re a Cat: Love Lessons From Our Furry Friends is more than an entertaining book… What messages are you hoping to convey?
Dog/Cat can help people with their communication skills. If you understand how someone is hard-wired, you can engage on that person’s terms.
While the book is about “love lessons from our furry friends,” clearly these skills can be used in any situation.
For example, when I make a sales call in my “day job” and I’ve assessed that I’m calling a “cat,” I usually ask them how much time we have. I’m respectful of that time and try to stay very tight on the schedule. If I’m calling on a “dog,” I can end up being in their office for hours! Have you ever wondered why there are no cat parks?
The illustrations for the book are very expressive. How did you work with Jim Tweedy, the illustrator of your book?
Jim Tweedy is a master. I am so incredibly fortunate to have his amazing talent on the pages of the book. I had purchased some Jim tweedy art many years before and loved his artistic ability as well as his wicked sense of humor.
I knew that I wanted him to illustrate the book and simply called him and asked. Very doglike; why would he ever say no?
I would send him the story and give him carte blanche to create whatever came to mind (or hand as the case may be). It was extraordinary! I asked him for around 45 drawings and didn’t send one back. Not ONE! For other authors that I have met they think I’m pulling their tail! Jim and I had an amazing synergy with our view of the book.
Can personalities really be classified the way you suggest in your book?
I’ve been asked if there was a scientific study done. The answer is no. Dog/Cat is really more about observations. It’s a broad stroke and an easy way to think of people. While real personality tests are very detailed, most people are a combination of many traits. It is rare that you find someone who is 100% with one trait. My observations have shown me that people tend to be more one way than the other but can change or channel their opposite if the situation demands.
For instance, the example of me channeling my inner cat when I meet with someone who is very catlike, I behave in a more catlike manner. My inner dog is wagging inside, but I know it’s best to leave her for another play date.
What was the inspiration for your book? Do you have dogs and cats at home?
The true inspiration for the book is Ken, my boyfriend of seven years. He is all “cat” who I call the “uber cat.” I am all “dog,” the “uber dog.” We now understand each other a lot better because of the book. We remind each other of it occasionally!
Additionally, when I wrote the book I had two dogs at home. The funny part is that Riley was more of a cat and Bella more doglike. Riley, the true alpha of the pack was very independent and had a mind all her own. While Bella, is all dog, all the time. It’s a funny observation even with the critters.
Are you more of a “cat person” or a “dog person”?
I am probably more of a dog person. I relate to their “neediness” and think it’s charming and not annoying.
Since my older girl Riley is no longer with us I’m thinking about getting Bella a cat. I am very excited to see how that relationship will transpire. I’ll let you know if my opinion changes.
What plans do you have for the future?
That is the toughest question of all. I see so much material everyday that makes me know that this whole dog/cat language is real, helpful and powerful. It has helped me in so many ways communicate with others, especially in my love life!
I see Dog/Cat going in so many directions. It could be an animated television sitcom, it could be a human resources learning tool, or it could just be an adorable idea that people just get.
I’m the optimist (I’m a dog after all). I believe that my followers will let me know what the next step should be. How can understanding the Dog/Cat concept help them communicate better? Or maybe, it’s just another way to be enlightened by our furry friends.
