As copies of Humor at the Speed of Life continue to wash up arrive on both coasts here in the U.S., as well as in countries generally accessible only by boat, so has praise from some of the literary world’s most respected critics. Among them, Nicholas H. Sheltie, who has awarded HATSOL with the coveted Dookie of Distinction Award after calling it:
“Arfuably the best backyard reading I have encountered since my days at the kennel. Inspirational. Three poos up, way up!
Though the notoriously reclusive Sheltie was unavailable for further comment, his press agent, S. Henry DaFrankmann, said “The Dookie of Distinction Award is so coveted because it is handed out with irregularity.”
While rumors have begun surfacing that Sheltie’s decision may have been influenced by bacon treats, DaFrankmann flatly denies the rumors. “I’ve personally tried tempting Mr. Sheltie with every treat imaginable, and he has consistently refused to roll over,” DaFrankmann said. “His handshake is his word. Actually, so is ‘speak.’ But mostly it’s his handshake.”
My thanks again to members of the elite HATSOL Surveillance Team, whose resoluteness is an inspiration to anyone considering a restraining order. Updates on this developing story will be given as information becomes available. Possibly after Sheltie’s next walk…
(Ned Hickson is a syndicated columnist with News Media Corporation. His first book, Humor at the Speed of Life, is available from Port Hole Publications, Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.)
Ned's Blog 
Did he give it canine out of ten? (Sorry, it’s Monday!)
HA! He said it was his favorite boo since Wag the Dog.
He gave it three poos up.
Keep it up! Win another Dookie of Distinction and you’ll have quite a streak going.
Lol! I don’t know — I’m pretty wiped out…
Smart critics can be doggedly ruff. I’m glad you didn’t have to say, “Heel!” to Mr. Nicholas H. Sheltie.
You and me both. I heard he can be ruff.
This is one intelligent-looking dog. I’d believe him anything. In fact, this dog looks so skilled, I’d even let him do a surgery on my brain. It’s all about glasses.
I actually had him perform a small mole removal for me. I’ll never forget his encouraging words, “Don’t worry, Ned, we can lick this thing…”
Ned, is your book available digitally at all?
If it’s anything like your blog I’d love to check it out but as a ‘wannabe writer / unemployed bum currently freeloading at his folks’ place’, I don’t have much to spare.
Or maybe I’ll just wait until the film comes out and subsequently makes it onto TV..?
Hey, thanks Sean! No e-Version yet, but I’m working on getting that available from the publisher in the next month or so. In the meantime, hold on to your money and wait for the straight-to-Walmart-$5-bin release.
Roger that sir.
Nick is still taking his daily nap and can not be disturbed for further comment, although reading HATSOL does have him a bit disturbed. He used the cat box yesterday. His copy is dogeared, however, a testimony that HATSOL is indeed one book that you can’t put down. Rubbing Nick’s copy in bacon was good strategy.
The most frightening thing about this is that I actually have a fake dog dookie just like that one in my desk drawer. I’m sure I don’t need to explain why…
This is not your first “Dookie of Distinction”?
I did not have to look for fake dog dookie either….
It’s the first awarded to me. The other is something I awarded myself because every man needs to have a fake dookie handy at all times. And of not fake, then…
As a writer of your calibre knows, there’s nothing better than dookie hot off the press.
You’re on a real streak.
Ho ho ha ha heeeeeeeeehhhhh!!!!
Was that a brief comment?
I wouldn’t risk staining your reputation.
That stain has been looming for some time now.
You might try Jockeying for a new pair.
I tried but all I could do was hemorrhoid and haw.
It might be time to try a different type of undergarment all together. I suppose it depends.
That suggestion is loaded.
Don’t point unless you intend to shoot. Sorry, but I’m not behind you on this one.
Uggghhhh…. UH!!!!!
Dogs can’t read!
There are exceptions to every rule; Justin Bieber can’t sing either, but he’s still a highly successful recording artist 😉
Ha! 🙂 Now why can’t I figure out how to make a truck load of money at something I’m not good at? I’ve got a long list to choose from … 😉
Exactly! If we pool our lists of non-talents, we could become billionaires!
I think the look on your dog’s face perfectly sums up the feeling most authors have regarding marketing. As in, “Really? I gotta do this now?”
Hope the book launch is going well! You seem to be off to a great start. I always enjoy your tweets. They make me laugh in 140-character bursts. 🙂
Thanks, Carrie 😉 I wish I could take credit for the photo, but it was sent in by a reader/blogger whose dog, Nicholas, is way more intelligent looking than I am.
Yeah, you’re right — How hard can it be? 😉
This is your second canine accolade. Where are the cats, hedgehogs, squirrels, bears, etc? I don’t want to say it but you are showing signs of being speciest. 😉
I’m not that surprised my book is going to the dogs.