Sneaky the Cat's Interview with Cupcake the basset hound

I've been interviewing quite a few dogs lately. Today I have the pleasure to chat with the Bassett Hound from Six Dogs ‘Til Sunday that is on a blog tour with Escape with Dollycas into a Good Book.

• What is your name and your author’s name?
• My author’s name is Lia Farrell and my name is Cupcake. I’m a young Bassett hound and I’m still growing into my extra-long ears and tail. I can see that. Mice to meet you.
• What book(s) have you appeared in? Please list them and their genre.
  
• I’ve appeared in “Four Dog’s Sake” and in “Six Dogs ‘Til Sunday.” Both books are cozy mysteries. My favorite books.
• Are you in a series? If so, please give information about it.
  
• Yes, I’m in a series of cozies called the Mae December mysteries. They feature Mae December, an extra-sweet dog lover, who runs a boarding kennel in Rosedale, Tennessee. We have six dogs in our family, although some of them are babies and will soon go to their new homes. I belong to Matt. I was his 5th birthday present. Mae and Ben and Matt are keeping me forever! Sounds purrfect.
• Are you based on a real animal such as your author’s? If so, please give further details.
  
• My author’s best friend in high school had a pregnant basset hound. Lia got to see the babies being born. She wanted to take one home, but her father said “no.” I’m lucky that Matt’s father, Sheriff Ben Bradley, said “yes.” Great story. I think real life pets have a way of infiltrating themselves into their author’s books whether or not they have lived with them.
• Can you share an excerpt from one of your books that features you in an important scene? If so, please include it.
  
• This scene is important because the house Mae and her friend are viewing is the venue for a movie called “Murder in Music City.” It’s a story about a missing girl who is presumed dead and the bad guy who kidnapped her is caught in the house.

“Mae clipped a leash on Cupcake the basset hound (that’s me!). Cupcake was still young enough to be excited about going anywhere (true). Looking at her, Mae smiled. She was small for a basset but well-endowed in the ears department. “I’m glad we don’t have to tie those ears up anymore, Cupcake.” (me, too) At the sound of her name, the dog looked up and wagged her tail so hard it thumped her ribs on either side. “Still have to grow into that tail a bit I see.” Mae reached the bottom of her long driveway and turned left, heading down toward the river. She paused to let Cupcake relieve herself on a long clump of grass. When Cupcake was ready, they followed the narrow drive up to the wraparound porch on the old ramshackle place. ‘Hi Mae, this place is a pit,’ Mae’s friend Connie said in a cheerful voice. ‘But if you think those movie people will like it, I can write up their lease today.’ She crouched down next to Cupcake, seemingly unconcerned about the dirty floor or getting dog hair on her black wool coat. ‘Hello, Precious,’ she said. Cupcake licked her cheek and Connie laughed. (I’m loving the attention) ‘I’m just getting back on track after the holidays. Did you have a good Christmas?’ Mae asked her friend. ‘We did, but I was more than ready for my kids to go back to school yesterday. All three of them were disappointed that Rob and I didn’t get them a puppy for Christmas and they weren’t shy about letting us know.’ (More parents who say “no” to acquiring puppies. Silly people. Puppies are great) Pawsome excerpt!

• What do you like most about your role in your authors’ books?
  
• My favorite scene in the series was when I got to be in Mae and Ben’s wedding! Here’s my grand entrance. “All the guests were standing there was a collective aww as Matthew and Cupcake the basset hound (that’s me!) made their entrance. Matthew looked so handsome in his tuxedo. Showing no trace of nerves, he led his little dog straight to the assembled wedding party. “Good job, Buddy,” Ben whispered to his little boy when the pair reached him. Matt smiled and Cupcake wagged her tail. “You too, Cupcake.” (I beamed) That’s a pawsome scene, too.
• Are you a talking dog in your books or just a silent petlike I am?
  
• I’m silent, but pretty darn good at expressing my emotions and getting what I want in terms of food and cuddling.Good for you. I’m the same.
• What advice would you give other dog characters?
  
• Have fun being famous! Everyone pets you and you get extra treats when they find out you are in a book!

What pet character can resist treats?