Interview with Vladimir Ilyitch O'Duffy

1. What is your full name? 2. What is your favourite nickname?

Firstly I would like to thank you for this opportunity of appearing on your most admirable blog. My name is Vladimir Ilyitch O'Duffy but I'm almost always called 'Vlad' although the woman who feeds me has been known, in her softer moments, to murmer "Illie". I cannot explain this. There are many things about humans which defy explanation.

3. If your humans want to spoil you, what should they get for you or do?

If humans wish to spoil me all they need to do is bribe me with small pieces of poached chicken breast. I am very partial to food.

4. What is your favourite spot in the house?

I live in a small house by a creek in Australia and my favourite spot, apart from my basket by the fire, is in the kitchen where I have a chair of my own easily reached by judicious use of a footstool. From here I can gaze through the glass wall at the possums munching on the quince tree. Quaint creatures, but I advise against getting into an argument with them.

5. What is the most exciting thing you ever did?

Over my long and rich life spanning 18 years, the most momentous event was my encounter with a tiger snake early in 2009. That was a long, hot summer and the snakes had been making their way up from the creek at the back of the house and, although I am a mild mannered chap, one morning I quite lost my temper with a snake that was attempting to come inside. On numerous occasions I had warned the woman about leaving her backdoor open but would she listen? In a fit of rage at the intruder I attacked! Alas, I was badly wounded and spent almost 2 weeks in the animal hospital recovering. The snake venom damaged my lower spine and left me with hardly any power of movement and I can no longer jump. But the snake died! And I lived to tell the tale.

6. What is your favourite game?

These days I am more or less an invalid and am not allowed outside except under strict supervision but I still enjoy playing (gently) with my feather on a string and my beloved ping pong ball

7. If there are any humans or anipals from Twitter you want to mention you can do that here... I'll post as many as you like.

Of course my writing keeps me busy. Twitter is a welcome break from my hectic blogging schedule and I must thank @DaisyCurlyCat for keeping my spirits up when I become a little depressed. She always leaves comments on my blog too! There are so many wonderful anipals like @ArtyTheCat @ladycat3 @Mulder_Cat @thinkpad1 @kipperdoodle and the incredible @Manxington to tweet with. Even the dogs are friendly on twitter, for example @PepiSmartDog

Twitter has opened my eyes to a larger vision of the world. Never would I have imagined myself chatting with a doberman!