Are you an extroverted, easy-going, happy-go-lucky canine? Or are you an introverted, mysterious, cautious feline? I believe everyone leans one way or the other. Not sure? Here are six essential questions to ask yourself…

Do you go toward danger…or run screaming in the opposite direction? Our little terrier Libby’s immediate response to anything she doesn’t like is running toward that person or thing, barking her ass off. She will not stop until the “trespasser” has left — like the garbage man or Fedex driver. Or she will make peace with this interloper (like the cable guy) by sniffing him and granting him temporary stay.

What is our cat Rocky’s response? Flee. Don’t ask questions. Scramble in “full panic mode” to under the nearest bed. Stay for half a day or more. Don’t even come out for dinner. Only emerge at 1:00 a.m. when the house is quiet and still. Only then is it safe…but check first.

Do you love parties …or would you rather take a rain check? When our family’s over for holidays, Libby goes to each person, jumping on their lap. This is her way of greeting our guests. She’ll rotate the room continuously so no one feels left out…like any good hostess.

Meanwhile, what is Rocky doing? Rocky’s curled up in the furthest reaches of our home, deep in slumber. Sherlock Holmes couldn’t find him. The cat wants no part of it. I can almost read his mind. He is not a (*shudder*) pack animal. He’s solitary and likes it that way.

Do you love being touched anywhere… or do you have specific, designated spots that may only be approached with permission? Libby loves being scratched on the head, back, feet, and neck. She’ll even roll over and let you pat her belly! She can’t get enough.

On the other hand, Rocky likes being touched, but only for 7.5 seconds on the head and in front of the tail. That’s it. Anything more will result in a bite or scratch.

Do you love being summoned… or do you prefer doing the summoning? Libby loves being called forth. You see it in her smile and wagging tail as she barrels ahead. What’s going on? What do you want? Here I am! What’s happening?

On the other hand, we’ll call Rocky and be met with tomblike silence. Rocky will arrive when Rocky wants to and if it’s four hours later, so be it. Rocky reminds me of a haughty movie star. However, he will summon us at 6:30 a.m. when he’s hungry.

Do you take medicine easily…or is it a scene from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest?” Some people coat their dog’s pills in peanut butter. Libby doesn’t need that. She’ll eat anything (or at least attempt to) including candy wrappers, plastic bottle caps, and well, I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. Pills go down in nano-seconds.

On the other hand, I’ve been reduced to tears trying to give Rocky medicine. I’ve even watched YouTube videos. (By the way, there are dozens). Usually they involve someone wearing a Hazmat suit and rubber gloves. Some of the videos were over an hour long. I now grind up Rocky’s pill and give it to him in his food. Much easier.

Do you love learning new tricks…or would you rather sit, with a look of baleful contempt, while someone tries to get you to do… anything?

Libby loves making us happy. She’ll run, fetch, and stand on her hind legs. She could be trained to be that cute, little circus dog. She adores performing and getting treats in return.

Then there’s Rocky. There’s a reason you never see cats in circuses, or at least the small, domestic kind. Rocky doesn’t “do” tricks . For that matter, elderly fifteen-year old Rocky doesn’t do much of anything, except nap. He could not care less about “pleasing” us.

And yet, for all my cat’s neurotic, fussy ways, I identify with him more. I guess I’m a feline too.

Although I think canines are healthier with their joyful, open attitude, we can’t change who we are.

Maybe there’s a reason I’ve always been the only lap Rocky will lie on. In a house full of extroverted human “canines,” Rocky recognizes one of his own.

Sometimes he’ll look at me and purr. I smile back. We get each other. He’ll let me pat his head… for exactly 7.5 seconds.

Which one are you? Comments are always welcome and if you like, please share. Thank you!

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