Goofy Mail

Goofy Mail
read the original column at GOOFY

s we close out Year 2007, I want to share some of the mail I have received from readers. In one column, in particular, that appeared here last month, I questioned whether Goofy was really a dog. It was originally written and published about seven years ago. Over the years since, some of my readers have decidedly taken me seriously. Here’s a short sampling of what I call my Goofy mail.

1.) South Florida - Well, first of all, I would like to say YOU SAD ACT! Why would anyone spend obviously way too much time wondering if Goofy was a dog? Do you have a life at all? I have some simple advice: Go out find a nice girl, go on a date and start a life with her. I mean, it's a cartoon! So what if Goofy walks and so on. Let it go.

2.) Alaska – Okay, this has been an ongoing argument in my home. A lot of evidence does go to supporting Goofy being a dog, sure. Goofy is just as dumb-witted as a dog, true. The 1934 intro of Goofy being named Dippy Dawg does imply his existence as a dog. Goofy is superior to Pluto in all activities and abilities, but get this: Donald Duck is matched with Daisy - both ducks. Mickey Mouse is matched with Minnie - both mice. Goofy is matched with Clarabelle Cow - BOTH COWS!

3.) Ottawa, Canada - I was talking to my 7 year old son about Goofy and we couldn't really decide for sure, so I told him I'd check on the Internet and I came across your article. I wanted to send you my son's explanation. He says that Pluto is a puppy, therefore he can't talk and do a lot of things like Goofy. Works for me.

4.) Jacksonville - Did you ever consider the fact that when Goofy was first created he went by the name Dippy Dawg. I think that is strong evidence that he was created to be a dog.

5.) DeLand - I have no idea why it took you a month to answer the Goofy, a dog or person, question. I called Disney Public Relations - a dog. Called their Library - a dog. Called Animation, got an old timer who set it straight. Goofy is a human being.

Now if I could only figure out why there are 40 and 60 watt bulbs, but no 50. And do you walk or run in the rain to stay drier? And do light colors really keep you cooler in the sun? And why do trains in France run on the wrong side of the tracks, like in the UK, yet all other EU countries have trains and cars both on the right side of the road.

6.) Edgewater - Mickey and Minnie are mice, do they ever squeak? Do they ever run around on 4 legs? No! They wear clothes! Why shouldn't Goofy wear clothes too? He used to be called Dippy Dawg! Look at his ears, his mouth. Come on! ANYTHING is possible in cartoons.

7.) New York City - If you were a real Goofy fan, you would know exactly what Goofy is, half man and half dog. That's why he can drive and go shopping. I am 28 years old and have been a fanatical Goofy fan since I was a toddler. I cannot believe that someone, who actually took as much time as you did, came to the wrong conclusion. Didn’t you notice "all" of his dog-like features like the hairy body, big nose, and big front teeth. Please don't tell me you know any men who look like that.

8.) Nottingham, UK - I was reading your article about Goofy with interest, and some confusion, your argument centres around Goofy not being a dog because of his "human" qualities. From your evidence I conclude that Pluto is in fact the non-dog. Mickey Mouse also drives, eats at a table, works on a steamboat. Donald Duck wears a hat. I think Chip and Dale fly a plane.

9.) Michigan - I want to tell you how much I enjoyed reading the responses from your readers. They DO realize Goofy is a cartoon character – fictional, not real - don't they? I found the seriousness of their answers most entertaining! Will you soon write another column about Goofy? Please do! Strike another nerve...c'mon!

You can read more of Bill’s columns at his web site at www.ExtraHelpings.com. Please send written mail to him at PO Box 1029, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170 or e-mail at BillCook@BillCook.net.