Officials And The Dog World

There are some amazing parallels with tennis officials and the personality traits of dogs. Hopefully you will enjoy this new series...

GOLDEN RETRIEVER

One of the most mild-mannered and lovable of all dogs. Here are the parallels with tennis officials:

* Tend to be very flexible and accomodating in their demeanor and behavior.

* Very gracious and kind to other officials. Can be taken advantage of very easily.

* Tends to be very attentive to the players and their concerns.

* Understands and is sympathetic to parents' concerns.

* Easily abused because of their loving and accepting nature.

* Never files grievances or complains to the referee.

* Always willing to open and distribute the balls in a dual match.

* Never cares about which match they are assigned.

* Never complains or causes trouble and dissention.

* Usually gets to work the Big 12 Tournament every year.

* Sometimes selected as "Umpire of the Year" in Texas.

* Works well with Chuck Scott because they're willing to do all that he asks.

* Great example for all officials and loved by most everyone.

* Tends to be a Type B man or woman. Not overly aggressive and/or assertive.

* Excellent team player.

* Can tend to depression and/or anxiety if things don't go well.

* Can get their feelings hurt easily if the referee is a jerk or jerkette.

* Will never make it to the Center Court at the US Open but does more matches than most anyone else in the country.

* Always picked first when there are teams being selected.

* Easily housebroken (and I'll leave the rest up to your imagination...)