Thursday, June 24, 2010

puppy love

When you have a dog you take her for a walk. You take her for a walk everyday around the same time and you might even take the same route. Habit.

Other people have dogs and they take them for walks everyday around the same time and they take the same route.

By simple exposure, these dog-owner couples become your friends. They stop and pet your dog and you pet theirs. You say things like “oh, she’s so cute, what’s her name?” You say that because of her bowlegs she must be part basset, or that her playful energy means she’s absolutely part lab or retriever. You make dog-talk with these strangers, and then carry on your walk, to see them again tomorrow.

Ellie brought up the point tonight that you can’t just go up to a stranger and say, “oh, you’re so cute, what’s your name?” You can’t say, “such a long nose. You must be Italian.” These are things you don’t say to complete strangers, and part of society that would be completely lost on a puppy.

Puppies walk up and sniff another dog’s butt and they’re instantly friends or foes. Sounds easier. Try it and let me know how that goes.

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