& Commentary

Other People’s Dogs

So, something I’ve noticed. Why is it that random people will, with reckless abandon, address my dogs without addressing me first. I’m on a trip right now and my dogs are with me. I’ll be filling up my tank somewhere and here comes some guy and his girl waltzing by. They give my dogs a warm smile and start talking to them like parents talk to one-year-olds. “Heeey there, aren’t you a pretty puppy. Look at you with your floppy ears.” What am I? A side of cole slaw?

As a species, we should be comfortable addressing our own species. Seriously. I’m not saying don’t talk to other people’s dogs. I’m just saying, talk to random humans too. Just not like they’re a toddler.