Lost in translation
February 9th 2009 21:40
'The line is here.' 'No, way, it's over here.'
Daisy understands English better than Scratchy.
This is clear from the rule that the dogs are not allowed into the kitchen. In our house, the kitchen is part of an open living area, so enforcing the rule is tricky as it applies not to a doorway but to an invisible line at either end of the island bench.
The dogs know they must not cross that line and enter the cooking area. However, like a glacier, the line moves forward with slow but steadfast resolve, and geographical restatement is periodically required.
I have chosen the word "back" to do the job. "Back, Daze!" rarely requires elaboration, and Daisy retreats to the original line of scrimmage.
It just doesn't seem to work the same way for Scratchy, however. Every time I say, "Back, Scratch!" the daft dog moves forward with an expectant shimmy, looking for all the world like he is going to get a pat.
He doesn't understand plain English.
'Are you coming?' 'No, I'm waiting for a back scratch.'
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