Tags
Alpha male, Blackberry, Deputy Dawg, Dogtanian, DOGTV, Hound of the Baskervilles, mobile app, separation anxiety, sheepdog trials, SmartDog, stress medication, treat dispenser
Carrie had been giving directions to a woman who asked her where
Costamuchamoulah must-seen cafe was. While she was indicating its
location to the caffeine pilgrim, ie/ that it was right behind her, the
woman was gazing fixedly into her Blackberry and was only half listening.
She clearly distrusted any information unless she could verify it from
her phone.
Okay, darling. Love ya, she called off.
Semi-exasperated, Carrie said: Look, I’m going there myself.
Just follow me.
Minutes later she was regaling this to me as we settled into our
corner for a couple of lattes and a natter.
What’s up? I asked her. You look a bit stressed.
Oh, it’s just that I’ve been worried about the pugs lately. We seem
to leave them alone for ages at a time.
But your au pair, Magda, is around, isn’t she?
Not really. Now that the kids have gone back to school, Magda
is more and more occupied round at Gyles’ mother’s.
But they have each other for company, surely? I tried to appear
concerned.
Yes, I suppose so, but Brassie was saying that when the boys
went back, Andy, the Border, was going ballistic being home alone.
He chewed Cosmo’s Christmas present from Castor- an astronomy
book.
He’s always been difficult, I pointed out. Alpha male and all that.
Hmm..maybe the dog is mimicking his behaviour.
I meant the dog, silly!
Oh. Anyway, Brassie told me that she’s been watching a programme
about the secret lives of Man’s Best Friend and it showed what dogs
got up to when their owners are out. They’re psychologically disturbed
and have separation anxiety.
The owners? I was trying to be funny.
Both, I suppose. It’s mutual. Well, Brassie has enrolled Andy in a kind
of doggy creche where he receives stimulation and activities.
I bet he likes milk and biscuit time the best, I laughed, but sobered up
when I considered whether owners would receive tax breaks or
vouchers from the government. She must have more money than
sense, I concluded.
I suppose you won’t approve of me either. Carrie looked somewhat
shame-faced.
Why? What have you done?
Don’t tell Gyles, but I’ve ordered a device called ‘SmartDog’ which
incorporates a web camera, microphone and treat dispenser. I’m
going to mount it on the kitchen wall and, using the mobile app, I will
be able to see the pugs, even when I’m out and about.
I don’t believe this!
Candia! Please! I’m going to record a message and then I can speak
to them. There’s even a sensor which means that they can call me.
Right, I remonstrated. So, what you’re saying is that when you’re
having a conversation with me, your dog or dogs can interrupt and can
receive instant gratification and attention? It’s bad enough being put on
hold in the real world by people sidelining you while they chat to their
children or friends, who just cut in on your quality time with a real
presence.
It improves interaction, Carrie continued, less confidently.
Not with your fellow humans, I insisted. I mean, whatever next?!
Oh, DOGTV, Carrie carried on, ruining my rhetorical device. It’s
24/7 and encourages dog playfulness. It reduces the need for stress
medication.
In whom? I bet that there will be a dogfight when the twins come home
if Andy has the remote. Or will they all watch The Hound of the Baskervilles
together? Or maybe repeats of Dogtanian, sheepdog trials, Deputy Dawg
cartoons, or A Hundred and One Dalmations?
Oh, you’re so cynical, Candia!
We heard a mobile phone ring. The woman whom Carrie had shown in
answered it. Yes, sweetheart, I know. Poor Diddums. Mummy won’t be long
Do you want a treat? You do? Okay, lovey. See you very soon. Lots of love.
She’s obviously got SmartDog. Carrie’s eyes dilated with awe and envy.
Maybe that’s why she’s on her own, I speculated. This is a genuine case
of the dog wagging the tail, and not the converse. Personally, I think
she’s barking!
.
