Interview With A Dog
An ear-deafening “Awwww” breaks the idyllic silence as Golden Retriever Idie enters the park. She just prances past a couple of girls drinking coffee. They admire the probably most well-known dog in Canterbury.
Leash stuck on full tense, Idie throws her whole bodyweight towards the bench occupied by the girls. Why? She wants to ensure that she gets all the attention deserves!
One girl reaches out to gently rub Idie’s fluffy chest. Her cream-golden fur sparkles in the sun, her tail waggles up and down and up and down, filled with excitement. A single drop of saliva runs out of her mouth, seemingly smiling. She’s a bit bigger and chunkier than other Golden Retriever ladies. But that just means more space for stroking, according to Idie.
While both admirers are kept mesmerised, Idie thinks of a time when not everyone was sharing that bond. Before she had reached six months old, she had three different homes. “She was too much work”, said a previous owner.
Two years later, Idie has an amazing home. She’s got dozens of squeaky toys, a nice comfy bed and many servants to feed, walk, and entertain her. Idie just loves to be the centre of attention — at home as well as on her walks.
After leaving the park and smiling people behind, she struts over the walkway stretching along the riverside. That’s her favourite walking route. Reluctantly, the huge dog passes the small patch of grass she would dig around to further her research on the natural inhabitants of Canterbury. The grass has a good quality, and the dirt doesn’t show any evidence of toxic waste. Most importantly: They are perfect to get as dirty as possible, a crucial part of her lifestyle.
Just a few metres away from her research field, she stops at some stone steps on the riverside. Calmly, but with a dedicated stare, she observes rats, birds, and ducks bustling around the water. Despite her many attempts at catching them, she hadn’t had much luck since she was a puppy. Back then, she fetched a mouse but didn’t know what to do next. Naturally, she released the trapped animal and followed its movement with confusion.
“Big Dog!”, shouts a high-pitched voice. Idie quickly swings her head around, the animals aren’t as interesting anymore. Two little kids rush towards Idie, asking eagerly to pet the “doggy”. Idie, as smooth as always, allows the kids to touch her coat, nose, and tail. She just enjoys every second of the double dose of belly rubbing. Happily, the parents of the children smile at the Golden Retriever being spoiled. Idie has that special nature and temperament, making her friendly towards anyone: Strangers, children, dogs, cats, ducks.
Idie moves on, persuading as many people as possible to pet her. Sometimes she stares at other walkers, sometimes she just sits down and refuses to continue until she gets a good rub. Luckily, everyone does as she demands. Because when Idie shows her stubbornness, it is hard to get her moving. Often, the only thing convincing her otherwise is a bribe in form of treats. Clearly, she was faking any kind of exhaustion and quickly jumps back on her feet while bearing a satisfying smirk on her lips.
Arriving back at home, food and a well-deserved sleep have been already awaiting her — after the torture, she must suffer first. Idie considered a lot of times calling the dog police because her owners force her to be cleaned before entering the house. But because she gets treats afterwards, she tolerates it most of the time.
However, Idie is just happy to be back home, getting some rest. She must be back at full power before lifting the spirits in the house and keeping people from working. After all, at least someone has to do their job at home!
