His Master's Voice

Pappy's not a big listener. I can bellow "NO," and he'll wag his tail expecting a treat. But this weekend something bizarre happened.

I was visiting my father at the old folks home, and Pappy spotted a wee terrier way down the corridor. Pappy goes all wolfman barky snarly around other dogs when on leash, so that's a situation best avoided around seniors. We turned off the hallway into a side room, and, as I was sitting down, Pappy pulled loose. He tore out of the room and down the corridor with me in pursuit. I have no idea what I said, but Pappy suddenly pulled up short, hunkered down and looked miserable. That has never worked before. I felt bad that I scared him, but, man, I wish I knew what I did. Those magic words could come in handy someday.