6.1: Reading- He Didn't Want a Dog

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Before You Read

Working with a partner or by yourself, answer the following questions.

1. Have you ever had a pet? Describe your pet, or a pet you would like.

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2. What predictions can you make from the photos in the reading about the man and his dog?

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The Reading

Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.

1 Whenever the subject of getting a dog arose within my family, I was always firm: no silly little dogs. I grew up on a farm, and we had several large dogs, suitable for farming—a collie that could herd the cattle, a golden retriever that would catch the groundhogs out in the field, snap their necks and bury them. Just because I now live in the suburbs with two children doesn’t mean I would suddenly want silly little dogs.

2 “The last thing I want is some yappy little dog, wearing a sweater, yapping her way through the neighbourhood with me behind her carrying a bag of dog poop,” I would say. Farm dogs learn very early where to relieve themselves out of everyone’s way.

3 When my children were agitating for a dog, I said: “No way.” Not unless we moved somewhere. I hate to see large dogs in the suburbs or downtown, cooped up in apartments, stymied by a tiny yard, and of course, we were not going to get a small dog.

4 Flash forward, and preparations are underway for Sasha’s third birthday party. The name, chosen by my daughter Sophie, who wanted a name that would sound like hers. The dog, a small, furry bundle. A tiny tail that moves frantically when any of us come within range. Even the alleged breed sounds ridiculous: a Schnoodle. Schnoodle! Who knew there was such a thing? A cross between a miniature poodle and a miniature schnauzer, supposedly combining the best qualities of both. I am still trying to define what those qualities are.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): *The writer didn’t want a little dog in a sweater*

5 Sometimes, when I look at this creature, I mentally run through the checklist. Yappy, check. Barks whenever somebody knocks, walks by, goes to check their mail in the mailbox across the street. I am told that this is actually part of her “protective” nature, that in other circumstances, she could be an actual guard dog. I would be interested to meet the thief who would be deterred by an 18-inch long, 20-pound fuzzy black dog.

6 Wearing a sweater, check. Not in the summer, of course. But come anything approaching cool weather, and there is a whole fashion line to be unveiled. Rainwear. Vests. Winter coats. I spend more money on the dog’s wardrobe than I do on my own.

7 Yapping her way through the neighbourhood, check. Whether it’s other dogs, children on bicycles, people walking, it’s always worth a bark. Apparently, Sasha takes “being a guard dog” as a very wide mandate.

8 Me behind her, carrying a bag of poop, check. As with dog clothing, I had no idea about the merchandise available to deal with dog poop. My favourite is the lavender-scented bags to mask the aroma, which I now carry along on our walks. I still have problems when someone I know passes, especially if they’re in a car and honk. I always have to resist the urge to wave a bag full of dog poop at them.

9 So, three years old. What will be the present? A new stuffed toy, which she’ll find a way to rip to shreds in minutes? A “non-stuffed toy,” which she will eviscerate and then pull out the little plastic squeakers? Bags of treats, full of ingredients so good I feel I should be eating them?

10 As I write, she lies behind me on the couch, licking my ears, my neck, my head, then settling in for a nap. And soon, at bedtime, I will lift her up, cuddle her and whisper in her ear, “I love you, you silly Schnoodle.” Couldn’t do that with a big dog.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): By Tom Milburn Used with permission

Questions

A. Check Your Understanding

Answer the following questions.

1. What is the main idea the author is establishing in the first few paragraphs? What are some of the reasons for that idea?

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2. What are some details the author uses to show how his concerns about having a small dog came true?

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3. In spite of everything, how does the author make clear how he really feels about the dog?

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B. Develop Your Vocabulary

Find a synonym for each of the underlined words.

1. When my children were agitating for a dog, I said: “No way.” (paragraph 3)

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2. I hate to see large dogs in the suburbs or downtown, cooped up in apartments, stymied by a tiny yard, and of course, we were not going to get a small dog. (para. 3)

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3. Even the alleged breed sounds ridiculous: a Schnoodle. (para. 4)

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4. I would be interested to meet the thief who would be deterred by an 18-inch long, 20-pound fuzzy black dog. (para. 5)

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5. But come anything approaching cool weather, and there is a whole fashion line to be unveiled. (para. 6)

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6. As with dog clothing, I had no idea about the merchandise available to deal with dog poop. (para. 8)

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7. A “non-stuffed toy,” which she will eviscerate and then pull out the little plastic squeakers? (para. 9)

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C. Think about It

Think about the following questions. Write your thoughts, or discuss your ideas with your class.

1. How would you describe the character of the author?

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2. What is the writer’s personal background? How did this background influence his ideas about getting a dog?

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3. The author says, “I hate to see large dogs in the suburbs or downtown, cooped up in apartments …” Do you agree that large dogs should not live in these places, or do you have a different opinion?

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4. The author says, “I spend more money on the dog’s wardrobe than I do on my own.” Do you know people who treat their dogs in this way? What is your opinion of these people?

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5. Have you ever had an experience of coming to appreciate something that you originally didn’t see value in?

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