With apologies to Lionel Shriver who wrote the great book, winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction, We Need To Talk About Kevin.
And the reason for this title? Well, for those of you who’ve read the book, Dino reminded me of Kevin.
I must admit, I’m not one for corporal punishment but, sometimes it is necessary, especially as you can’t reason with dogs. So a sharp whack (but not hard) on the backside usually works. However, whereas with most puppies, one of these sharp whacks elicits some sort of yelp or whimper and then a scurrying away, with Dino, the other day, it was quite noticeably weird.
Firstly, Dino makes no noise. None at all. And then, rather than scamper away, I found him sitting right behind me, looking at me with his big blue eyes, head slightly tilted, as if to say ‘Yeah? And now what?’
Then I realised that this was not uncommon for him and that he had almost always been like this.
I’m just pleased that he is not able to get or use a gun because, if he was a child, I would be thinking he was another Kevin for certain.
Although N was rather scathing about the book, I thought it was great and have re-read it several times, each time getting something new from it. Do read it if you get the chance and, these days, you can get quite cheap versions.
Hi Andy,
What is the title of the book about which you wrote?
And you hit Dino? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!
And corporal punishment is some times necessary? With dogs or people or both? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
I wouldn’t have yelped either because I wouldn’t want you to ever know it hurt. Dino is smart. Love him. I do. Hah!
Awaiting your words.
Love you,
Gail
peace
The book is called ‘We need to talk about Kevin’.
Yep, ‘fraid so. However not hard enough to hurt – just as an immediate ‘surprise’.
Corporal punishment should not be necessary. Full stop. So, he doesn’t get beaten. He doesn’t get a whack for something he has done – as punishment. As I said, this was more to get his very immediate attention.
Dino may be smart but he is also scary. You wouldn’t have yelped because you can reason. Dogs don’t reason. However, if he turns out to be a bit willful, I have a trick up my sleeve that always (and I hope it does this time) works. We shall see.
Glad that you love him though. I do too as he is, mostly, a very, very sweet dog.
Hi Andy,
Breathe…..I KNOW you don’t beat your dog or anyone for that matter. I know you are a gentle soul.
And I think dogs do ‘reason’……………… not like humans but they can ‘control’ a situation to their liking. The not yelping thing was a stretch but I still believe dogs, many animals, do reason in their own ways.
I love your gentle ole self……………….I do Andy. And I know you love Dino.
I am sorry if I riled you.
Love and peace
Gail
Andy?
Are you upset with me? Please don’t be. I love you to pieces.
I was awaiting ‘words’ from you.
Love,
Gail
Hi again,
clearly I had another few words to write. This type of communicating leaves so much to assume. I can’t read your body language nor you mine. So much is missed. Oh well.
I would love a ‘face to face’ with you or at least an ‘ear to ear’. In time, yes?
Peace and clarity,
Gail
Gail!
Stop worrying so much! I can see how it may have looked like I beat him regularly and you have a point of view that you expressed. If I had been angry about it I would not put it through. I don’t always get the chance to do an immediate reply, is all.
With regards to a face-to-face or ear-to-ear – well, who knows.
Hi Andy,
Okay, I will stop worrying.
thanks for your words…..
Gail