I hate when it turns out that I represent an unimpressive negative national stereotype. But here it is: I can’t complain. If I have bad service, my revenge is to never go to that place again Or, at least, give them just one more chance, dammit. I don’t even do bad online reviews. Not anymore. … Continue reading Doggy DNA Part 3
I am not a great scientist. Let me put that out there first. At school, when it came to choosing which science I would focus on for the final two years of compulsory schooling (14-16), I chose physics, because that’s what boys did. Girls went for biology; mad scientists and bomb-makers chose chemistry. I didn’t … Continue reading On Doggy DNA, part 2
We have previously discussed the fascinating sociological issue of the secret pug-lovers societies dotted around the US (and, most likely, beyond). Having our three puppers means that we instantly, and without any option to opt out, have an entry into this cabal. And yet. Look at them. I look at these faces every day and … Continue reading On Doggy DNA
As the great Tom Selleck’s character Peter observed in 3 Men and a Baby, it doesn’t matter what you say to a baby, “it’s the tone you use.” And so this is how to talk to the baby. Agreeing with her observations in cheerful, supportive voices. “Dog,” she might proclaim, sticking a tiny, damp finger up … Continue reading On Lying to Small Children
Like tattoos and tea pots, once you get one pug, you might well find yourself getting another one. Foolishly, my wife and I very much thought of ourselves as cat people but, as my son is allergic, we decided to make do with a dog instead. It's a wonder we're able to make it through … Continue reading The Pug Pack: A Recap
Based on the Guardian series, here. When were you happiest? Any time when my wife and I were together, with nowhere specific to be, ideally with a hot drunk and the pug pack. Which living person do you most admire, and why? Elizabeth Warren. I believe she has a plan to really make a difference. … Continue reading The Q&A
You’re right; we’ve been here before. A rescue pug (or two) who comes to us with poor teeth that need a lot of expensive care. This time, though, it’s the JCs - they’re not, strictly speaking, our pugs. We’re fostering them…but that's beginning to feel like a much more long-term deal. The thing with pugs … Continue reading On the JCs’ teeth
Big JC and Little JC are the first dogs we’ve ever fostered, so they’re going to be hard to say goodbye to. We’ll miss their squishy faces, their little personality quirks, and their warm doggy breath in our faces; but maybe a full night’s sleep, a 50% reduction in dog poop, and lack of food-time … Continue reading So you’re planning to adopt the JCs
When I am God-King of the Universe, these are things that will be illegal. With punishments swift and severe: Serving a patron Pepsi when they specifically asked for Coke. Isn’t this supposed to be the home of freedom? Isn’t this the country that invented customer service? So what is this bullshit? Coke is not Pepsi. … Continue reading On Things I Would Make Illegal
Spending a few years living among people from another country has made me look at many things afresh; it’s not possible to take quite so much for granted when you’re surrounded by people who talk, act, think, and believe differently to you. Or, at least, that’s how it should be. And sure, there’s probably many … Continue reading On Sayings
