This Problem Can’t Get Licked

Animal Shelter, Stupid, Tennessee, USA | Right | October 28, 2012

(We are doing an adoption event at a retailer in conjunction with four other animal rescue/shelter groups. Each group is in a large tent with dogs that are up for adoption in crates. A lady approaches with two kids: a boy about 6 and a girl about 9.)

Woman: “Oh, she is so cute!” *motioning towards a two-year-old Shepherd mix*

Me: “Yes, she is a great dog, and she is great with kids. Would you like me to take her out so you can see how she acts around your children?”

Woman: “Yes, that would be great!”

(I take the dog out of her crate and put her on a leash. The kids are both petting her and the dog is behaving very well.)

Woman: “Oh… that dog doesn’t lick, does she?”

Me: “Of course she does. All dogs lick.”

Woman: “Oh, you will have to put her back, then. My daughter is allergic to dog saliva. We need a dog that doesn’t lick.”

Me: “Ma’am, all dogs lick. They use their tongue to eat, drink water, clean themselves, and show affection. Maybe a dog is not what you should be looking for.”

Woman: “Oh, that’s bull. I know you have some dogs here that don’t lick. If you don’t, then one of these other groups will.”

Me: “You are welcome to ask around.”

(The woman spent the next 30 minutes going to each tent trying to find a dog that doesn’t use its tongue. She ended up going inside and adopting a cat.)

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