(I work for a daycare centre. I am saying goodbye to the children before we close, when a young boy asks me a question.)
Boy: “Can I bring my dog tomorrow?”
Me: “Sorry, but we aren’t allowed pets.”
Boy: “What about imaginary?”
Me: “Oh, imaginary is fine!”
(His face lights up and I say I’m looking forward to meeting his dog. The morning after, the owner comes into the office where I am printing the register for the day.)
Owner: “Did you tell the kids yesterday that they could bring pets?”
Me: “No— Oh, there was one boy who wanted to bring an imaginary dog.”
Owner: “[Boy]? Well he’s brought a REAL dog.”
(I follow the owner out and see a bunch of children playing with a border terrier puppy.)
Boy: “Miss, come see!”
(I walk over and pet the pup. It’s seems perfectly content.)
Me: “I thought you said you had an imaginary dog?”
Boy: “I do!”
(I look at him and then his father, who looks rather amused. The owner then tries to convince the boy that he’s wrong, with the boy adamant that he’s right. Then the thought hits me.)
Me: “May I?”
(I pick up the pup and check its nametag. I’m actually silenced by the revelation and show the owner. She looks equally as stunned before laughing hysterically. The dad then owns up and admits he wanted to see our reaction before taking the dog home. The owner was impressed enough that she decided to let it stay as long as the other parents were ok with it. A couple weren’t pleased, but after seeing how happy their children were, decided to go with it. So Imaginary the dog got to spend the day with us.)
