Earlier this month an art museum in Athens opened its doors to dogs so the canine community could experience a quiet sniff around important works of art. This might seem rather trivial but when you consider that the "No Dogs Allowed" sign is one of the most familiar around the world the dogs need as much moral support as they can get. It must be a bit disheartening for hounds to be greeted everywhere by signs that they are not wanted… an odd way to treat man's best friend.
The event in Greece was held to promote World Stray Animals Day and encourage people to adopt homeless canines. It was organised by the splendidly-named Socrates Shelter which might possibly be home to the smartest dogs in the world, or at least the most philosophical. I am pleased to report that given the freedom of the museum the doggies behaved themselves impeccably and there were no reports of piddling on priceless works of art.
You may recall that back in 2010 the Sydney Opera House hosted the first-ever concert for dogs which turned out to be a howling success. About 1,000 canines accompanied by their owners showed up for a concert that included whistles, violins and synthesisers producing funky sounds that had our furry friends yelping in delight. There was even an encore which prompted much wagging of tails.
The organisers claimed it was the best-behaved audience ever witnessed at an Australian concert.
Woodstock for woofers
Considering Bangkok has a considerable problem with strays it might be an idea to hold a similar concert in the Big Mango if they could find a place large enough. Lumpini Park would be one possibility as there are plenty of trees available if the canines wish to take a leak. Bangkok could have its own version of Woodstock except that the audience would have four legs, wet noses and wouldn't all be totally stoned.
Alternatively there could be a concert for more sophisticated dogs that actually have owners. Seating arrangements would have to be organised with puppies, poodles and other little fluffy things up the front well away from the heavy boys like Rottweilers, Great Danes and Bulldogs. The park's resident strays could be used as bouncers.
Nipper news
One dog that definitely had an ear for music was a little fellow called Nipper who holds a rightful place in canine history. Although this fox terrier did not have the film star looks of Lassie or Rin Tin Tin, for a while Nipper was the most recognisable dog in the world. In Baltimore there is even a street named after him called Nipper Way.
Nipper's story began in 1899 when English artist Francis Barraud borrowed a record machine from the Gramophone Company so he could paint his pet, Nipper, listening to it. The company was so impressed by the resulting painting entitled His Master's Voice that they adopted it as their trademark. The company moved to the US and the familiar image of Nipper sitting listening to the old gramophone became recognisable worldwide as the symbol of Radio Corporation of America (RCA).
Nipper earned his name for his habit of nipping the back of the legs of visitors he didn't take a liking to. I know a few hounds like that on my soi.
Dog's dinner
There are countless expressions in the English language that incorporate the word dog, most of them in a rather unflattering manner. Everyone will be familiar with "Gone to the Dogs", "In the Doghouse", "Dog-tired" and "Sick as a Dog". They even refer to the disgusting bits cigarette smokers throw away as "Dog-ends". Then there is "Underdog" which implies a sports team or person people expect to be heavily defeated.
When I was first working on page layouts at the Post in the early 1970s I remember a senior editor approaching holding that day's paper. He asked if I was responsible for a certain page. I nodded nervously, remembering the previous night's mad scramble to make the deadline with stories that didn't fit the layout. "Bit of a dog's dinner, isn't it?" he sniffed. He was right, although I would have preferred to have called it "a little untidy".
For those unfamiliar with the term, dictionaries define dog's dinner as "a complete mess". I fear I was responsible for a few more dog's dinners over the years.
Cultural collision
Also in those early days at the paper I recall an editorial notice announcing the promotion of a promising Thai journalist who would "act as a watchdog" over local news reports to ensure accuracy. Later in the day I congratulated him on his promotion but he seemed less than happy. He wasn't comfortable being referred to as a "watchdog" because in Thailand the word dog was invariably used as an insult. The "watchdog" was quickly renamed "assistant editor".
Sound bite
One of my favourite tales involving a dog occurred at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina and featured Scotland manager Ally MacLeod after his side were held to a surprise draw by Iran. A dog wandered over to where a disappointed MacLeod was giving an interview. Trying to raise his own spirits, MacLeod smiled at the dog, put his hand out and remarked: "At least this wee dog still loves me" -- the dog promptly bit him.
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