You are in the family now

[Malcolm's Dad]

Malcolm likes my next door neighbor. And for good reason, my neighbor gives Malcolm treats. Give this little pirate his bribe and you are granted safe passage.

This afternoon Malcolm was on the other side of the yard. We were talking by the fence. My neighbor whistles and says "Here Malcolm". Malcolm sits there and ignores him (note he does not have a treat). He whistles again "Here Malcolm, come here buddy". Malcolm doesn't respond, doesn't even twitch an ear. "What's wrong with Malcolm?" he asks. I said Malcolm is fine, he is just ignoring you. "What? Ignoring me?" Yep, I told him Malcolm heard everything he said and is purposely ignoring him. He laughed and called again "Malcolm, here buddy." Malcolm didn't make a move. I asked "You want to see him move faster than the speed of light?" My neighbor said "Yes I've got to see this." I said "TREAT." In the blink of an eye Malcolm was at the fence with us wagging his tail and looking for a treat. We didn't have any treats on us so I went in the house got a treat and gave it to my neighbor. I want him to give the treat so that he remains on good terms with Malcolm. Peace can be had but it comes with a price.

I told him "You have been ignored by Malcolm. That means you are officially part of the family now. He considers you part of the pack and as such you are worthy of his attention when it suits him or if you have a treat."

[pkcrossley]

malcolm must be very proud of you --you have penetrated the inner secrets of cianr social customs.

[tlwtheq]

Cairns do have to teach humans frequently; otherwise we'd never stay in line.

[Lynn in TN]

CAIRNS such a little word with such a BIG MEANING!