Now I just know I'm going to get hate mail for this but we all thought it was funny at the time and whenever I come across the subject of dogs afloat it always comes to mind.
Saturday morning at our local Whitworths chandlery, understaffed, over crowded and we're all standing in long lines waiting at the checkout while some teenage girls who wouldn't know one end of a vessel from the other battle with identifying a host of marine parts that could be alien artifacts for all they know.
We're in Cairns, Far North Queensland and its hot and the aircon is on the blink.
The door opens.
In marches an old dear, complete with pearls and a midget dog under her arm she later identifies as Pepi. The poor embarrassed mutt has a hair cut that would put a punk rocker to shame as she steps to the front of the line and demands to know what are the best lifejackets for her precious Pepi and someone needs to show her where they are?
To her credit, the youngster at the counter did rustle up the courage to pipe up and say she would have to go to the back of the line please.
The blue rinse dear lady took no notice and insisted that someone show her immediately the best jacket for Pepi.
Forgive me all you dog lovers but I couldn't resist speaking up.
'Sure, I can help you there' I replied. 'What you want are the dog jackets with the reflective tape on the collar'
'Really? she beamed back. Are they better? she asked.
To which I replied…
"I have no idea but the reflective tape sure attracts the fish when you are trawling with them!"
I swear, the girl behind the counter peed her pants along with half the guys waiting in line as she stormed out.
We never saw Pepi again
Fair winds,
Mico