A Doggy Deal-Breaker

Dear Dog Lady,

I don’t have a dog. I don’t even like dogs. But I think I may have committed a dog-related breach of etiquette. I ask you to advise me.

I’m the president of a large company and a few of my friends are CEOs and executives. My wife and I socialize with them. The other night, we were out with Skip and Sue (not their real names). Skip works for a major bank and I’ve always thought of him as a hard-nosed money man and corporate player like myself.

Anyway, we’re out at dinner and Skip couldn’t stop talking about the new puppy that he and Sue had recently gotten. Skip went on about the puppy’s antics, what he feeds the puppy, how often he walks the puppy. I was getting so bored.

Finally, I couldn’t take it any more and started teasing Skip about this new “relationship.” He abruptly stopped the dog chatter and basically shut up for the rest of the evening. Relations got chillier. As soon as dessert was finished, Skip ended the evening on a curt note by tossing out a credit card and leaving quickly. Sue and my wife seemed a little confused by his behavior. Could you tell me if you think I offended him?

Paul, Boston, MA

Paul, that puppy has Skip in its thrall and you spoiled the moment by making fun. You know how it goes among corporate titans: When you make them feel foolish, they sulk and plot how to recover the fumble. Skip must have felt embarrassed about bending your ear with his puppy love. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel it, but he shared it with the wrong person. Skip was ashamed he miscalculated his audience. He worries you saw his vulnerability and may use it against him in later business dealings.

Dog Lady suggests sending your assistant out for a box of Milk Bones and a bottle of good wine. Write a note: “For man and his dog. Congratulations. Paul.” Dispatch the Bones and the Bordeaux by messenger to Skip’s office. When he calls or emails to thank you, you can lightly apologize for your faux paw and move on.

Posted by Dog Lady at September 22, 2005 10:14 AM