Triangular Talk

Dear Dog Lady,

My husband and 14-year-old son talk to each other through Rusty, our female Jack Russell terrier. “Rusty needs a cell phone,” says my son to his father. “Tell Rusty that if she doesn’t sit upstairs at the computer IM-ing all night long and gets up before noon, then maybe she can have a cell phone.” Or: “Rusty wants Chamillionaire’s “Sound of Revenge” (a CD we won’t allow our son to buy because of the explicit lyrics).” And Dad ignores the question as he replies: “Tell Rusty we don’t allow Britney Spears in this house.”

Is such triangular talk normal?

Leslie, Hobe Sound, FL

Leslie, the jabber-jockeying around Rusty is the new normal in your household. Dog Lady believes the roundabout chatter is harmless and amusing – especially when your hubby links rapper Chamillionaire to Britney Spears. At least your son and husband communicate with each other, however awkwardly.

The teenage years are trying. Your son and husband keep each other at a distance by speaking in code and channeling through Rusty. The dog is, in fact, an ideal sounding board because she remains blissfully unaware of cell phones, instant messages, gangstas and pop tarts. Innocent dogs defuse human tension and Rusty is doing her part. Make sure she receives regular marathon walks (a Jack Russell delight) for playing such a crucial peacemaking role in your family.

Posted by Dog Lady at December 8, 2006 07:35 PM