In the last couple of weeks, Flossie has successfully managed to encourage two women, one a complete stranger, to open their handbags for her.
On the first occasion, we were walking past the house of a fellow walker, Linda, just as she was parking her car. We stopped and had a brief chat. Flossie wagged her tail excessively (she likes Linda) and enjoyed being fussed.
When it was time to head home, Flossie had other ideas. She continued to wag as she looked beseechingly at Linda who was frantically searching her pockets for treats, clearly feeling under duress. I pointed out that we did, in fact, have our own, but Flossie persisted, embarrassingly.
She stared at Linda expectantly until she returned to her car to fetch her handbag in which she had some dog treats.
Success. Flossie looked smug as she accepted several treats (apparently more tasty than our own) before we could go on our way.
The second handbag incident was more awkward. A woman was opening her car boot as we walked past. Flossie stopped and wagged, giving her the eye.
The woman paused and admired Flossie. We exchanged a few words and then it was time for us to move on.
Except that Flossie wouldn’t move.
She had taken a real liking to this woman. She executed a full bottom wag and pulled me towards her. The woman, once again, stroked her. I laughed and apologised as I tried to say goodbye and carry on with our walk.
Still, Flossie wouldn’t budge. Her paws were glued to the pavement as she looked pointedly at the woman and wagged her tail.
Eventually, the woman asked if she could give Flossie a treat. Of course, I agreed, thinking how kind she was.
She reached into the footwell of her car, opened her handbag, and pulled out something delicious.
Flossie was ecstatic.
This new method of wagging confidently at women until they open their handbags is really reaping rewards.
It’s also taking us longer to walk down the street.
As published in the Bath Chronicle, 24 April 2025
Suzy Pope is a certified copywriter and newspaper columnist specialising in pets, business and lifestyle. If you would like help with a writing project, please get in touch.
