Mary Killen Mary Killen

Your Problems Solved | 31 July 2004

Etiquette advice from The Spectator's Miss Manners

issue 31 July 2004

Dear Mary…

Q. I wonder if I might pass on this little tip to your readers. We have recently had new neighbours move in who keep a terrier, which is locked in the house all day while the owners are out at work. The constant whining and barking of the bored and lonely dog was driving us to distraction, and the new neighbours seemed disinclined to do anything about it. The solution turned out to be simple — laxative chocolate, removed from its wrapper, and pushed through the letterbox. After coming home to a house full of dog excrement for only two days in a row (minimalist decor with white carpets), they made other arrangements. And if you are worried about any allegations of cruelty to the dog, the terrier is now boarded out with a dog-walker during office hours, where he has a vastly improved existence with plenty of company, fresh air and exercise.

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