 
  
 
 
    Early yesterday morning I encountered a dog on an extremely short leash.
My first thought was that he must be a monster who required very close supervision.  But when I approached to sniff him, he turned out to be a nice fellow who was in the clutches of a controlling dog walker. 
 I whispered to him, using special dog language that only American Indian code talkers might be able to understand -- (and even they probably couldn't crack Spoken Dog) -- that he ought to make a break for it.
  I whispered to him, using special dog language that only American Indian code talkers might be able to understand -- (and even they probably couldn't crack Spoken Dog) -- that he ought to make a break for it.

Although he listened intently to my suggestion, I could tell that he didn't have it in him.  Rebellion was not part of his vocabulary.  And I had to respect that.  Not everyone is an 'I ain't marching any more' type.  
 I didn't want to make him uncomfortable, so I backed off and wished him well.
  I didn't want to make him uncomfortable, so I backed off and wished him well.
 
 
Maybe he's the kind of guy who likes a short leash.