Does he want to say 'hello'

It still fasincates me as to the way people walking dogs, with great facility and ease, begin conversations with complete strangers! Young women [who, wisely, generally would be wary of an old priest striking up a conversation] are ready to talk and share information about their name, where they live, what they do and, often, their thoughts about church and religion. Perhaps evangelism on Rittenhouse Square demands a canine companion? Perhaps I can talk with the IRS and my CPA about claiming Harry the Dog as a business expense necessary for the exercise of my profession?

Recently I noticed how dog owners tend to be careful though about their dogs entering into a conversation! More than once, I have said to another dog-owner: "Does your dog want to say 'hello'?". Generally there is an affirmative answer and the dogs begin their conversation in the inimitable way, not in any way transferable to their human companions!


Perhaps there should be some way in which we approach one another with a similar respect; before launching into our agenda, we somehow find a way to ask, "Are you ready, wanting, to say 'hello' right now?".