There was a dog who lived his life behind a cyclone fence. One day a mistake was made. The gate was left open! The dog was delighted. He rushed out to freedom. The world was very interesting! So many smells to investigate. Each aroma with its own story. So many interesting little snacks. It was a warm sunny Saturday.
People were mowing their lawns, washing their cars. As the dog trotted down the road one particular aroma teased at him most seductively. Meat. Meat cooking on a grill. Best of all smells to a dog - with a few possible exceptions.
At the end of the street a family reunion was in progress. Cars filled the driveway and lined the streets around. Latecomers had to park a couple of blocks away. The eager first arrivals would find themselves with no vehicular escape, their cars hemmed in on all sides. So many cars. So many humans. So loud. Beer in a keg. Music.
Also a dog sitting in the shade. The free dog wagged his tail in a friendly manner. The shade dog got up to investigate. There was much polite butt sniffing. It was established that both were bereft of most of their hormones. The shade dog said ``Are you hungry? Come on in. We're having a party. There's plenty for everyone. Just stay polite.''
The two dogs trotted toward the burdened picnic tables. Just then there was a speech. A family update. Births, deaths, weddings, divorces and degrees and new jobs. People crowded round the speaker. The dogs were feasting on steaks and burgers and even hot dogs. They were so happy. They wagged their tails enthusiastically. They had pulled a plate of meat off the table on to the ground. Their tails were flying high, and it was these two tails thumping against the grill that caught the eye of the speaker.
``Hey!'' he shouted.
``Hey!'' other people repeated.
The free dog made a run for it, but he received a couple of serious kicks before he regained the street.
``If we hadn't been wagging our tails they wouldn't have seen us,'' he thought, ``and I could have finished that steak.''