Tales From the Parking Lot

True Story:
Saturday evening we all headed to Fred Meyer in Tillamook. Erik needed to get his glasses fixed and I needed to get more Step-able plants (ones that don't die when you step on them) for one of my many projects. When we got to the store Clayton was not thrilled with having to walk on his own two legs into the store and proceeded to let us know by trying to kick his rubber boots off and loudly proclaiming,"I no hold your hand, I no want to hold your hand, I not!" over and over. We made it safely across the parking lot and approached the entrance with it's many shoppers scurrying in and out, all the while Clayton was trying to escape the fatherly grip around his wrist. There was a grandmotherly woman stepping quickly out of the store carrying her purchases when without warning she suddenly stopped, turned about speedily and pointed at the ground and said loudly and sternly, "Out dog! You don't belong in there, get out you silly dog!" At which point Clayton (and everyone within earshot) stopped and stared. I was wondering if I was witnessing a sudden mental breakdown when she turned to us; and Clayton who was now voluntarily holding Erik's hand, smiled and said in a cheery voice, "Works every time." I laughed loudly all the way into the store. That was the best thing I've seen in awhile.