“Walter… He’s just too old… You know what they say about old dogs.”
“No, he’s not. Look at the way he looks at us. He’s definitely a smart one.”
Susan and Walter had adopted a dog from the local pound. He was a poodle mix named ‘Tofu’; 20 lbs of dirty curls, stained butterscotch from filth.

“Sit”, Walter repeated. Walter motioned with his finger, pointing at the dog’s posterior.
The dog tilted his head and looked quizzically at Walter. Walter gently touched his tail. Reflexively, Tofu sat. “See! We just have to be patient.”

Walter scratched his head and thought of another command.
“Shake”, Walter extended his hand in front of Tofu’s left paw, and gently tapped. Tofu lifted his paw, and placed it in Walter’s hand. “Hey! This little guy is a fast learner!”

“Hello Tofu, my name is Walter.” - “Hello Walter, I’m pleased to meet you.”

Walter jerked his hand back in shock, Susan dropped her glass of water.
Tofu grinned – “So, what do they say about old dogs?”