Sticks

The issue of sticks was covered in an interview some time back. At the outset, Milly’s interviewer was keen to explore the philosophy of chasing them, chewing them, and the overall symbolism of sticks in Milly’s world. 

As a reminder for those who are new to this topic, Milly lives with Beautiful T and Writer A, here at Milly View in Stamford. She has become a well known figure in the shops and bars and cafes in the town, ever happy to check out who has a well stocked selection of tasty treats. 

While she is comfortable with people and with attention, Milly is not keen on interviews as such. Therefore, she conducted these in private, usually on a sofa. Some of the more informal conversations emerged during a few walks.   

The interviewer has chosen to remain anonymous. While filled with wisdom and life-enriching perspectives, apparently talking to dogs is not a good career move in the modern world of media and journalism. 

Interviewer: Good morning Milly, and thanks for joining me for today’s conversation. How are you today?  

Milly: Hang on. What’s with the straight into questions? I need a tummy tickle. That’s why I’m upside down in my armchair. 

Interviewer: Oh, ok. 

Milly:  Thats better, a much more doggy friendly way to start an interview. Now, let me stretch and look out the window for a bit. Got any treats? 

Interviewer: Sure. Writer A left me some. Can we talk about sticks then?

 Milly: He’s good. Sticks, ok. Can you ask me the first question again? 

Interviewer: Of course, Milly. How are you today? 

Milly:  I thought you wanted to talk about sticks? I haven’t had a stick yet today, you know. Are we going for a walk soon? 

Interviewer: I’m sure we can go for a walk, I’ll just need permission from Writer A. 

Milly:  Hey. I’m old enough to make my own decisions. Is my permission to go for a walk not good enough? You folks make life difficult sometimes. It’s easy, just out the door, with boots on, best bring some bags and treats. I’ll take you for a walk, and I’ll find my own stick. Is that easy enough for you? 

Interviewer: That sounds perfect, Milly, and I’m sure we will have some great fun. Lets see what the Editor and Sound Engineer have to say. 

 Milly: Walks and sticks are simple concepts. Are you suggesting that I’ll have to take three of you for a walk? 

Interviewer: We’re a bit off course now Milly. I’d like to come back to the subject of sticks. Why are sticks so important in your world?  

Milly:  Sticks are important because they have no importance. They are sticks. Simply find one, pick it up, look appealingly at the nearest person and they throw it. Then I chase, might play bring and fetch, may sit and chew, until its time for the next stick. Easy.

Interviewer: Sticks have no importance? Can you explain a little more please Milly? 

Milly:  Ok, I’ll try to put this in your terms. Have you ever seen a branded stick? 

Interviewer: Well, yes. My neighbour runs a sticks and canes business, selling walking sticks ….  

Milly:  Hang on. That sounds daft. Let me lie down and look out the window for a while. Can you keep an eye out for the cat?  And, be quiet for a few minutes. 

Interviewer: (a few minutes later) Ok. What was your point about branded sticks Milly?

 Milly: I have never found a branded stick – in a field, wood, park, on grass, by the river, in the garden, wherever. Branded sticks don’t exist in my world. Sticks only exist when I find them. No brand, no premium, deluxe models. No latest “must have” stick, none of that silliness. Just me, a stick, to chew and chase.  

Interviewer: Ah, I understand, so sticks are a symbol of anti-materialism, metaphoric in representing a socialist construct of equality. 

Milly:  Don’t be so silly. As I said earlier, sticks are important because they have no importance. Sticks are sticks. 

Interviewer: Fascinating, Milly. Can I move to another aspect which Writer A mentioned? 

Milly:  Sure, it must be time for a treat soon though. 

Interviewer: He mentioned that you tend to jump and land with all four feet when catching up with a stick he has thrown. Does this have any significance? .  

Milly:  Right, now we’re getting to something interesting. Both Writer A and Beautiful T play lots of music in the house. They smile, move a little, and music brings happiness to us all. I prefer to dance, though. It would look really silly if I danced on my own to George Ezra or Tina Turner, so I keep my dancing for when I’m chasing sticks, in general. The music plays, probably only me hearing it though.

Interviewer: Wow, I didn’t expect this Milly. So, you’re a dancer? Do they know? 

Milly: Of course. Its part of that umbilical connection, the bond between the three of us. I’ve seen Writer A taking photos and of my dance (skid) marks. Ha ha – that’s a bit rude in your world, isn’t it?

Interviewer: Great stuff Milly, a fabulous conversation. Thank you. See you next time. 

Milly: Not so fast now. Tickle, treat, and scratch my ears. That’s how to say Au Revoir in my world.