Random Conversation

I am standing outside the kiosk on Shelley Beach with the children and the dog. A man with two youngsters approaches the dog and gives him a pat.

'What a beautiful dog. What's his name?'

'Bronson.'

A pause...

'Is that after Pierce then?'

'Erm no - Bronson. After Charles Bronson.'

We both pat the dog.

'What breed is he then?' says the man.

'He's a Bernese Mountain Dog.'

A pause....

'Is he from Burma then?'

'...No. Berne. In Switzerland.'

I smile. I don't want him to feel silly.

The children watch with interest while we both continue to pat the dog. I'm starting to wish he would go away.

'So,' he says. 'What does he do for mating?'

'I'm sorry?'

'I mean - you know. What does he do - you know - when he mates?'

Is it me.....?!