Judy couldn’t wait to get to the supper table. It was piled high with fried mullet, cheese grits, fresh coleslaw, and hush puppies. Later there would be strawberry shortcake with whipped cream. Chigger, the dog, lay under the table - waiting expectantly. He was extremely focused when it came to human food. Judy eyed him with distaste. Her mother, Eva Mae, treated him like he was a person instead of a dog. “It’s a wonder,” murmured Judy, “she doesn’t set him a place, too!”
The rest of the family clamored in and settled around the huge dining table. Eva Mae was known for her long blessings, so Judy offered to say grace real quick, before her Mama got started. About that time, Chigger decided on Judy as his first target for a handout.
“This here dog is laying on my foot,” Judy complained halfway through the mullet and cheese grits.
“Come on, Chigger - I got you something right here,” one of the children beckoned as they held out a hush puppy. Chigger ate it in one gulp. But in a little while, he moved on over beside Judy again.
She gave him a dirty look and said, “Don’t think you’re gonna get my mullet!” So he tried the stare and concentrate method. After all, laying on her foot had gotten him a hush puppy. Finally, Chigger got tired of hush puppies.
He sat down right next to Judy and watched her every move. She ignored him as long as she could. That dog was getting on her nerves. “Who can relax and enjoy the food when they’re getting stared at?” she thought angrily.
But Chigger persisted. In fact, he moved a little closer, fixing his gaze steadily and unwaveringly on Judy as she ate. Finally, Judy had had enough. She decided she’d give him a taste of his own medicine. She began to stare back. Chigger looked away. But as soon as she began to get another mouthful down, she saw his bright brown eyes focusing on her every move. She stared back again. He looked away. He laid down. She kept on staring. Finally, Chigger slunk on back over by Eva Mae, who was already holding out a large succulent piece of fried mullet.
