Second Helpings

Mango’s new doggy friend, Alfie, loves his food, as everyone who knows Alfie will vouch. In fact, he is a vacuum cleaner dressed up as a dog. Everything that can possibly be put into his mouth and tested for taste is put into his mouth and and tested for taste, and everything that can be eaten is eaten! He is always on the lookout for something else to be tested and eaten, yet he is never ‘full up’. Food is his passion.

Mr and Mrs Noah try to ensure that Alfie is growing up with good table manners. When it comes to feeding times, (the official ones that is, not the snacks he finds in between) they always make sure that, once the food has been put into his bowl and placed in front of him, he sits and waits a few seconds for it. This not only calms him down but also shows him who is boss! You see, Mr and Mrs Noah are big fans of The Dog Whisperer on TV and they know all about being calm and assertive pack leaders! Just to reaffirm this, Mr Noah has a T-shirt with 'Pack Leader' written on it - just in case anyone hasn't recognised the fact that he is one.

A few days ago, Mrs Noah was preparing the evening meals for the animals. “Ostrich and rice tonight.”

"Yum, yum,” woofed Alfie. “That’s my favourite!” Well, actually, that was a little bit of a fib because ALL food is his favourite! Nevertheless, Alfie knew the rules and he sat down promptly and properly, waiting patiently to be given his bowl of food. At least, he waited as patiently as a little Alfie can wait. OK, maybe his whole body was twitching and saliva was pouring out of his mouth, and even though his ears tend to take on a whole life of their own when he is sitting waiting for his meal, he was waiting patiently - for Alfie.

Mrs Noah put the bowl of food down and Alfie waited until she said, “You can have it.” With a lunge, his head disappeared into the bowl and Alfie set about trying to get a ‘personal best’ for eating his current meal.

“There,” he announced just a few seconds later. “All gone!” A completely clean and empty bowl and a very contented Alfie! At least, that was until he suddenly sat very still, looked at Mrs Noah, and heaved his chest. Out came an enormous burp!

“Alfie!” said Mrs Noah, sternly. But Alfie wasn’t listening. He opened his mouth wide and out flew a single biscuit of ostrich and rice, landing on the floor and all alone.

Alfie stared at it for a moment, then looked at Mrs Noah. “Wow! Second helpings!” Then it was gone - again!