Real Life is Often the Funniest (true story)

In January 2002, I was in Florida avoiding the winter weather of Michigan. With me was my three-year-old dog Kipper who some people in my senior park weren't sure about because of his size.

I had a new phone number and it was common to get phone calls for the people who had it before. When the phone rang I expected another of these.

"Hello."

"Is this err..Kipper - err.. Is Mr. Kipper home?"

Wondering if a neighbor had a problem with him or was trying to be humorous, "Ahh, I'm err... his owner."

Puzzled, he continued, "This is Mike from the Tampa Tribune calling to see if Mr. Kipper would like to subscribe. His name was given to me."

"Kipper is my dog."

"Not Larry Kipper, huh?"

"No," both of us laughing.

"Well, do you think Kipper might like to read our paper?"

"No, he doesn't read them or, for that matter, use them at all. I'm not interested in subscribing either."

Neither of us were able to stop laughing. "Are you located on Moore Street?"

"No."

"Obviously, I have a wrong number but this is hilarious. What kind of dog is Kipper?"

"A border collie mix - a save from the Humane Society."

"Border collies are pretty smart. Are you sure he isn't interested in world events."

"No, but I will ask him about the sports section."

"Okay, let me know."

Both of us were still laughing as we hung up.