Along with a suggestion for a canine chorus, and a little dog praise
By Strider the Dog
Dear Strider,
I have an etiquette question for you. The last time I was out to dinner with my husband, I did what I always do — I asked my server his name. I apparently embarrassed my husband of thirty years by this, though he’s never mentioned it before. He corrected me, saying it was inappropriate to ask someone’s name without giving one’s own in return. I was startled, since obviously if someone asks my name, I tell them, but I like to know the names of servers so I can thank them. I’ve always done this, so now I’m wondering if I’ve always been embarrassing my husband, and if I’ve been unintentionally offending wait staff.
What do you think?
— Bewildered
Dear Bewildered,
Well, I always like it when people stop and ask my name, and then call me “Strider” when they address me. On the other hand, I’m just a dog, and this etiquette question may be above my pay grade.
There is something in your note, though, that sticks out to me. You were out to dinner, planning on having a nice meal, yes? I’m assuming this is not the first time you’ve dined out together in thirty years, and he’s never mentioned this before? What this tells me is he was in a bad mood about something completely different, and was looking around for some explanation for why he was feeling irritable. You happened to be in the line of fire. So my hope is you just ignored him, and got on with having a pleasant meal with lots of good things to eat.
And I hope that all your meals are pleasant in the future!
Meanwhile, any readers of this column who were ever in a service industry, care to weigh in? Do or did you like it when a customer asks/asked your name, or is/was it annoying? Your insights appreciated!
Hi Strider,
I wondered if you heard this NPR segment recently entitled: “Archie the dog starts his day belting along with the ‘Morning Edition’ theme music”
It got me wondering whether you sing along to anything you hear on JPR or online, and whether this could be the start of a local canine chorus.
— Steve
Dear Steve,
As a matter of fact, my very favorite song of all times is “He’s a Rebel.” I like to sing along with it whenever it can be heard. I don’t know why I like that song so much. I suppose I was a bit of a rebel in my younger days. I think that helps me as an advice columnist since as a result I don’t expect everyone in the world to think the same as I do.
A canine chorus is a wonderful idea! I wonder if Ashland.news might consider putting up an audio somewhere on the site? I bet it would be a huge hit with readers who might have dogs who’d like to sing along.
Maybe even cats. Though that seems less likely.
Heya Strider!
A most excellent article last issue [Ask Strider 12/17/25]! Thanks as always for your four-legged perspective (maybe that’s why you’re so grounded?).
Our Frankie Mae gives a hearty “bark!” to the Christmas Day treats! We’ll have to make her bowl a festive one.
A Very Merry Christ-Woof to you and yours, Strider! Yer such a good boy! Aren’t you! Aren’t you!!
— Raymond
P.S. About that reader’s complaint that it rained her whole vacation in Yachats. Since funding has been cut for NOAA, Yachats no longer has control of their climate.
Hi Raymond!
Always a pleasure to hear from you, and the warm wishes were just what this dog wanted for Christmas. Aside from a nice, big, meaty marrowbone, of course. You’ll be happy to know I got that too. Win, win!
It’s time for New Year’s wishes, and I send you and yours a whole bag of them.
Also want to tell you, that P.S. of yours made the humans around here laugh out loud. Thanks for that. I love to see them happy!
Happy 2026 to All!
Want to weigh in on the restaurant etiquette question above? Or just want to generally chew the fat? Why not email [email protected]. You’ll be glad you did.
