Kasia November 19th, 2007
The Canuck already knows that I identify my neighbors primarily by their pets. Oh, not so much the people in my immediate building; I know their names and faces. But when I’m out walking around the neighborhood, I recognize the dogs first and foremost, and then I might be able to successfully identify the people.
In my old neighborhood there was the full-sized Schnauzer, Harry. I forget his owner’s name offhand, but in my defense I *did* know it when I lived there. And there was Mickey, the little Shih Tzu. His owner was named Anne, but I learned that much later than I learned the dog’s name.
In my new neighborhood, there’s the Brittany spaniel, Austin. I don’t know his person’s name, but whenever I see him I shout “AUSTIN!” for all the city to hear. I then pet him, and say hello to whoever’s walking him, which is sometimes his owner and sometimes a friend of hers.
Then there’s Summer, the little miniature chihuahua, whose person I don’t know. And Gracie, the big Golden Retriever-looking dog who’s also 1/3 wolf, whose person I don’t know either.
There’s Daphne, the little black dog with a white patch on her chest. Is she ever a lovebug! She is just too sweet for words! Her owner, a woman about my age, actually recognized me in Kroger and identified herself to me as my neighbor. I couldn’t place her at all until she said she was Daphne’s owner. Boy, was my face red! (But I still don’t remember her name…)
Now, seeing as I know I have this issue, I do try to make a point of remembering faces and names. But when my primary interaction with someone is via the Internet, sometimes it’s difficult.
I recognize Mrs. Kheldar without a problem. I can even place her (tie face to name and how I know her) in five seconds or less, usually less, which for me with someone I primarily interact with online is pretty darned good.
However, I think I may have discovered yesterday that I use that associative memory (pairing people with their dogs, cats, kids, or spouse) a little too much. I am pretty sure I saw Matt S., a.k.a. Kheldar, at the parish town hall meeting yesterday. I saw him. I knew he looked familiar. But I wasn’t sure.
And then it hit me: I have never seen him without at least one of his children around. Usually Lily at least is with him, and sometimes the others as well, to say nothing of Mrs. Kheldar.
So Matt, if that was you, please accept my heartfelt apologies. Mea maxima culpa.
