A "Tail" of Two Nice Dogs

Hokey and Dokey are two dogs with remarkable talents. Hokey is a dog that can be wagged by its tiny, little tail while Dokey will cheerfully chase its bushy tail for hours and hours without any success.

Hokey is a very unhappy dog while Dokey is a blissfully busy one.

One day while Hokey was suspended in midair being wagged by his stubby, little tail, Dokey gave up the joy of the never-ending chase to have a few words with her friend.

"Why does that make you so unhappy, Hokey? I do not understand unhappiness."

"I used to be a happy hound, but here I am, fluttering in the breeze like a leaf just when I was on my way to my doggy dish. I am a hungry dog and no one likes to be pestered when they are hungry."

"Why did you let this happen in the first place? After all, you are the dog and that little thing is your tail."

"One day, a long time ago, I thought I was being nice and since my tail is so tiny and vulnerable compared to me, I let it have its way with me. I come from a nice family. I was brought up to be nice."

"That was very nice of you."

"Thank you, Dokey. Being nice suits a dog like me. That is why I never asked you why you chase your own tail all day long . That is so strange. What would you do with that big bushy thing if you ever caught it?"

"Sounds to me like you have a little tail envy, big boy."

"Envy? Me? With a tiny little tail that can wag me around like a handkerchief whenever it wants to? Woof on that one!"

"Yes, that is impressive if you are happy being wagged rather than being the one doing the wagging."

"Thank you, Dokey, but tell me, I am as curious as I am nice, why do you chase your tail around like that?"

"That was really not very nice of you to ask. I never gave it any thought because it makes me happy and I like to be happy. Dogs are meant to be happy."

"I used to be a happy dog," sighed Hokey,"

"Maybe you should ask your tail why it likes to wags you?"

"Because it can?"

"Can you still wag your tail if you want?"

"Not without asking."

"Well, nice talking to you Hokey. I am feeling a little hungry at the moment. I know I will like the food they put in your dish since you come from such a nice family."