For Lack Of A Comma
Twice a day I drive my big yellow bus past the Oregon Humane Society’s Columbia Blvd. location. Opposite the building is a sign that says,
“You can help your pets
become a member of OHS.”
I called the number listed on their website today. “Hi,” I said. This is Mike. I have a golden retriever named Ralph and I would like to inquire what it costs for Ralph to become a member? In addition, I would like to know what benefits he will receive?”
I received a very nice phone call from Allie, who’s in charge of membership activities. We laughed about the sign. I was the first to call pointing out the lack of a comma. Allie told me about the classic “lack of comma” story:
Let’s eat Grandma!
or
Let’s eat, Grandma!
Two entirely different meanings.
Allie shared with me that Ralph could become a member for $30 a year. He would get a quarterly magazine filled with pictures and stories about cats and dogs. (Ralph loves cats!) The magazine also covers activities of OHS, rescues and adoptions. When Ralph becomes a member he is entitled to a 10% discount on food and dog and cat toys.
In addition to membership benefits, if Ralph has a friend who is having behavior problems, his owner can call for free advice. OHS even offers free and not so free behavior modification classes. The number is 503-416-2983.
Ralph has two behavior problems that Bev and I have been trying to break. Every once in awhile when we take him to Grant Park, he takes off for Grant High. We thought he was trying to become a better educated dog, but he was just looking for food. The other problem is, he occasionally changes his name. Most of the time when we say, “Ralph, sit! Ralph, come!”, he does as requested. Then there are times we assume he changes his name, because he doesn’t respond to Ralph at all.
Allie, laughed.
Bottom line, the Oregon Humane Society does great work and maybe, for Christmas you can invite your pet to be a member, now that you know how.
