the corner office

The neighbours are out and they left their dog Tupac outside. So at about 11 we had the tell-tale scratching and jumping against the door - it seems she's planning to spend the night with us. Tupac's in and out of our duplex all the time, but it's always a big thrill for us when the dog decides to sleep over!

Well.. it was... until the last time, when Tupac chewed up Ronwen's cell-phone charger, one of her handbags, and one of her shoes. Tupac was somewhat Mongrel Non Grata after that. Be that as it may, this time round we're feeling a little safer, because this time Tupac brought her new favourite toy.

What's the best chewy toy to give to young dogs to keep 'em pre-occupied and away from the expensive stuff? Sure, you can buy fake bones, and all manner of mass-produced toys, but Mother Nature has something even better, and a lot cheaper, and far more resilient. I'm not sure if any other countries do this, but in good ole ZA, a trend kicked in a few years ago, and yep, you guessed it if you read the title, we give hooves to our dogs. Verily, our neighbours have acquired a hoof for Tupac. I have no idea what species of creature offered its hoof for this Greater Good, but Tupac is sitting next to my desk and contentedly chewing away on a hoof.

Lovely.