Reading Between the Lines in Instagram Dog-Adoption Posts | The New Yorker

When they say: “Little Clover is one of our Chihuahua puppies! She’s one smart cookie and not shy about food! She may be tiny, but she’s got a big personality.”What they mean is: “This dog will bite you if you get between her and her food. She will bite you if you even look sideways at her while she’s eating. And she’s so cute, you’ll blame yourself. Honestly, she’s so cute that if she bites your child, you will consider getting rid of your child before you consider getting rid of Clover.”When they say: “Flopsy is a four-year-old shepherd mix with a big personality! He’s such a goof, you’d think he was still a puppy! Go to our Web site to apply for Flopsy today!”What they mean is: “Chaotic. Surrender the idea of sleeping in (you’ll have to get up at 5 A.M. to walk him) and just sell your nice furniture now. Buy patio chairs for the indoors, because they’re the only thing that’s going to weather Hurricane Flopsy.”When they say: “Mr. Pickles is a sweet older dog who loves to take it easy and relax on the couch. He has such soulful eyes—it’s almost like he knows just…
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