The Mistress doesn’t drive; she’s had lessons, she’s passed the theory but she’s failed the Test twice. On one occasion she drove into the wall at the test centre and swore at the examiner. Not pretty!
Anyway, news reaches me from Vienna that there is a driving test, which she COULD pass because...I’d be helping her! Oh yes.
Viennese citizens can now apply for a doggy driving licence – not an opportunity to freewheel round the city with your dog in tow but, more important, a basic test to see how suitable you are as an owner. It even includes a written test, no less. There are two sections; one tests your doggy knowledge and the other has a practical element i.e. you’ve got to show how you take your dog around town – is he or she under control and do you pick up? You know what I’m saying there!
Back in 2004, local residents were quizzed about the scheme and surprise, surprise 8 out of 10 residents said yes to the doggy driving test! This test gets my vote. I know this is one test the Mistress could get through without having a nervous breakdown AND it’s got to be good news for dogs. Why? Because a minority of owners and their out-of-control dogs ruin it for the rest of us and give us a bad name. Sorry to rant but it’s true. And just think what great TV it would make; forget Driving School (for humans) - it’s doggy TV heaven!
Austria isn’t known for it’s forward-thinking liberalism but I think this is one idea we can take from Vienna; yes, some may say it’s draconian but if you want your dog to be in allowed in the city, it’s a small price to pay. Personally, I’d like to see parents take the same test with their children...but we’re still a long way from that happening.
Woof Woof
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