There once was a dog named Orkad. His master, Ray, took pretty good care of him; he walked him every day, but not for very long because Ray liked to spend his time playing Internet games. His favourite was a game where the player must look after a dog; there was an image of a dog on the screen and the player had to feed it, furnish its room and buy it toys to keep it entertained.

For hours on end, Orkad would watch Ray play this game, all the while waiting to be walked. Those were the times when he felt really lonely and dreamed about having someone to communicate with … oh, of course, there was always Katy-the neighbour’s cat-but they really didn’t have much in common.

There was something else that drove Orkad crazy: his kibble. He hated the kibble Ray bought for him. Obviously, he couldn’t tell Ray how he felt because he was a dog and everyone knows dogs can’t talk … and Orkad was no exception. But strange as it may seem, there was something he did know how to do: he could operate a computer. Watching Ray hit the keyboard day in, day out, Orkad had learned a thing or two.

One day, Ray left for school without turning off his computer. Orkad was home alone and bored out of his mind. He jumped up on the office chair and after only a moment’s hesitation, typed out the word “dog” in the little window at the top of the screen. His heart beating like a drum, he clicked on the first link.

It was a discussion group where people talked about their problems with their dogs and gave each other advice. That was exactly what Orkad was looking for because he knew all about dog problems. He was just about to respond to a message when he heard Katy meowing mockingly at the window. 

“What are you trying to do, Orkad? You’re a dog, and the Internet is for humans!”

“You’re right, Katy … but on the Internet, no one knows I’m a dog!”

From that day on, Orkad’s life was transformed: he could communicate and help people resolve problems with their dogs, and everyone respected his advice. He was secretly hoping that Ray would one day join the discussion group to seek advice because then Orkad would be able to explain to him how he could improve his dog’s life. But that day never came. 

It was time for summer vacation and Ray left for camp, leaving Orkad with Ray’s parents. Orkad was disappointed that his master hadn’t joined the discussion group and, out of frustration, he decided to write a message directly to Ray. Of course, his message was anonymous … he didn’t want to blow his cover!

The message read: “You’re trying to poison your dog with this gross kibble. If you keep it up, I’ll come after you!”

Orkad was just about to hit the “Send” button when he heard a shocked meow at the window. It was Katy again:

“Orkad!! Don’t you send that message to Ray! You’re making threats. He’ll be absolutely terrified!”

“Come on! It’s just a joke to get him to understand that I don’t like my kibble,” said Orkad, hitting “Send.” “In fact, check it out. I’m sure Ray must have already received the message. Can you smell fear anywhere?” he asked, running his nose all over the screen and keyboard. “I know Ray’s odour when he’s afraid; I would recognize it anywhere, and I’m not smelling any fear here.” (Sniff! Sniff!)