Margot and I were walking our scottie dog in the woods and we crossed paths with a man who was doing the same thing with his yellow lab.  The dogs immediately started to sniff each other, and I smiled and commented on how good looking his dog was, even though I didn't mean it.  

The guy nodded and said that Ginger is the smartest dog he's ever had, or ever seen for that matter.  And that not only does she immediately grasp all the commands that he has taught her, but that she also remembers where she was when she learned them (hmm?).  He said that he's continually amazed that Ginger can be such a fierce hunter, while at the same time being so gentle with kids.  He told us that we wouldn't believe how soft her coat is.  He mentioned that Ginger is a pure bred and that her parents had won some kind of prizes for being outstanding members of their breed. 

When he stopped talking, Margot said, "Our dog is black."