From a self-important post on CRAIGSLIST, advertising employment as a part-time ‘dog walker’; one of those chaps you see walking numerous unruly canines throughout the city.

RE: “Dog Walking” Position The successful candidate must have ALL of the following: working cell phone, prior work references (not your friends or relatives – only professional references will be accepted), car or bike, working internet access/email, outstanding written and verbal communications skills AND a BACHELOR’S DEGREE!

A Bachelors Degree,…to walk dogs! No mention of either ‘must love dogs’ or ‘must love animals’ …. No mention of the prerequisite physical stamina needed to herd a gaggle of caffeinated Jack Russell Terriers through a public park! No,…

My response Subject: You must be kidding!

Ok, I understand everything in your ad up to a point. Communicating is important. References and transportation to and from the job is important. I’ll give you a pass on requiring “outstanding written and verbal communication skills” after all, what does a dog know besides the verbal ‘Sit’, ‘Stay’ and all that.

But a Bachelors Degree to walk dogs? Simply put: you are quite insane.

Their self-important response which was swift and sure;

“If you look at the qualifications of our walkers and compare them with qualifications of other services’ walkers, they are outstanding. We’re picky and we want our business to be represented well by educated, knowledgeable people, which it is.

Sorry if that offends you.”

Not being one to’ let a sleeping dog lie’ I just had to point out the obvious.

“…It is not an offensive ideal for an employer to want the best possible people.

What is offensive is the ridiculous notion that a Bachelor’s Degree is required to operate a pooper scooper. A bit over-qualified if you ask most people.

Perhaps you should take this foolishness to its logical conclusion and require all your walkers to hold a PhD from one of the Ivys?
Have a nice day….”

I’m still waiting for a response