Life — July 28, 1921 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "To My Dog" by Dorothy Parker This is a humorous poem by celebrated writer Dorothy Parker, illustrated with sketches of various dog poses and expressions. The poem is a mock-serious "letter" to the speaker's dog, addressing its character flaws with satirical affection. Parker critiques the dog's vanity, unfaithfulness, lack of intelligence, and self-centered behavior—comparing it mockingly to handsome actor Wallace Reid. The poem's humor lies in applying human moral judgment to typical dog behavior: the dog's tail "betrays" it, it causes nervousness in friends, and it embodies poor manners and morals. The concluding couplet reveals the satire's target: "That women always fall for" dogs like this one, suggesting human (particularly female) susceptibility to charm over substance. It's social commentary disguised as pet criticism.