Breaking fairy tale news has officially taken the phrase “when pigs fly” off the list of impossible things. The Three Little Pigs were spotted flying above the countryside late yesterday, carried not by wings, balloons, or questionable wizardry, but by their own hair. Witnesses report that the pigs had recently gotten their hooves on a mysterious hair…
This Dog Was Trained to Interrupt Screen Time
Brana is a nine-month-old Goldendoodle with a very specific skill set.
She can sit. She can shake. She can wait. But her most impressive talent has nothing to do with tricks.
Brana knows when it’s time to stop scrolling. When a phone or tablet comes out, Brana gently places her paw on the hand holding it and nudges it away. She does not bark. She does not jump. She simply steps in, calmly but with persistence.
When a book is open, Brana behaves differently. Instead of pushing hands away, she places her paw on the reader’s hand, as if to say, keep going.
Brana can tell the difference between a book and a phone by watching how fingers move. If fingers are tapping or swiping, she steps in. If fingers are turning pages, she stays close and settles in.
She also has other habits that make her stand out.
When someone begins to dance, with or without music, Brana runs over, stands on her hind legs, and dances along. She can stay upright for several minutes at a time. If someone sits on the couch, Brana comes over and rests her head on their chest. On walks, if her person stops, Brana stops too and sits beside them.
She loves to pay attention. Brana’s behavior is already spreading.
She has inspired other dogs to show extra care in a world full of screens. One of her friends, George, is reported to be learning similar habits. George is especially good at leaning in close and cuddling when people put their phones down. He is still in training on how to shake off screen-time.
Together, Brana and George are part of what some are calling a new decade of dogs. Pups who encourage people to choose companionship over screens. Dogs who consciously remind their humans to look up once in a while.
Dog trainers and families have started noticing Brana’s behavior, especially as more people look for ways to spend less time on devices and more time together.
Brana’s trainer is now offering free tips on how to teach dogs similar screen-interrupting habits. Anyone interested in learning more, or who has a true but unusual story to share, can reach out to Silly Scoop on Facebook via direct message.
Brana will not respond to messages herself. She is currently busy watching for phones.