Two young boys discuss a dog who "smells like dog"

I was walking our chocolate lab Aquinnah yesterday afternoon when we crossed paths with two boys who were playing outside. One looked like he was about 7, the other, about 5. The older one asked if they could pet Aquinnah, and of course I said yes, because he loves children.

The boys did not appear to be familiar with doggie etiquette, because they ran toward Aquinnah, which is never a good idea when approaching a dog who does not know you. Aquinnah's eyes grew wide with apprehension, but the kids slowed to a walk as soon as I asked them to, and all was well.

As the boys patted Aquinnah's head and rubbed their hands along his back, the younger one said, disapprovingly, "Your dog smells like dog." To which the older boy replied, in a tone designed to convey his advanced years and greater wisdom, "All dogs smell like dog."