Thursday, September 20, 2012

Object of the Day, Caption Contest: The Baby Sitter

Click on the image to get a closer look.



This handsome chromolithograph was never utilized. In one way, it’s a shame that it wasn’t since it’s very cute. However, the fact that it wasn’t used also increased its chances of surviving in such good condition. See the “sign” in the upper right corner? That was meant to be over-printed with a company’s information. This card was printed in bulk. Advertisers could select it from a catalog and have the already-printed stock, over-printed with their own slogan and address, etc.

I was quite happy to see this card tucked into a stack I’d bought a few weeks ago. I like dogs, as you know, and I rather find the idea of a terrier taking care of a baby to be a charming one. Of course, if I was a parent to a human child, I might feel differently about this. But, as I am only a parent to Bertie, I find it cute.

Having lived with a terrier for over a decade, I have to tell you that should I ever tie a rope to a basket containing a baby, Bertie would not conclude that it was his job to gently pull the rope to rock the baby. If instructed to do something with the rope, Bertie probably would, bit, gentle rocking would not be the result. Forceful, playful tugging on the rope would occur because, well, that’s how dogs play. Babies would be flying all over the place. But, Bertie’d like that. He likes babies. They’re soft and they taste sweet (to kiss not to eat).

So, let’s have a caption contest.

What could this advertise? Why is the dog baby sitting? Whose baby is it? How does the baby feel about all of this? Why are they outside? Why is there a blank piece of wood nailed up there? And, go… Answers in the comments, please. 



17 comments:

Dashwood said...

All dogs welcome!

Dump the baby and win your choice of a hobo bag or a jug of hooch!

Go Toto.

Joseph Crisalli said...

That's what it looks like. Maybe they're on the run.

Matt said...

It's a new cable drama on TNT. "One is a baby. One is a dog. Together, they must save the world. Tune in Tuesdays at 9/8 Central for Baby and the Dog. When the bow breaks, the cradle will rock your world."

Joseph Crisalli said...

Sounds like TNT.

Sam P said...

Hobo Dog Babysitting. For the parents who just don't care.

Joseph Crisalli said...

Prices may vary.

April said...

Dog's a better baby sitter than I'd be.

Carolyn said...

The telegraph version of one of those babysitting websites.

Joseph Crisalli said...

Dot, dot, dash, dash...

Darcy said...

I think the wooden sign should say" Parenting Classes Available ". And I like Matt's idea for the TNT show. Maybe it will show up on the new fall schedule .

Gene said...

I guess I'm weird because I think this is perfectly normal.

Joseph Crisalli said...

That explains a lot.

Joseph Crisalli said...

And, yes, Darcy. I agree with you! Parenting classes might be a good idea. I like Matt's idea, too. I'm sure its already in development.

Barb said...

The baby doesn't seem to mind.

Joseph Crisalli said...

It's all he ever knew.

Angelo said...

That is how I was brought up.

Joseph Crisalli said...

That also explains a lot.