This is Winnie. She belongs to my Aunt Karen. I’ve learned several behavioral techniques from this sweet, supersized lab with a penchant for everything from frozen vegetables to whipped topping.

Today’s lesson was on the science of begging.

I received high marks for sustained attention, appropriate head tilt angle, and wagging tongue. In fact, I mastered the technique, enticing Michael to share some of his food with me. Winnie stood in disbelief. The student was now the teacher.

But I’m pretty sure she got the leftovers on the stove.