Bow-wow

I was brunching with a friend when I asked, "How's your dog doing?" The dog was nearing 91 human years. 

There was a subtle attitude shift before curtly responding, "Fine."

A few days later, I saw my friend having car trouble in the Trader Joe's parking lot. I pulled over to offer help. He turned his back, ignoring me. 

Days later I saw a mutual acquaintance who said my friend wanted nothing to do with me. 

I asked why.

He said I never said the dog's christened name when asking about the dog.

A mortal sin. 

A friendship dead.