Mr. Peterson eventually admitted that the dog had been barking because it became excited whenever it spotted passing cats and people. He insisted that he usually brought it indoors, but sometimes forgot when he became distracted. Emma explained that the barking had continued for hours the previous night, leaving them completely exhausted. Richard supported his wife, although he wished she had chosen a less dramatic way to make her point. The neighbor finally apologized and promised to pay closer attention to his pet. For a moment, everyone thought the problem had been solved.

However, just as Mr. Peterson reached for the dog’s leash, another dog started barking somewhere down the street. His own animal immediately responded with several enthusiastic barks. Emma closed her eyes and sighed. Richard looked at the neighbor and asked whether he could perhaps consider keeping the dog indoors at night. Mr. Peterson nodded, but before he could answer, Emma made an unexpected suggestion that would soon turn their entire street into a comedy show.