I describe myself as a writer these days. People describe me as that too. ‘Good with words’. Most of the words I use are actual words. But occasionally, if relevant, I make them up.
At our holiday cottages in Northumberland, we have two Doggy Demuddification Stations. Little green hosepipes with shower heads. Dog shampoo and towels, too.
Why? It’s an expression of ‘true’ dog friendliness. Cottages say they’re dog friendly. But what they really mean is ‘dog tolerant’. Because they charge you extra and assume you’ll use cereal bowls for dog bowls.
But when you go to the bother of making and naming two Doggy Demuddification Stations and a dog hotel, as well as providing bowls, beds, treats, towels, toys, enclosed/inescapable grounds plus a chalkboard that welcomes guests and dogs, by name – all for free – that’s ‘true’ dog friendliness, I think.
I suppose all I’m saying is that if you’re going to do a thing, go all in. Think further. And maybe even make up a word or two along the way, to spotlight what you’ve done.