Neither here nor there

This is for Kousik and his question.
It came from a conversation about the washer man's dog.

In Hindi there is a saying :

DHOBI KA KUTTA
NA GHAR KA, NA GHAT KA

 (The washer man's dog
Not of the house or the washing place).

The origin, I think relates to another abused animal, the donkey.

Traditionally, the washer man would have a donkey. The laundry load would be piled on the donkey's back. Then it would reach the spot, usually the banks of a river, where the washing would happen. The dog would remain at home, guarding the house.

On the days when the donkey was not there, the washer man would put the load on the dog, and lead it to the river.

And among the other donkeys and the washing, the dog would be totally at a loss - neither here nor there.

This is how I think I saying came to be.