Musings & Threads. Prejudice. — thehummingbirdpost.com

Aug 1

Aug 1 Musings & Threads. Prejudice.

Life Ramblings, Musings & Threads, Angela Rieck

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover.

A new lesson from Gus, the rescue dog.

Prejudice comes in many forms…even in the dog world. There are some breeds that are universally feared: Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers. Yet animal trainers will tell you these dogs have a bad reputation only because their bite is very powerful. Their dispositions are usually as gentle and sweet as smaller, less intimidating dogs, but their menacing appearance makes people scurry past them.

Which brings me to my story. If you have read my stories, you know that I recently adopted an adorable Maltese mix named Gus. As Gus has become more comfortable he has become even sweeter. Now he goes up to people with his big brown eyes, smiling expression and sweet disposition. As I walk through town, many people and children ask permission to pet his soft baby fine, white fur and look into those beautiful, big brown eyes. But despite his sweet appearance, he has a fear of big dogs. When he encounters one at close range, he takes an aggressive stance, planting his feet and staring at them while giving a tiny growl, too cute to be menacing to anyone but a member of the animal kingdom.

Last week I took Gus to the farmer’s market and out of the corner of my eye I saw him give this stance to a pit bull mix. The dog, believing his owner to be threatened, immediately charged Gus, growling fiercely and almost knocking his owner down. We both were able to grab our dogs (Gus is only 14 pounds, so it was pretty easy for me) and continue shopping. The observers, on the other hand, were not so forgiving and glared at the pit bull mix. They went to Gus to console him; as they kneeled down, he would put his two front paws on their knees, showing his big brown sweet doe eyes, perk up his small ears that lopped to the side, and give a little snuggling grunt. As they were soothing Gus, I informed them that, indeed, Gus had started the fight. Of course, they found that even more charming and pronounced him to be both brave and cute. Gus just stared up at them blinking his sweet big eyes, begging for their attention, who me?

Yes, you.

Show 2 comments

Angela Rieck

I WAS an executive of a large insurance company, a Ph.D. in Mathematical Psychology (go Terps!), a mother, a wife, a community leader, a volunteer, an animal rescuer, a friend and a philosopher. I used to be funny, smart, with a keen eye for the absurdities of life. But now I feel defined by what I have lost, my career, my husband (who died from cancer August 2015), my 35+ year life in Morristown, NJ, possessions (stolen), volunteer work, two of my beloved dogs, my parents, friends, but most of all, my purpose. What remains is an amazing 25 year old daughter and the daunting task of creating a new life. I am fortunate enough to spend time in Key West, FL and St. Michaels MD. While trying to understand these 2½ years of loss, I started to chronicle my feelings, thoughts and philosophies. I wrote to communicate, to understand, to reflect, to find a direction. People who read my posts said, “you are a writer,” so I am grasping onto this skill to find where it takes me. I am grateful for what remains, my daughter, my family, my friends, my husband’s family…and I will keep my promise to my husband to build on what is left. Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you.