Moving to a new area can bring unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to pet ownership. One reader seeks advice on how to handle the fear some individuals express towards their large dog.
Unfamiliar Reactions:
The reader recounts multiple instances where people have shown extreme fear towards their dog. From gasps to screams, these reactions have left the reader perplexed about how to respond.
Navigating Responses:
While the reader's instinct is to apologize and remove the dog from the situation, they question the necessity of apologies when neither the dog nor the owner are at fault. Miss Manners suggests considering if the reactions are warranted or if there might be underlying reasons for such dramatic responses.
Finding the Right Words:
In situations where individuals express fear, the reader seeks guidance on how to convey empathy without admitting fault. Miss Manners advises reassuring others of the dog's benign nature while acknowledging the disproportionate display of fear.
In conclusion, addressing fear towards a large dog requires a delicate balance of empathy and clarification. By understanding local customs and responding with tact, pet owners can navigate such situations with grace and understanding.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
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