I love animals but something strange happens to me when they come close to me. I feel scared that the animals might bite me. I used to be scared of Zach the mongrel stray dog in my Granny’s building because Zach used to come very close to me to protect me but that made me uncomfortable because I thought he may bite so I used to run away from him. Also Oscar my aunt’s dog used to scare me because he used to bark loudly and this used to hurt my ears so I didn’t like playing with him.
In my friend’s house I used to get scared of the turtle because it was walking on the floor and my friend picked it up and put it in the tank. I felt scared because I didn’t like how the turtle looked so I wanted it to be in the tank so it can’t come near me. I liked the budgerigars that were in the cage because they were very pretty and colourful. But I wouldn’t like to hold it in my hand I just like to watch them.
I think that there are a lot of people like you who might like animals but don't like them when they are noisy -- like the dogs barking. I think you would like Shelley's dog Biggie because he is really quiet and obedient. He's a nice gentle dog.
Dear Rutton,
You understood me perfectly I like dogs that are quiet, when they bark or jump I feel scared and my ears hurt. Maybe your son and I feel the same way. Thank you for writing to me.
Love- Reh
Dear Reh,
This is Rutton from the USA. I am enjoying reading your blogs and what you are thinking. This "Animals and me" story reminded me so much of our own son. He reacts to dogs just like you do, so you are not alone. I think he likes dogs but only if they are quiet and gentle, and then he smiles at them even if they are close by. If they bark loudly or jump around he gets frightened and complains. When he was younger and in school the teachers had a trained dog which was very quiet and peaceful and he learned to pet that dog. He has a care-giver who also has a dog and…