The one time Bartleby really, truly scared someone and it was TOTALLY my fault, I tore myself up over it for nearly a year.

My UPS guy and I have come to terms with the incident and he's completely cool with it now...even to the degree of greeting us when we run into him on other streets...but I still feel bad.

Bonny, I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

Jilli, I can send you the info on some of the arm exercises I am doing with weights when I am home and near my scanner again on Tuesday if you're interested.

Barb, that is awesome! You should definitely do it.

I am having a really amazing weekend away with TCG. Good food, the weather was nicer today, and just good everything.

Jilli, I can send you the info on some of the arm exercises I am doing with weights when I am home and near my scanner again on Tuesday if you're interested.

Oh, sj. Could I horn in on that? My 'bingo wings' are bringing me down. (though if I flapped real hard, I think they could actually lift me up...and not in a good way)

If you had been fearful, would you have not have moved away?

Fearful people react in a variety of ways, including aggression.

You know, like dogs.

Bonny, sure. Just send me an e-mail toh my profile addy when you get the chance so that I have a reminder? My memory sucks.

Thanks, sj. insent. Any inspiration is appreciated.

Fearful people react in a variety of ways, including aggression.

And still exhibit physical markers for fear. Ironically, exactly like dogs.

I got in the strangest argument with a neighbor once. I knew she was afraid of dogs, although she claims she just doesn't like them. We have the world's worst mailman, and apparently one reason he smashes packages into mailboxes and abandons them in the middle of the driveway is that he's afraid of dogs. I suggested to her that perhaps the mailman had chosen the wrong line of work and she went into long rant about how someone shouldn't have to risk his life for a job.

And still exhibit physical markers for fear. Ironically, exactly like dogs.

I grant that you're an expert on dog behavior, but I don't think you can read the human heart like you think you can here.

I think the woman had wildly inappropriate behavior, but all I'm seeing from your description is that you were angered on Bartleby's behalf. That he would be perceived as a bad dog. And your behavior in going back to get the name of her company - that was invasive, retributive and passive aggressive.

Just my read, but humans are quite fallible at reading others motives.

Anyway, I don't even feel particularly judgmental on the matter. Her reaction was overblown and yours was understandable. But if you think you can presume that you know what her motives and behavior were coming from after one negative interaction on the street, then I think you're very wrong.

It's no different than diagnosing somebody over the internet after hearing about their behavior in one instance. It would be malpractice if a therapist did that.

I suggested to her that perhaps the mailman had chosen the wrong line of work and she went into long rant about how someone shouldn't have to risk his life for a job.

I actually agree that post people, delivery people and such, should be able to ply their trade without fear of being bitten or chased.

This is why I work hard to teach everyone I can get my hands on to train their dogs away from aggressive behavior. It can totally be done.

I just wish that people understood how much their own behavior can save them (much of the time) from what they fear most.