All That Glitters is Not Golden
Dear Frankie,
My mom and I lived in a rusty trailer and were always tight on money before we won the Mega Bucks Lottery.
When we got the check, my mom told me that price was no object. She bought the best of everything: house, cars, jewelry, live-in staff, etc. She even had a doggie wonderland built for me with a running track, a walk-in pool, and an agility course. But the best is my clubhouse with a refrigerator filled with snacks and closets packed to the rafters with designer collars and coats.
I told her she didn’t have to do that, but she said, “Are you kidding? You deserve nothing but the best for all those years you stuck by me through thick and thin.”
When my application for The Ritz Academy for Canine Excellence was accepted, my mom arranged for the chauffeur to transport me to and from school in our limousine. She also insisted I wear my rhinestone collars and designer jackets.
It was embarrassing. The response of my classmates was over the top. I was invited to play dates, birthday parties, agility event outings, and sleepovers. I have always been able to make friends, but this was a social tsunami.
I told a good friend from the trailer park about the invitations, and she said, “Don’t you get it? These dogs don’t care about you. They invited you because they want to be seen as having a wealthy celebrity friend.”
Is it true, Frankie, that dogs make friends with other dogs based on what they have rather than who they are?
Jackson
Dear Jackson,
Yes, some dogs make friends based on what another dog can do for them. You have a lot to offer; there aren’t many dogs that have a canine wonderland, so you need to know you are a ready target for users and social climbers.
Not all dogs, however, are materialistic or social cannibals. Indeed, the friendships you made at the trailer park weren’t based on material possessions or social standing. Think about these friendships and why you chose those dogs for friends. Then use what you decide as criteria for making friends at the academy.
By the way, an invitation is a request, not a requirement, so think about the person inviting you and if you have any doubts about their motives, politely say you are not available.
Best, Frankie
© 2022 Geneva Woodruff
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