Who Does He Think He Is?
Dear Frankie,
Billy is a newcomer to the park.
Recently, He and I became friends. Several of my friends at the park don’t like him. They think he is loud and rough around the edges. He is, but he is also hysterically funny. He tells better jokes than the comedians on TV.
One friend said she thought Billy had a nerve coming to our park and wondered why he didn’t go to the park in his neighborhood on the other side of town.
When I asked Pebble what he thought about what the dogs said about Billy, he said, “Don’t you get what they are telling you; Billy comes from a poor neighborhood. He isn’t refined and classy like the dogs like us.”
Pebble also said that if I continued hanging out with Billy, it might cost me a few friends and damage my reputation. I was floored. Is it true that someone’s reputation is based on your friend’s zip code?
Sandy
Dear Sandy,
Sadly, some dogs are social climbers. They are known to seek friendships with dogs who live in the best neighborhoods in town, have prestigious parents, and attend fancy doggie daycares. Having the right friends and being a member of the in-crowd, makes these dogs feel important. Often, they are name droppers. They work these friends’ names into their conversations to impress others that they are socially connected.
As for Pebble, I think he was using scare tactics to get you to dump Billy. He and his friends may be miffed that you have chosen to spend more time with Billy and less with them. Some are probably bewildered why you would befriend a dog like Billy.
They don’t realize that many famous and accomplished dogs and people came from meager beginnings. For example, Laika, the first dog in space, was a Moscow Street dog; and Abraham Lincoln, who was very poor when he was a kid, became president.
I’m so glad you have chosen a friend like Billy. There aren’t many who can say they have a funny, witty, and clever friend. I have no reason to believe Billy will be a reputation deal breaker.
Best, Frankie
© 2022 Geneva Woodruff
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