Aria isn’t a fan of strangers, in general. She doesn’t like most kids, especially kids on skateboards or scooters. Didn’t care for a muslim kid the other day. I don’t think it’s an inherent thing. I think it’s that she doesn’t like being approached by strangers. She’s perfectly fine if she walks up to you and checks you out. (Unless you’re a muslim kid, I guess).
That said, she adored my son’s girlfriend from the minute they met. Then again, she adores my son, and if he loves her, she loves her too. That’s another thing.
When people ask to pet her when I’m walking the two of them, if it’s a kid, I generally say no. Anyone else, I’ll tell them to let them approach. This Saturday on our walk, as we cleared the trail and were in the second park, there was an ancient woman walking with a walker, slowly. She had what looked like her daughter with her. The daughter told me the old woman loves dogs and asked if she could pet them. I said, let them approach her.
What happened next was a hallmark moment (like the cards or channel).
She had a huge smile and said “They’re so clean!”.
Actually, they’re working up to needing a bath, but they aren’t stinky and Aria is super fuzzy with her winter coat coming in. They are both incredibly sweet with disabled people. They are hilarious around the Girl’s autistic son.
Sunday, it was two hispanic young men that asked. Same deal, let them check you out. The both allowed the dudes to pet them, but unlike with the ancient woman, they had enough, got bored, and walked away.
Their interaction with the old woman made my day. I’m sure it made hers. She was so happy.
I’m glad I got to be the surprise onion ring in someone’s fries that day.
