A Matter of Perception

My little blonde buttercup granddaughter Ella is unusually gifted with empathy. She hates anyone’s feelings being hurt; she cannot stand it if anyone is embarrassed in her presence.

At supper one evening, the family dog’s girth was under discussion. Frankie is a small, barrel-shaped mongrel, a Jack Russel gone very wrong. She has a tiny black head and huge ears that stick out like semaphores, and she would probably win the prize for Ugliest Dog at a show.

“That dog should go on a diet,” someone remarked. “She’s really getting too fat!”

“You’re mean! How can you say that?” Ella’s large blue eyes brimmed with tears at this insult to her pet. “How do you think that makes her feel? And anyway, she’s not fat at all! It’s just that her head’s so small for her body.”

Next time when your mirror suggests that you’re overweight, just tell it firmly: “I’m not fat. My head’s just on the small side.” And have that slice of chocolate cake. If you deny yourself your gastronomic pleasures, you might end up big-headed!

Erna Buber-deVilliers

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Name	Comment	Date
James	Ahhh.... our precious young. Brought a knowing smile to my face and warmness to my heart. Points 3 - Very promising piece of writing	2008-01-29
Louis	Erna - Light hearted look at the way children think. I wish we as adults had the same outlook, unfortunately... So, what makes this piece engaging? A great first sentence to push the reader into the piece. You allow the reader to get into Ella's mind and the way she feels about things, at once, and this is good. The funny moments: 1. ... a Jack Russel gone very wrong. 2. She has a tiny black head and huge ears that stick out like semaphores... 3."How do you think that makes her feel? And anyway, she's not fat at all! It's just that her head's so small for her body." 4. And, of-course, the last paragraph says it all. A great effort. Points 4 - Pretty close to perfect. I was captivated	2008-01-30
Ron	An endearing tale. I have six dogs. Or rather had. We lost one - a cross Maltese ex-SPCA-er to old age, deafness, blindness and Alzheimer’s over Xmas, so I can understand Ella's outrage when her pooch is criticised. I think the concept of comparing a dog's obesity to that of a human very funny and the idea should be used by an ad agency that is trying to promote a new slimming tablet. After all we all love animals and children. The tablet should be called "mirror!" Points 3 - Very promising piece of writing	2008-01-30
Mandy	This is very funny. I so enjoy children's perception of the world. It is so simple, and of course she will defend her ugly fat little dog to the end. Love it Points 4 - Pretty close to perfect. I was captivated	2008-01-30