For most of his life I have referred to Billy with the pet name "Billy Goat." I mean, not all of the time, but when I feel like using a pet name, that's my go-to.
Back in September we had the opportunity to go to the State Fair, where Billy got to get up close and personal with some billy goats. He was not a fan. And a few weeks ago we went to a farm that had goats, still not a fan.
So, this morning when I said, "Hey there, Billy Goat!" he was thoroughly offended.
"Mommy, I'm not a goat."
I tried to reason with him. I tried to explain what a term of endearment was (besides an award-winning movie). I tried to explain that pet names were special.
"No, Mommy. I am a people. I am not a goat. I am not an animal. Don't call me an animal."
Okay. Never mind the semantics that humans actually are animals- I got what he was saying. And for the first time, he was truly offended. His voice was calm, his tone serious and his expression said it all, "I am a people."
Time to find a new pet name...
