Alessandra's family has always had at least one pet, so she is comfortable around dogs. her friend tyra, however, was bitten by a dog a few years ago and is now afraid of all dogs. while alessandra and tyra are walking to school, they are approached by a dog that is wagging its tail. alessandra bends down to pet the dog, but tyra backs up because she is afraid. both girls are the same dog, but the way each experiences or the dog is different.