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A great-relative of a late relative (and a cow)

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OK, was I being dishonest or just tactful?

The situation's like this:
Last night I saw a message in 'Animals & Nature' from someone who had experienced a frightening experience when their family was chased by cows. I posted a reply which contained a relevant anecdote and an assurance that, if you stand still, cows pose no danger.

A few minutes later, I found a message in 'Body & Soul' from someone who wants to get over their fear of cows. I repeated the anecdote and made some positive suggestions as to how to overcome the phobia. Once again, I gave an asurance that there's no reason to be frightened of cows.

Now, I'm confident that everything I wrote was true. The anecdote was true, my suggestions were my honest opinion and I'm sure that my assurances regarding the gentle nature of cows are valid. (Only this afternoon, I became one of the thousands of people every day who walk across a field full of cows in central Cambridge).

So why am I feeling just a little bit guilty? Well, it's just that I omitted to mention that my late mother's great aunt was, erm, shall we say, er, um, sort of, er, well, . . . trampled to death . . . by a cow!!

Comments, anyone? :-)

Buenchico Wed 28/09/05 23:11

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dabees
Wed 28/09/05
23:15

You said all you could to help matters,it's not your fault. It's those killer Cows that are to blame. ;-)

shaneystar
Wed 28/09/05
23:22

I read those posts and I think you were very helpful and tactful.
I used to live in Holland many years ago and was chased by a cow whilst cycling across the dyke paths.The faster I went ..so did the cow.By the time I got to the road I was terrified and in a right state!! However I don't hold this against cows in general and think they are rather cute ...from a distance! Plus there are a great many of them here in East Anglia.More to the point...do tell about how this relative of yours was trampled to death by a bovine.!!

Buenchico
Wed 28/09/05
23:35

Question Author

Thanks, dabees & shaneystar for your replies. Unfortunately, the death of my mother's great aunt is so far back in the family history that the details have all been lost - only the fatal outcome is known. (I'm not even sure whether this is the same relative who was known for walking about with a chamber pot on her head - as protection from low-flying cows, perhaps?).

Chris

kaktus
Thurs 29/09/05
17:08

Yeah I see what you mean. I believe that cows are lovely creatures but potentially dangerous. That is why I was so vague in my answer... But how about comparing to dogs or horses. Dogs can be very dangerous, so can horses, if they get scared, annoyed or badly trained, but dangerous in general? Nooo.

Erhm can only say that people wearing chamber pots on their heads should not be trusted and she was probably exaggerating (sp?) her death ;0)

kaktus
Thurs 29/09/05
17:11

ps. I'm so sorry but I'm really getting the giggles over this...

pps. BTW I thought your answer was great, as they always re.

ppps. I hope you don't mind me giggling over you mother's great aunt who wore a chamber pot on her head and was trambled to death.

pppps. It almost rhymes.. sorry

ppppps. I'll just shut up now!

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