The Parrot

Mrs. Davidson's dishwasher quits working so she calls a repairman. Since she has to go to work, she tells him, "I'll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dish-washer--leave the bill on the counter and I'll mail you the check. Oh, by the way, don't worry about my bulldog; he won't bother you. But, whatever you do, do not, under any circumstances, talk to the parrot!"

When the repairman arrives at Mrs. Davidson's apartment, he discovers the biggest and meanest bulldog he has ever seen. But just as she said, the dog just lays there on the carpet lazily watching the repairman go about his business. 

The Parrot, however, drives him nuts the whole time with its incessant yelling, cursing, and name-calling. The repairman--wanting to respect Ms. Davidson's request-- continues while trying to ignore it.  Meanwhile, the parrot keeps verbally abusing him. Finally the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer, and suspecting that a small bird posed little danger, yelled, "Shut up, you stupid ugly bird!" 

To which the parrot replied, "Get him, Spike!" 

Moral of the Story: Your enemy by himself may not be intimidating, but you should never ignore his resources.