This prompt immediately brought to mind a famous fable "Elephant and Moska" It was written by Krilov in 19 century and all children learn it in pre-school. Below I will attempt to translate it.

Someone has walked an elephant along by some city street, apparently, as a show. In Russia, elephants are such a rarety - a wonder So the crowd of gawks followed that walk.  

All of a sudden a little dog by the name Moska appeared. Seeing the elephant Moska started incessant barking, whistling, and growling as if she was ready to tear the elephant apart as if she was challenging him to mortal combat.

The neighboring dog "Shavka" attempted to calm her down

"Come on. Moska! Stop making a full of yourself! Look, you've already lost your voice and he still walks along and not paying any attention at your efforts."

"You don't understand," Moska responded, "that is exactly why I feel so brave and spirited! I don't even have to fight, but people would think that I am a bully and fearless. Other dogs would think 'That Moscka, she must be very strong if she barks at an elephant!' "