I have a few friends who have dogs, but are not dog crazy like I am. One in particular is an older lady who has a couple of small dogs. She doesn't like big dogs and hasn't said it outright but has made it obvious she doesn't approve of our dog insanity with six large dogs.
Out of politeness she always asks how the dog are. I simply answer fine. Usually that is the end of our conversation, but today she asked me a couple of questions. We talked for a minute and got on the subject of heartworm pills. Which I truly believe in. She stated that she didn't bother with them and said, " If one of the dogs gets sick, I can always replace a dog."
The words don't surprise me coming from this woman. Doesn't even shock me. It's the utter disgust she has for me about the dogs that I find so amusing. My husband and I are completely invested in our dogs. Their relationship with us means the world. We couldn't have better friends and they are our family. What I find so humorous is that this abhors her to her very core. She believes we will never get financially ahead with all 'those dogs.' In no uncertain terms she lets me know of her disapproval. Winters around here are tough, jobs are hard to find, it was especially rough for us this year and her answer to our troubles is to get rid of some of the dogs. When did throwing away your best friend become an option to getting rich? I don't know how many people have hinted at this answer. It's never been an option. It isn't even a conceivable thought. I can not even begin to think of getting rid of one our dogs, or the cats, or the duck. How would that make my life better? It's like throwing your kid in the trash. I know not everyone believes that, but we do. Our dogs are the heart and soul of who we are. Everything we do is centered on them and their well being. Read one post, any of our post and it doesn't begin to scratch the surface of the meaning and unconditional love that surrounds us. There is so much balance and harmony in our home even with the separation between the two packs, and you expect me to destroy that to save a couple of bucks? Dogs have been saving my soul from the time I was born, how can you put a value on that? I wouldn't be alive it if wasn't for the animals I have had along the way, giving me a reason in this cruel world to keep on going and because we're a little short I should just toss them to the curb? We have sacrificed everything for our dogs and just because we hit a rough patch you think I should just fling them to the side like a wrapper to blow in the wind? Come on!
No, people may never understand the love we have for our dogs and I don't ask them to but give us a little respect. It's like telling someone to put the horse down because the cows ran out of milk. It doesn't make any logical sense. How do they think that getting rid of the only thing that matter most to us is going to make anything better? Really? That's your answer? Throw them away? Not in my house.
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35 comments:
That woman is a sad soul, if she has one. Sometimes you just can't understand how people's minds work. But I don't think her heart works at all!
My kids and I are together through thick and thin. That's it.
I can totally understand how YOUR mind works:)
It's always a sad day when you meet people like that and I mean for her, not us.
They just didn't grow up seeing the great value in adding animals (dogs) to our families. I don't blame her, but I still shake my head.
Our pack is just like yours. Our dogs are part of the family and we take care and think of them all the time.
We sure hope that woman has never had any human kids. We are outraged by her attitude. Wonder where she would be if her parents hadn't given her good health care. Simply stupid.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
I like the way you think.
And anyone who thinks dogs are interchangeable, that if one dies you get another one as a replacement, is missing the great blessings of living with animals.
I agree with Sisko. I am very sad for her.
It also suprised me when some of the people I thought to be real dog friends, suddenly suggested strongly I should euthanize Viva and get a new dog. Thank you I thought, for showing your real face and I don't have to waste my and Viva's time with you anymore.
going by the numbers of dogs that are 'free to good home' with lame excuses ... I sadly think her attitude is a widely held one. :P
Mom knows people like that too. She would rather get a second job or do without something as long as she could keep her dogs and horses happy and healthy!
Sam
Yup! What a sad little life she has..
Cheers,
Maxx
It never ceases to amaze me how some people think. I'm with you--our dogs are the best! We only have a short time with them and I want to enjoy every minute!!
I got a stomach ache just reading that lady's comments. Then I went and snuggled with Oliver for a few minutes and felt better.
My dogs are snoozing after a long walk with me and their dad to survey the damage here. Our neighborhood was ravaged by a fluke storm this week--roofs ripped off, trees downed, a sea plane wrecked (and totaled). We were spared this time, but had to help a lost pup figure out which was was home. Poor fella wandered through my torn pool screen and fell into the swimming pool. He owes Tanner his life, as Tanner came and 'told' me we had a problem on the porch. I rescued the fella and he headed home after a good shake and a rest in the grass. Yet another reason I encourage all dog owners to make sure their dogs know how to swim; this fella was sinking fast! http://www.allthingsdogblog.com/2009/04/swimming-lessons-for-lab-lovers.html
I'm trying to see what the value of friendship is with this woman. It doesn't seem that you have much common ground between you, and her comments seem rather hurtful. Our dogs are important to us, too, and I don't pay people with attitudes like hers much heed.
Houndstooth, I should have clarified that it a working relationship and that we became friends along the way. Although it is only until recently that she has shown her disdain and contempt for me. Her friendship used to mean something to me, but now it remains only a working relationship that helps pay for the dog food. Kind of ironic, huh? :)
I have to agree with Jet's comment. As appalling and close-minded as the woman's view is, I don't think it's uncommon. In fact, I'd be willing to say that the "disposable dog" attitude is more common than the "my dog is part of my family" outlook. :(
There's something wrong with that woman, though the saddest part is that it seems she can't be educated. She lives on the thin surface of life and never enjoys the depths.
It always makes me so sad to hear of people who don't love their dogs like I do. Sad because think of all that they are missing? Never knowing the genuine joy of a pup rushing to give kisses? Or the laughter you get one your dog does something so goofy?My life is so much richer for having my dogs in it - and whatever sacrifice's I have to make to keep them here, so be it. Paws up to you and your pack for "getting it". I bet you are all happier for sharing the pup love :)
Oh, people like that are truly dreadful, and I'm sorry that you have to deal with that. I know that we've faced some people being critical of us for having multiple animals, as if we're completely wasting our time and money. And I've learned to keep my mouth shut about Charlotte's heart problems, because many, many people just open their mouths and pop off with some stupid comment about how "she wouldn't still be alive if she lived in THIS house" or some variant of that. Drives me insane.
That's too bad that she feels that way. Just stumbled across your site, gorgeous dogs!
Would love to help you save money on your pet products, I'm sure you use a lot of them! :)
Kristy
http://www.mypetsavings.com
Hi Y'all,
Luke 6:37 says "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned;..."
You can never walk in anyone elses shoes.
When you are not a part of a family you do not know them and should not offer unsolicited opinion.
When I was growing up I was visiting a friend on her family farm. Her dad said something that really impressed me and has stayed with me always...He told me that when the family started the farm they had only soup made with root vegetables, homegrown, because they couldn't afford to buy food after caring for the animals. When I knew him his farm was a showplace and he was very successful.
There are people who believe that animals feel no pain or emotion. There are people who think advocating, blogging, or otherwise writing about pets are wasting time.
In times of trouble our pets are often the only loving, non judgemental being in our life.
BrownDog's Momma
BrownDog's Momma
I am also amazed at the people who can just toss their dogs aside for "lack" of money or whatever reason. We recently had a person surrender their 17 year old husky to the shelter I volunteer at! Can you believe that, I mean you have the dog for 17 years and you are just giving him up...the reason, he's too old and is costing too much! I hope this person experiences this kind of cold heartlessness when he's old and is costing someone a lot of money!
The dog is now living his golden years at a volunteer's house and loving every minute of it!
Kirby's mom
I couldn't agree more with you! Even on the roughest days I've never thought about getting rid of an animal. It's just not an option. It's my responsibility to care for them. And no heartworm treatments! why does she even have pets? Uggh that just disgust me.
Leloo's mommy
I totally get it! We are the same way. Our dogs ARE OUR CHILDREN! We would no sooner "get rid" of one of them, or not give them medical treatment than most people would their human children. That is never an option.
The sad fact is, that dogs ARE just throw away animals to way to many people. That is why the euthanasia rate is so high, and the number of pets in shelters are so high. I would live in my van with my dogs before I would ever get one of them up.
That woman is heartless and she doesn't deserve her dogs.
I love reading your blog. You make so much sense. It is so good to read a kindred spirit. People who lack heart are people to be pityed. I feel sorry for that woman. She may have more money but she is poor in spirit and wealth of spirit and wealth of love is all that matters.
in tough times, why don't you get rid of your dogs and then add psychological depression to the mix?
in the qld floods, i saw so much crap out on the curb. if it got a little wet, gone! i couldn't believe all the junk people had. if and when times are tough, you get rid of things that you wouldn't mind out on the curb, not things that give you pleasure. ebay, garage sales, going without--yes. chucking friends? heck no.
Unfortunately, my mom thinks along the same lines as the woman you mentioned. She keeps saying we should give the dog away to my grandpa, who will just keep her in a small enclosure to "defend the property".
I completely agree with you, we've become so attached to our doggie, that we would feel like we'd have to give away our child. Some people really don't understand that, because for them, the only race worthy of any attention and affection is human. To them, the rest are, as you say, "throw aways".
Tis so sad to hear that....she probably lived her whole life not knowing pure love....something only dogs and babies can give.
I guess, unless you have had that special relationship with a furry baby, you just really can't understand. I know that when I lost my last dog a few months ago, Only people with dogs seemed to really understand what I was going through. People who didn't have dogs just said "that's too bad". These guys are awsome. Each one is special in their own way. And they all bring so much to our lives. She is the one missing out.
Well said! Bravo! I will never understand the how or why some folks think of pets as "disposable." That is just so beyond any way of my thinking. I shudder to think how they feel about other things in their lives. All I can say is they are truly missing out on something big. We, too, love our dogs and the starving stray cat that has adopted us. We didn't throw her away, we fed her, keep her warm, take her to the vet, and she has chosen us as her new family - for over 3 years now. It always amazes me when people offer up their opinions when not asked. We, too, have heard things along the lines of "Five Huskies? How can you afford that? Why so many? Give some away." Ummm...how about they go away? I do not go into other people's lives and tell them how to run it or what to do, or even tell those who don't have/like pets that they should - so I expect the same respect back. Our Husky babies and kitty are that...our furbabies, and we will care for them no matter what, no matter whom...bravo to you for loving your dogs like you do, others be darned! Paws up to this post!
Well said yourself, FiveSibesMom! I agree, I don't tell you how to live, respect me enough not to butt into my life. As another friend said when we told the story, who's business is it anyways??
Not in my house either! What a sad existence that woman must have... I can't imagine treating a dog that way. They are family!
I've run across people with similar attitudes as that bad woman... but none of them have had their own dogs. Oh my... no heartworm pills because you can replace a dog who gets sick? I'd have a hard time holding my tongue in response to that doozy.
Unfortunately for me, the person who was most disrespectful of our dogs and our love for them was my MIL, and I couldn't speak my mind. That was a very tough phase in our lives.
I cannot tell you how many time I have heard the very same thing. I have four Dobermans. Two are mine two are fosters. I am in the financial shitter. But would never dream of getting throwing away any of the dogs. I instead got a part time job on the weekends (at a pet store). We will get through the tough times together! <3
Not in my house either!
That woman really made me mad. Obviously for her, dogs are not a living and breathing soul. They give her devotion and she gives them what?
I feel the same way you do and I am proud to know you for everything you said above.
i like the way to structured your blog and the discussion as well
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