Do you think some people on here can be too harsh and hypocritical?

Question

I have seen many answers that say "you shouldn't have a dog".
You don't have two thousand dollars in case of an emergency you shouldn't have a dog. You mean you actually have to work "gasp" you shouldn't have a dog. You mean you actually have a life (ie friends and family) you shouldn't have a dog.

The average American lives pay check to pay check and has a two income household. The average American is the biggest portion of dog owners. So if all these people that own dogs gave them up because they don't have a thousand dollars on hand and have to work, what would happen to all these dogs that had loving homes. Shelters or dead. Isn't it good enough that these people love their dogs and take the best care of them possible. Should we criticize them and make them feel guilty because they are seeking help, and tell them they shouldn't have a dog.

Do you think the ones who always say well then you shouldn't have a dog, have a couple thousand on hand at all time, never leave their house, and refuse any type of social life outside of the dog park? Or do you think they just like feeling superior to the others and telling them what better dog owners they are then anyone else?

I understand there are some people who shouldn't have dogs, but do you think it gets carried away.

Y!A rage I like that.

mikesoff you make some good points about the dogs making you feel better, and comforted. By the way I love you too, kids miss you, and Sadie's doing good. She'll be up and running in no time. Also mikesoff is the sexiest man I've ever laid eyes on. HOT!!

Answer 1

I couldn't agree with you more!... it saddens me sometimes to read the terrible things said to people on here, when there only trying to get help!.. Some of these "pet" fanatics are crazy!!.. Everybody thinks they have the best pet, the best training techniques, and the best living conditions for there animal. What they don't realize is THEY ARE JUST LIKE THE REST OF US!..Just as you said, thing's happen in life, problems occur, and we try to deal with them the best way we know how. To some on here, that is not enough, I hear the same people preaching the same "Holier Than Thou" sermons on here everyday over and over again. All I can figure is there obsession with animals stems from a much larger, deeper personal problem, having to do with socializing with others, self esteem, .and feeling .inadequate.. They are in there own little world of perfection, and honestly believe that out of all the millions of pet owners, they are the ONLY ONEs, who can properly take care of there pet. The only way they know how to communicate this is threw anger, put downs, and rude suggestions. Where did all the compassion go???... Geeez! They do not know there is a way of educating and informing, without treating the other person like a fool, or getting angry at them for just not knowing. Funny thing is, these individuals are no better than anyone else, and probably don't do half the things, in there everyday lives, that they preach about to the rest of us.... I just try to chalk it up as, another "who gives a f**k" thing, and go on my merry way..!!.

Answer 2

I feel that people need to wake up. People that own dogs and live pay check to pay check should own dogs. If there is an emergency or hidden expence that accompanies the aspect of owning a dog then it is a good idea to try and set aside a little funding for those reasons. Even if you are unable to set aside some money and a situation comes up then you do the best that you can. Most Vets that my wife and I have delt with have worked with us in the form of payment. The vets that we do business with have a concern for the animal "not the money" and therefor the pets health is the primary concern. There is always a way to get things done if you have enough heart and motivation to do so.
The other reason that I say that Individuals need a dog is for the fact that are obvious but are not discussed as much. A dog provides a feeling of personal security as well as comfort. An idividual that works for a living and lives pay check to pay check has issues of stress andconcern of making ends meet. A dog provides a distration from the every day grind of work, work, work. When your dog meets you at the door afterwork and demands your attention the stress and worries of that day get placed on the back burner, so to speak, for a time being. Granted this may be one of many ways to escape but for a dog owner, there is a sence of pride and joy in knowing that they are supporting a dog and the dog supports the owner in return.
As for the fact that people tend to be harsh and or hypicritical, I feel is due to the Internet. People can say and do whatever they want without being corrected and or confronted about their way of thinking. Freedom of speach is one thing but I feel that those that have no idea of what they are sayingshould not speak. And those individuals that are just being right out *&@{$!! need to get a dog and a life and grow up.
I love you honey and give the kids a kiss and hug for me. I hope that Sadie is doing good.

Answer 3

I understand why some people answer the way they do. But the point is: Aren't we all here to maybe learn something? When I started reading Y/A I was looking for a way to get rid of fleas in my house without bombing the house to holy hell. And surprise surprise I found some very good suggestions. Some of them worked and some didn't. Now as I read some peoples answers I get really worked up. Very few people are out there to try to help someone else, they are here to bully and abuse others. OK some of the people that ask things like "help my dog just got hit by a car what do I do?" deserve sarcastic answers. But most are just trying to help there pet. Maybe I just want to know if what my animal is going through is normal or serious. I never knew until the other day what dermodex was. Know I know because some kind soul took pity on a person that asked the question. For the most part the poster was called all kinds of names and degraded because they didn't ask the vet what it was. I'm not stupid and I hate it when someone thinks that I am. Just how did they learn all the answers. I'll stop trying to educate myself when I'm dead. Maybe if we all try to be alittle kinder we can help save an animal or two.

Answer 4

People tend to get carried away when it comes to some of the questions on here. I don't think, they think they are superior. Most the time they probably need to sit back and take a break. Nice relaxing break!!
I do think there are people who do not need to have a dog. But not because of work or family, that's just silly. Someone has to bring home the bacon and the part with family is a plus for a dog.
There is a lot of knowledge on this site if people are willing to learn. So instead of making others feel bad because they ask a question people should answer with the knowledge they have. Asking questions is how you start the process in most cases.

Answer 5

Yes I do agree. Sometimes people get a little angrier than neccessary but, the people that post questions with a headline like "Help I dont know what to do about my dog bleeding in his poop!!" or "Dog broke his leg no money for vet" thats just moronic and I wish they didnt have dogs. I live check to check somewhat but I have a certain amt go to a savings acct every time i get paid. Truth be told if i dont see it, I dont miss it and then when my dog needs a vet i have the money, a dog is a living creature and will need some sort of med attn at some time in it's life so prepare for it. Be proactive!



Added: Mutt mommy (again) makes a great point! Just bc some of us save for our dogs inevitable vet visits doesnt mean we dont work and have lives. I have a great one outside work and away from the pups but they are still taken into consideration on pay day!

Answer 6

I think that it gets carried away from time to time. Some people just sit here and type and make up incredibly high standards for dog owners. They're too quick to say, "you shouldn't have a dog," when really they should be giving advice on how to HELP that person to be a good dog owner! Mind you, this isn't everybody on here, just a few people.

Then again, some questions do come from people who shouldn't be owning dogs. Dogs are social animals, and if the owner is going to be away from home all day and then come home tired to laze on the couch, I don't think they should own a dog. You've got to be considerate of the animal. And while you don't need to have an emergency fund of $2000 just to own a dog, you do need to have the money necessary to spay/neuter the dog, give it yearly vet checkups and vaccinations, and buy its essential items.

But I do think that a lot of people on here are way too emotional to be answering questions. Going so far as to insult the person asking the question is just plain rude.

Answer 7

I have seen a few innocent people get "jumped on" on this site, but I have to say that the appalling questions that get asked here just make dog lover's juices boil to the overflowing. When people come on here and say things like "I want to make sure my labs next litter survives, not like the nine pups she just had that died, and by the way, how soon can I breed her again?" I think many people just can't help themselves. I have actually cried reading questions on this site.
I am not rich. I don't have $2000 in the bank for an emergency. But you will find me applying for credit, getting a home equity loan, selling jewelry, anything that needs to be done to get proper health care for my dogs. I would even sell my computer before I would come on here and ask how I can get away with some home remedy for mange, or will motor oil work instead.
I work full time and so does my husband. We have seven dogs in our home. For a year I came home for lunch every day-that meant I had to stay longer at work every day. Now it is my husband's turn. He goes in to work an hour early so he can come home for lunch. We do what we have to do because we have a responsibility to our dogs-it was our choice to have dogs.
I have had foster dogs who were locked in bathrooms for 12-14 hours while their owners were out partying after work. I have had fosters who put their dogs in small crates for that long a time, and then gave them up because they peed and pooped all over themselves.
Will I still get mad at some of the questions on this site? You bet. I am not above everyone else-I have just stood up and accepted the responsibility of my decision to have animals.
If everyone did the same, this would be a pleasant place to chat about our animals.

Answer 8

i can understand the answers to some of the health questions but I get really angry with all the people who demand others not get a dog because: they work, They are too young(12) and don't have a job, they have children(ages unknown) and a host of other reason. I would bet that any dog waiting desperately in a kill shelter would love to go home with any of these people but all the dog lovers would prefer to see them dead. In an ideal world every animal and every child would go to a perfect loving home but this isn't an ideal world and the lucky ones have a warm place to sleep ,enough to eat and drink and most importantly,love.

Answer 9

I think you're half right. I work full-time, and when people say that if others work full-time, they shouldn't have a dog, I am shocked. With as much money as dogs cost, how can you NOT work? I mean, unless you come from a wealthy family, I just don't see how its possible.

On the other hand, people often come on here saying that they can't take their dog to the vet... not even to see what is wrong. Meaning, they would only be charged for an office visit. In my area, an office visit runs at about $50... it is ridiculous that a dog owner cannot come up with $50 to take their dog to the vet. Put it on a credit card, or borrow it, or sell something. When you become a dog owner, you are responsible for their health and well-being. When my dogs are sick, they go to the vet. I knew that when I got them, and so should everyone else.

Answer 10

Some are too harsh. Yes, most people have to work to pay expenses which includes vet care. No, I don't believe you need $2,000 saved to cover vet costs, but its a great idea if you can. No, I think someone that has a family & responsibilties should have a dog if they can properly care for one. I spend most of my time wih dogs, but I also have 3 children tht play soccer, band, & involved in rodeo pagents. You can be a dog owner & have a life. What makes me mad is people that spend too much on the extras, to get their dog vet care or their dog is too much work so off to the shelter or backyard & forgotten about.

Answer 11

When the help is about something that needs immediate medical attention no it's not too harsh to say you shouldn't have a dog. There is such a thing as carecredit and pet insurance which in many cases is much more affordable than human health insurance. I personally know people who are homeless and STILL are able to provide emergency care for their dogs/cats. Animals need more than just a cuddle on the couch and food. Without proper exercise they can become overweight; which in turn can kill them. Then you get people who ask "which breed for me" and list off a bunch of things that may or may not be found in any breed. Or the people wanting "guard dogs" which is a liability. Not to mention the BYBs that come on wanting to know about cross breeding their dog and what not. I'm homeless, I barely survive between paychecks. My dog comes first. He comes before anyone and anything and yes if he got sick and I had to choose between buying food and saving him, I'd choose him. I really could go on forever but I doubt there is enough room.