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Original poster

If you have a dog, do you judge people who don't have dogs?

131 replies

breakdown19 · 09/04/2022 21:08

That's all.
We seem to be literally the last of anyone we know not to have a dog.
Even my friend who had an allergic husband has found a poodle.
My heart wants a dog but my head knows that they are bloody hard work bloody expensive and a massive tie.
I've already done all of those things with children

OP posts:
cakeorwine · 09/04/2022 22:19

I judge people who get dogs but who can't look after them.
Who get one just because they are in fashion and then neglect them.

I would love a dog but I haven't got the resources or time to look after one properly.

I think some people have dogs who don't seem to like their dog.

NeedAHoliday2021 · 09/04/2022 22:20

No, dogs are fab but they need someone home a lot and a certain lifestyle. I think people with dogs who leave them too long and don’t train them should be judged but choosing not to own one is very sensible in most cases.

sunshineandshowers40 · 09/04/2022 22:23

I don't think anyone will judge you for not having a dog. I'm not really an animal lover and I think people used to judge me for this ( which I do now understand). I'm so much better with dogs now and have a cat 🐱

Cottoneyejoeswifestampon · 09/04/2022 22:24

My friend never walks her working breed dog and locks the poor dog in a tiny crate every day when she works (full time).
I judge her, a lot

Booboobibles · 09/04/2022 22:47

@NuffSaidSam

I don't judge people who don't have a dog.

I judge people who don't LIKE dogs. I think they should be cast out from our society and forced to live on a prison island. But that's just my opinion.

Mine too 😀
A3285633 · 09/04/2022 22:50

No. I’m in my very late 50’s now and this is the first time in my life, since my beautiful boy died last year, that I’ve not had a dog. Just decided I can’t put myself through the heart break again

Perfectlystill · 09/04/2022 22:59

No! Not at all.

transformandriseup · 09/04/2022 23:06

I always wanted a dog when I was in school and generally enjoy the company of dogs but now we would not have the time for a dog due to the hours we work and don't really want the inconvenience of arranging care for when we go on holiday or the thought of paying a months take home pay on vets bills. I'm not sure if we will be judged for that but I think people should take a lot into consideration before choosing to get a dog (or any pet).

LoisWilkersonslastnerve · 09/04/2022 23:06

Pisses me off how it is now 'trendy' to own a dog. Yawn. I don't like them, I know nothing about them so maybe irrelevant but poor dogs. It disgusts me how easy it is to be a dog owner in this country. It's not an ornament.

FOJN · 09/04/2022 23:07

My heart wants a dog but my head knows that they are bloody hard work bloody expensive and a massive tie.

I have a dog and I love him to bits but you are right about the work, expense and commitment. There is nothing virtuous about letting your heart rule your head at the expense of a dog's welfare. So no I would not judge you at all for being sensible and realistic about what a dog entails and what you are prepared or able to commit to.

BOOTS52 · 09/04/2022 23:38

We adopted a lovely dog but if you do want a dog get one that does not shed as it will drive you mad. She is great though and is like a little human and does bring so much joy but you do what suits you and if you have a busy life then wait until it is quieter as they do require a lot of attention, more so than children in some ways. She is great company for me and love her to bits. Get the kids a goldfish less hassle ha!!!!

Scarybutnecassary · 09/04/2022 23:44

Most of my friends have dogs but I have never had an opinion on friends that don’t 🤷‍♀️

ImplementingTheDennisSystem · 09/04/2022 23:57

Judge? No!
The only thing I'm now judging you for is for worrying that other people are judging you!

ErrolTheDragon · 10/04/2022 00:05

Certainly not.
If you frequent the Dog House board, which is packed with dog owners/dog lovers, you'll often find people posting for advice on whether to get a dog (especially a pup) being advised to think very carefully about it, and sometimes dissuading them. The people who get judged are the ones who've bought without due care and diligence.

DesidaCrick · 10/04/2022 00:53

Whatever you do, someone will judge. Ignore and do as you like.

Smokeybacon72 · 10/04/2022 01:16

eh! naw but why would I, if some random person had a pet unicorn what would it have to do with me?

DesidaCrick · 10/04/2022 08:49

I don’t like dogs FWIW but I tend to keep this to myself when with friends that do and would always step in if I saw someone being cruel to one.

HardbackWriter · 10/04/2022 08:54

@TheVanguardSix

I have been quizzed twice by dog owners, as to why we don't have one. Both times I've found it annoying having to justify myself.

I bet they became dog owners yesterday!
I find my friends who became lockdown dog owners are sudden Authorities on All Things Dog... and EVERYONE must get a dog according to them (they didn't feel this way for the past 6 years when I was walking my own dog but they sure feel it now!).

I do think that new dog owners sometimes have the zeal of the converted - I've also encountered the 'oh, you really should get a dog, it's so wonderful, it's changed my life!' stuff. But I don't think they're actually judging me for not having their dog, they say their bit about their dog, gush on for a bit and you have to look politely at photos of the dog but I don't think they then give your non-dog owner status any further thought!
Moody123 · 10/04/2022 08:55

I judge people who get dogs, thinking they are just cute puppies... and don't take into account they are animals that need to be cared for that will grow

TurningUpMyStereotype · 10/04/2022 08:57

I judge a lot of people that do have dogs (or any animal) So many crap, selfish owners that really do not deserve them.

gunnersgold · 10/04/2022 08:58

@diggitydogdiggity

Yes rabbits and tubs are like horses . You start mucking out one end and by the time you have got to the finish you have to start again! Again why I don't have horses anymore ! 🤣

Catquestion · 10/04/2022 08:58

I’d judge someone who got a dog but didn’t have enough time for it, but never someone who didn’t have a dog.

fromagreatheight · 10/04/2022 09:07

I'd judge someone who only got a dog for fear of being judged...

Keithlovessmash · 10/04/2022 09:07

Oh I know what you mean. Not so much judgement though, more of a constant “you should get one too!”

I would LOVE a dog. I grew up with a dog. I had a dog myself as a younger adult.

But I would only have that one particular breed as I adore them, and I would only buy from a very reputable breeder which means going on waiting lists and the dog would cost upwards of 2.5k, which I just don’t have.

I also know the expense of good feeding, grooming and healthcare and insurance which I also can’t afford.

Time for care, training, walks and space for the breed I adore I do have! Life sucks!

So while I would love nothing more than to own another dog, it’s never going to happen.

Seema1234 · 10/04/2022 09:10

Not at all. I love my dog and there are more positives than negatives , but he's a PITA.