Page 5 | If you have a dog, do you judge people who don't have dogs?

breakdown19 · 2022-04-09T20:08:12+00:00

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

SirChenjins · 10/04/2022 15:49

Even if the reason for disliking them is that they were attacked by one @GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER? How does that make them a ‘weirdo’?

notprincehamlet · 10/04/2022 16:22

I wouldn't judge you for not having a dog but if you didn't like dogs then I would imperceptibly edit you out of my life along with people who slurp their orange juice, people who wear clacky shoes, people who leave the cinema before the end of the credits etc.

Iamnotamermaid · 10/04/2022 16:38

I got challenged once, when about to head off on a walk (without a dog), by a man demanding to know where was my dog and if I did not have one why was I going for a walk. How could I possibly go on a walk without a dog (or cat even).

Man was odd. One of those who will see you out, and if you did not have a dog (apparently this dog did not like other dogs), would let his (fairly large dog) off the lead so it could charge up to you - with a cheery 'she'd friendly - don't worry'.

EV117 · 10/04/2022 17:02

No. Quite the opposite. I judge people who get dogs when they don’t really have the means or sense to look after them properly, especially when they neglect their walking needs. Grown adults who get puppies because they look cute and then are surprised to realise it’s an animal with needs, it’s pathetic. You sound very sensible OP.

ReadyToMoveIt · 10/04/2022 17:23

All this ‘I don’t like people who don’t like dogs’ thing is weird. I love dogs. I have a dog. I’ve had dogs all of my life. I don’t care whether other people in my life like dogs or not, why would I?! Similarly I don’t like cats, and wouldn’t expect anyone to shun me based on my opinion of a small, furry animal.
As long as people don’t mistreat animals, I don’t care what their opinions of them are.

DesidaCrick · 10/04/2022 17:28

Quite. I wouldn’t like someone who was cruel to a living thing, but we all have different preferences.

SirChenjins · 10/04/2022 17:30

Agree @ReadyToMoveIt - it’s a very strange attitude

MangoLipstick · 10/04/2022 17:40

I don’t think it’s generally the kind of thing people judge you on, even by MN standards!🤣

ApolloandDaphne · 10/04/2022 17:48

I adore my dog but I would never judge anyone without one. That would be absurd. There are many reasons that people cannot have or don't want a dog and they are all valid.

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 10/04/2022 17:59

No, not at all.

Dogs are a big commitment and they're definitely not for everyone.

In fact, I think many dog owners shouldn't have dogs either

Leonberger · 10/04/2022 17:59

I don’t judge people who don’t have dogs, why would I care!

Personally I could not walk without a dog. I think I would feel strange and unsafe!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 10/04/2022 18:09

Our dogs give me a lot of happiness, and I want everyone to have happiness in their lives - but I know there are so many ways to achieve happiness, and having dogs is only one of them.

So, no - I wouldn’t judge anyone who doesn’t have a dog, or any other pet for that matter.

Peachtoiletpaper · 10/04/2022 18:16

I love animals but would never want a dog. For me, liking something doesn't mean I necessarily need to possess it.

My dad had a weird experience with a local bloke who had a dog. My dad has always jogged and later, walked every morning. This man quite aggressively wanted to know why he was out walking without a dog, implying he was some sort of peeping tom (down a riverside path?!). He referred to him as 'that weird bloke without a dog' to people who turned out to be mutual friends, so yes, I think some people find ways to judge others for that reason. Utterly batshit.

crosstalk · 10/04/2022 18:29

No, why would I judge someone for not having a dog.

They might not be able to bear the expense, just not want one, live in an inappropriate place or not be able to give the necessary care, be too old or infirm to manage (even a tiny dog requires poo picking). Or (hush my mouth) just not like them.

100problems · 10/04/2022 18:32

I just got a dog. Walking is much more fun. Dog people love a chat!

latriciamcneal · 10/04/2022 19:24

@MintyMoocow

I judge people who don’t have cats!

I came here to say this. How anyone can come home, not see a cat, and think 'yes, this is a good way to spend my life' is beyond me.

latriciamcneal · 10/04/2022 19:25

@breakdown19

I think lots of people think that dogs are so life enhancing etc and are saying "oh go on, you should" Etc

They're a pain. They're like a baby that never grows up. Cats are much better. When you want affection they are so cuddly, when you don't they just bugger off. Yes they can do things like pee on the floor or badger you for food but it's worth it for me. They are the most majestic creatures to grace this earth. Dogs are just big galumphing nuisances who leave hair everywhere.

ReadyToMoveIt · 10/04/2022 19:42

Anyone who judges someone else for not owning a particular animal, whether that’s cat, dog or fucking pigeon, is really, really weird in my opinion. And probably needs to get a life.

Ragwort · 10/04/2022 19:48

I really want to know why people judge people who don't like dogs, why?? I don't like dogs, I am not cruel to them of course but I don't go out of my way to stroke or admire them ... but why does that mean people wouldn't like me? Surely that is very narrow minded? Quite a few of my friends have dogs, it doesn't seem to affect my friendships, they know I don't like dogs but they also know it's not personal. .

ShanghaiDiva · 10/04/2022 19:52

@Ragwort

I really want to know why people judge people who don't like dogs, why?? I don't like dogs, I am not cruel to them of course but I don't go out of my way to stroke or admire them ... but why does that mean people wouldn't like me? Surely that is very narrow minded? Quite a few of my friends have dogs, it doesn't seem to affect my friendships, they know I don't like dogs but they also know it's not personal.

.

Agree 100%. I would never be cruel to an animal, but have absolutely no interest in them whatsoever.

Lamujere · 10/04/2022 20:27

I have a 'granddog' ie my sons dog. I take him for walks when I feel like it, get lots of dog cuddles and then give him back! Although I sometimes get doggie pangs, I know that I wouldn't be able to cope with my own dog now due to health issues so this works for me. Dogs are a huge commitment as I'm sure you know. Unless you're 100% on board its best not to in my opinion.

tigger1001 · 10/04/2022 21:26

We would love a dog. But due to work commitments I'm out the house 12 hours per day 4 days a week. It wouldn't be fair on the dog.

If anyone judged me negatively for that, they are not worth knowing.

Tulipblacksmith · 10/04/2022 21:34

No. My dog is 15 and long past her expiry date. (Bless her).

Can’t wait for the freedom of non dog ownership.

Feeellostindirection · 10/04/2022 21:42

Ermm no! I adore my dog, she's another child essentially. However, I'd not get another as they require a lot of time, dedication and money to be put into owning one, and I've only realised how much of a bind they are once I'd already fell in love with her. So no, I'd not judge anyone who didn't decide to tie themselves to that amount of commitment.

HappyGoDucky · 10/04/2022 21:45

My DH has a dog, I didn't want one, he got one anyway (whole new story!). I don't mind the dog too much but admit I like the excuse for long walks. Out of choice i wouldn't have one, I'm not a doggy person, I'm not an animal lover, hate zoos etc. Apparently to dog loving acquaintances that means I wish animals bad and am into animal cruelty.... 🙄🙄🙄