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Original poster

Tell me how to LOVE dogs

66 replies

OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 17/09/2022 21:32

I just want to find ONE. Just one who completely captivates my heart. I'm not totally but almost facing a future alone. I am single and I don't want children. I am so, so intolerant and impatient. I'm squeamish. Also... most adults I have loved have let me down so spectacularly. So why can't I love dogs? IF by some miracle I changed my mind I'd want one quite big, like a lab or a huskie. I don't want to treat him / her like something to lean on like a Plan B. I know it would deserve better than that... but I'm a massive walker. Like 10 miles per day. It almost feels wrong that I don't like dogs. But if I could just find that ONE.. I sometimes thing fuck it just get one and learn. Why do people love dogs so much and WHY can't I just get it? For the record. I'm a good person. I would not treat a dog like a toy, I know it would be a life long commitment ❤️

OP posts:
Tabbouleh · 17/09/2022 21:35

Heh. This is a bit of an odd post so it caught my eye:) .I love dogs but I would never get one because they are a lot of work. What is it about dogs that you have met that you don't like?

Original poster
OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 17/09/2022 21:40

I'm commitment phobic, I don't like my house being trashed... BUT... I know in the long run I'm basically a lonely fucking prick who's life would be richer if I could have a faithful companion to love ❤️ and that spells dog apparently

OP posts:
happygertie · 17/09/2022 21:42

I am obsessed with dogs, much prefer them to most humans.
They just melt my heart, so loyal, will unconditional love and see excitement in everything they do. They are always happy to see you.

They get me out and about walking and we try to go somewhere beautiful/ interesting for longer walks on weekend.

They are good company to chill with, my two curl up next to me on the sofa and keep me warm.

We don't deserve them

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DeanStockwelll · 17/09/2022 21:44

As you've never had a dog before please please do not get a husky they are very hard work very demanding very vocal and shed about 3 tons of a minute.

Rather than getting a full-time permanent dog of your own would you consider something like walk my dog where you get to walk other people's dogs so you get a small taste of what it's like or more commitment see if you can Foster a dog for a while so I'm not sure if they allow this if you've never owned a dog before.

Do you know anybody that has a dog that would be willing to allow you to adopt it for a week or a fortnight perhaps for say while they are on holiday so you get a small idea of what it's like to have a dog.

I grew up with dogs and had one for a good part of my adult life and I would love to have another one but due to work commitments it's not possible so I just have a very demanding cat instead.

Dogs to take over your life no matter how much you think they wont you have to work around then and their needs going out in the freezing cold and the dark to walk them, not been able to stay out with friends going for impromptu meals or drinks because your dog needs walking.

Holidays are a nightmare kennel fees cost a fortune please think about this really carefully before you take a the jump

Tabbouleh · 17/09/2022 21:44

Maybe you could see how you do with a cat? Less of a commitment. I know they have a reputation for not being very loving, but my mum has a lovely cat who is very affectionate and cuddly, and so much less work than a dog. He is even happy to see her ( maybe he thinks he is a dog).

AllBlocChain · 17/09/2022 21:44

Have a look at CinnamonTrust they are a wonderful charity that support older people with pets, someone with mobility issues would love you to walk their dog so they don’t have to give it up. Speak to them, take dogs on walks and see what happens. You may fall in love or you may just be walking random dogs. It’s a good way to find out: cinnamon.org.uk/cinnamon-trust/

mongoosebaby · 17/09/2022 21:45

Why dog though? We had a Burmese cat when I was little and he was my best friend. Cats are often cleaner and cause less chaos than dogs once they are past the kitten stage, plus they are much more independent.

Sprig1 · 17/09/2022 21:45

It sounds like you need an older rescue dog. One could easily just slot in to your life, no annoying puppy stage to deal with. Seeing as you enjoy walking how about volunteering once a week to walk dogs at your local rescue centre (and see where things go)?

Wolfiefan · 17/09/2022 21:47

Intolerant and impatient? A dog isn’t for you. Mine have woken me about 5am every day this last week and training takes huge amounts of patience.

fruitypancake · 17/09/2022 21:47

You need a spaniel .. springer preferably. They are so loving , would love the walks. It takes time to love a dog, it grows over time, not instant like loving a child. They creep into your heart and before you know it up can't imagine life without them 💜

AllBlocChain · 17/09/2022 21:47

Also. I think asking how to love dogs is a bit like asking someone how they know their sexual identity. You just know. But then I’ve always known up a dog lover, yes we had a cat growing up but I used to teach it dog tricks and try and walk it on a lead 😂

Y7drama · 17/09/2022 21:49

I’ve grown up with dogs and always wanted my own. But yes to the point who said the love grows on you. Mine is now 18months. I love her now but she was a bit of an arsehole before. I think some people aren’t pet people. Whereas I needed a pet to make a home (started with cat, much easier!)

Tabbouleh · 17/09/2022 21:50

Dogs to take over your life no matter how much you think they wont you have to work around then and their needs going out in the freezing cold and the dark to walk them, not been able to stay out with friends going for impromptu meals or drinks because your dog needs walking.

Exactly why I won't get a dog; already done my time with the DC. I have so many friends who got a dog in lockdown, and now regret it. I calm my dog urges by occasionally looking after my mates' dogs.

Whattodo121 · 17/09/2022 21:53

I was not a dog person. Had never had one growing up, wasn’t really keen on other peoples’ dogs, certainly didn’t want to interact with friends ones or anything. But dh and ds were desperate to get one. So I agreed, and we got a puppy and she has well and truly stolen my heart. I have done most of the training with her due to DH’s work and the fact I’m at home with her during all school holidays etc. we’ve had her about 15 months and she is a joyful companion. She doesn’t trash the house other than muddy footprints and occasionally shredding some cardboard if she can nab it from the recycling! Can be left for four to five hours during the day on her own, and sleeps in a crate from 10pm-6am without making a peep. We have a dog flap and she runs out into the garden to do a wee whenever she needs to. We got a collie, she’s quite nervous and selective about dogs and people, she’s not perfect by any means. But in the house she is an absolute gem.

I still don’t like other dogs very much though 🤣

Paq · 17/09/2022 21:57

You don't love a dog the first day/week/month you have it, it grows. You're in it for the long haul. Don't expect it to be like the movies.

Original poster
OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 17/09/2022 21:58

I worship cats. They are so funny. But I live a very outdoor life. I was on a 14 mile walk today and so many other walkers were with their dogs. I felt guilty thinking of so many dogs with elderly or shit owners who could have enjoyed it with me. I'm out the house 4/7 days hiking hiking hiking and yes I still have a demanding job. My Dad absolutely worships canines and I know he would watch him / her whilst I was at work. He hates that I don't love dogs. Yes I am extremely damaged and intolerant. But I'm a nice person. I guess I just wish I could find one who could "melt me". Maybe I've just watched a bit too much of Homeward Bound. Don't get me wrong bloody hell I'd never shout or anything at an animal though x

OP posts:
faffadoodledo · 17/09/2022 22:02

If you live an outdoor life then a very well trained lab or a golden retriever would work.
I didn't know I was a dog person til
I got one (pester power by the children). I grew up with cats. I am now on my second dog and don't think I could live happily without one.
But training is so very important

mondaytosunday · 17/09/2022 22:03

A lot of work. NOT for the squeamish! You have to pick up their poo, which can be a squishy mess, they vomit at the drop of the hat and can stink.
Also unless you have flexible hours, wfh or are willing to pay for daycare or a walker then it's not kind on the dog.
Definitely not a husky either - not first time dogs.
Why don't you foster one for a while see if it's your thing?

MissMaple82 · 17/09/2022 22:04

This is so wrong! You can't possibly seriously be considering a dog when you don't even like them???? You'll end end rehoming it when it gets too much, which is just not fair to the dog, get some therapy if you've got issues!

Original poster
OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 17/09/2022 22:09

MissMaple82 · 17/09/2022 22:04

This is so wrong! You can't possibly seriously be considering a dog when you don't even like them???? You'll end end rehoming it when it gets too much, which is just not fair to the dog, get some therapy if you've got issues!

I'm sorry

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 17/09/2022 22:10

You don’t actually want a dog. Just a companion on these walks? Contact the Cinnamon Trust or a local charity. You can borrow a dog and not have the responsibility.

userxx · 17/09/2022 22:13

If you don't want your house getting trashed then don't get a husky, have a quick look on YouTube at husky's and grooming.

In fact most dogs will trash your house and make it smell 🤷‍♂️.

lljkk · 17/09/2022 22:13

I get dog therapy via volunteering for Cinnamon Trust. But no way I want to own my own dog. I did foster before & would do that again with an easier dog.

PestoPasghetti · 17/09/2022 22:16

Volunteer for a rescue centre. You can take the dogs for walks just to be a good person, and if you end up falling in love then it was meant to be! If not you can just continue volunteering and making the world a better place without the ongoing commitment.

minipie · 17/09/2022 22:16

Agree it sounds like borrowing a dog for your walks would be a great solution. Win win for the dog and their owner too.

For home and companionship, get a cat. Burmese cats think they’re dogs (will follow you round the house and chat to you) but have all the benefits of cats.