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This “humanisation” of dogs has got ridiculous

850 replies

Houseplantmad · 12/02/2024 20:02

Had lunch in a chain restaurant yesterday. Two couples came in with smallish dogs. No problem with that as the restaurant is dog friendly however, they insisted on having high chairs for the dogs when their meal came as they had been holding the dogs on their laps until then. The waitress refused but they went and got them anyway so we had these shoved next to our table with a restless dog breathing and being uncomfortable in the high chair very close to us.
Today I get on an intercity train and a woman boards with a medium size dog and puts it on the seat next to her across from me at a table. The person who had booked that seat then turned up and the woman said what was she supposed to do with the dog as it couldn’t go on the floor! It did but was clearly distressed and couldn’t settle, poor thing.
I think putting animals in these situations is so unfair on them and also on others but it seems to be very common these days for people to treat their animal as if it is a human.

OP posts:
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17
Bikesandbees · 13/02/2024 19:44

Interesting how many people don’t realise that the “I prefer dogs to people” attitude says a lot about you as a person, not about the people you supposedly don’t like!

People who prefer dogs to people are people who don’t like having to accommodate the needs and desires of other humans. Dogs offer unconditional “love” and loyalty, no matter how awful a person you are. So people often take the easy way out and humanise their dogs so that they can pretend they’re getting friendship and companionship, but without any of the challenges that come with the friend:companion having any real opinions.

I actually do like dogs, and have strong feelings about animal rights and caring for animals equally to humans. But that doesn’t make them human. That that doesn’t means that every human space is a space for them. And that definitely doesn’t mean your foul-smelling, soaking wet Malamute gets to sit in a cafe next to me, which I had to deal with a couple of weeks ago.

TheTimeIsNowMaybeNow · 13/02/2024 19:45

TyreTracks · 13/02/2024 19:32

I like dogs, I don't want them in bloody high chairs though !

I doubt OPs story is true so I wouldn’t worry too much. Seriously, do people believe this? 🤣

Well I've never seen a dog piss or shit in a super market or clothing shop ether but there you go

RedRobyn2021 · 13/02/2024 19:46

@Bikesandbees harsh but true well said 👏

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

herewegoagainy · 13/02/2024 19:46

@Bikesandbees I think you have very little understanding of people.

Thehigheroffer · 13/02/2024 19:46

Ramalangadingdong · 13/02/2024 19:31

those of us who don't like dogs may well find ourselves in that position but many of us wouldn't get a dog for company. I prefer to join a club and put myself out in the world rather than pandering to the needs of a dog. I am sure they are wonderful companions but I really do prefer the company of human beings.

Not everyone can socialise in clubs due to physical or mental health issues and with the cost of living crisis might not to be able to afford it even if they were inclined to.

TheBayLady · 13/02/2024 19:56

YANBU. i love my mutt but that is exactly what he is, a mutt, not a furbaby, not a human just a dog. I feel sorry for those whose lives are that empty they need to treat their animal as a baby or the most important thing in their life.
There is a woman in our town that carries her poor cat around in a clear plastic backpack, the poor thing is so distressed but seemingly the young woman has anxiety and can't go out without the cat ! Bloody cruel if you ask me.

TyreTracks · 13/02/2024 19:57

Well I've never seen a dog piss or shit in a super market or clothing shop ether but there you go

I haven’t either, but a dog pissing or shitting in a shop is at least believable.

This particular story about dogs in a high chair isn’t believable at all. It’s so out there, that if it had happened, I think the OP would have taken a photo, especially as their posting history shows an ‘interest’ in dog threads. 🤔 OP hasn’t been back at all yet.

People really do believe what they want to.

Maverickess · 13/02/2024 20:10

Bikesandbees · 13/02/2024 19:44

Interesting how many people don’t realise that the “I prefer dogs to people” attitude says a lot about you as a person, not about the people you supposedly don’t like!

People who prefer dogs to people are people who don’t like having to accommodate the needs and desires of other humans. Dogs offer unconditional “love” and loyalty, no matter how awful a person you are. So people often take the easy way out and humanise their dogs so that they can pretend they’re getting friendship and companionship, but without any of the challenges that come with the friend:companion having any real opinions.

I actually do like dogs, and have strong feelings about animal rights and caring for animals equally to humans. But that doesn’t make them human. That that doesn’t means that every human space is a space for them. And that definitely doesn’t mean your foul-smelling, soaking wet Malamute gets to sit in a cafe next to me, which I had to deal with a couple of weeks ago.

I spend the majority of my time accomodating other people's needs and desires, it's what I do for a job actually, quite successfully too because I'm still in it, and have been promoted more than once so I have to do it more, and have been in jobs where I have had to accommodate and facilitate other people's wants and needs my entire working life.

I don't humanise my dogs, not everyone who prefers an animals company to humans does, they're dogs and treating them like humans makes them unhealthy and unhappy. I like them specifically because they're not human and don't judge me 6 ways from Sunday on things that really don't matter and are a small part of my whole human presence, like humans do. You seem like a prime example of someone like that with your sweeping comments.

I've never however, been let down by a dog, abused by one intentionally because of my job or perceived social standing, I have by many humans though, so yeah, I prefer the company of the dogs I've chosen and trained to behave in an acceptable way around me as well as others, to people who treat me like that - why wouldn't I?!

I don't have time for other people's badly behaved dogs either, or any other extension of themselves.

Spending a large majority of my time ensuring other people's needs, wants and desires are anticipated, met and exceeded, I have no interest in having to do that outside of work. I'd much rather spend that time doing something I enjoy like walking my dogs and getting fresh air and exercise at the same time. I have a family, and friends but I do prefer to be around animals, they take you at face value and haven't decided for you what your thoughts and motivations are because it suits them.

I've no particular feelings towards people who don't like dogs, people like and dislike different things, I don't allow my dogs to infringe on other people so it doesn't affect me because people who don't like dogs stay away from them and I keep my dogs under control because that's my responsibility.

Surroundedbyfools · 13/02/2024 20:11

Wtaf !!! That is gross. I’d be disgusted to then put my children in those high chairs and I’m not precious usually.

I think u r right. I’ve never heard so many ppl saying oh they can’t go anywhere without the dog, the dog is anxious on their own. Whole entire house n life revolves round the dog. I totally get pets r part of the family but ffs. It’s a dog and In my opinion dogs do not belong in restaurants, shopping centres etc.

RampantIvy · 13/02/2024 20:15

herewegoagainy · 13/02/2024 19:46

@Bikesandbees I think you have very little understanding of people.

I think she has summed up some dog owners very well.

RosePetals86 · 13/02/2024 20:21

AlwaysGinPlease · 13/02/2024 19:20

Oh good. Yet another boring anti dog thread. Marvelous 🥱

toodle pip then 👋🏼

AMillionMoreFirstTimes · 13/02/2024 20:34

TyreTracks · 13/02/2024 19:57

Well I've never seen a dog piss or shit in a super market or clothing shop ether but there you go

I haven’t either, but a dog pissing or shitting in a shop is at least believable.

This particular story about dogs in a high chair isn’t believable at all. It’s so out there, that if it had happened, I think the OP would have taken a photo, especially as their posting history shows an ‘interest’ in dog threads. 🤔 OP hasn’t been back at all yet.

People really do believe what they want to.

I agree with this.

Ramalangadingdong · 13/02/2024 20:52

Thehigheroffer · 13/02/2024 19:46

Not everyone can socialise in clubs due to physical or mental health issues and with the cost of living crisis might not to be able to afford it even if they were inclined to.

Zoom anyone?

YeOldeGreyhound · 13/02/2024 21:06

RampantIvy · 13/02/2024 19:20

I would not be returning to any food business that allowed idiots to put their dogs in a high chair.

I wonder what environmental health would have to say about that?

If the chair gets cleaned after, then what would environmental health say?

It should be getting cleaned after a child is sat in it too. Have you seen the mess some parents leave behind?

YeOldeGreyhound · 13/02/2024 21:15

Bikesandbees · 13/02/2024 19:44

Interesting how many people don’t realise that the “I prefer dogs to people” attitude says a lot about you as a person, not about the people you supposedly don’t like!

People who prefer dogs to people are people who don’t like having to accommodate the needs and desires of other humans. Dogs offer unconditional “love” and loyalty, no matter how awful a person you are. So people often take the easy way out and humanise their dogs so that they can pretend they’re getting friendship and companionship, but without any of the challenges that come with the friend:companion having any real opinions.

I actually do like dogs, and have strong feelings about animal rights and caring for animals equally to humans. But that doesn’t make them human. That that doesn’t means that every human space is a space for them. And that definitely doesn’t mean your foul-smelling, soaking wet Malamute gets to sit in a cafe next to me, which I had to deal with a couple of weeks ago.

I prefer dogs to people as I have been very hurt by fellow human beings.

No dog has hurt my feelings, bullied me, taunted me, emotionally abused me.

Despite that, I still love people and have good relationships with many. I have a dog, and I still have to accommodate the needs and desires of other people.
Or do you think that only single people who live alone and have no one in their life, have dogs?

Dogs hurt you once, and that is when they die.

To be honest, most threads on MN moaning about dogs have comments about how dog owners should be pitied etc and it borders on offensive. Don't pity me for having my dog. I am fucking blessed to have her.

Missingmyusername · 13/02/2024 21:18

“insisted on having high chairs for the dogs “ oh get out of it! 🤣🤣🤣🤣photos or it didn’t happen!

YeOldeGreyhound · 13/02/2024 21:19

Ramalangadingdong · 13/02/2024 20:52

Zoom anyone?

I hope that is a joke.

My grandad had a lovely little Jack Russell who he adored. Once family and carers had done their visits, it was his dog who was there for him in the evening.
He was not into tech at all. Zoom to him was something you do in your car.

Missingmyusername · 13/02/2024 21:21

@YeOldeGreyhound You are definitely right about the children /mess some people leave behind!

The toilets in some establishments are shocking and I’m pretty sure it’s not the dogs!

Actually humans in general make a right old mess of pretty much everything!

Thehigheroffer · 13/02/2024 21:27

Ramalangadingdong · 13/02/2024 20:52

Zoom anyone?

Zoom can't hold your hand and kiss and cuddle you.

Missingmyusername · 13/02/2024 21:29

There we are. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

This “humanisation” of dogs has got ridiculous
CarterBeatsTheDevil · 13/02/2024 21:32

@BitOutOfPractice It's a valid point. I do like dogs, but I don't know that I want them in all human spaces. I remember my cousin (not a fan of dogs) asking me how I would feel if I had to sit next to someone else's tarantula and that helped me to understand her position!

Livelovebehappy · 13/02/2024 21:38

Houseplantmad · 12/02/2024 20:02

Had lunch in a chain restaurant yesterday. Two couples came in with smallish dogs. No problem with that as the restaurant is dog friendly however, they insisted on having high chairs for the dogs when their meal came as they had been holding the dogs on their laps until then. The waitress refused but they went and got them anyway so we had these shoved next to our table with a restless dog breathing and being uncomfortable in the high chair very close to us.
Today I get on an intercity train and a woman boards with a medium size dog and puts it on the seat next to her across from me at a table. The person who had booked that seat then turned up and the woman said what was she supposed to do with the dog as it couldn’t go on the floor! It did but was clearly distressed and couldn’t settle, poor thing.
I think putting animals in these situations is so unfair on them and also on others but it seems to be very common these days for people to treat their animal as if it is a human.

The truth? I believe not one word of this rant. Typical thread where someone tells us not one, but two tales of a situation just to get their point across. This didn’t happen….

NorthernSarcasticandDownrightFantastic · 13/02/2024 21:50

DreadPirateRobots · 12/02/2024 20:18

I love dogs. Which is why I don't make the self-absorbed mistake of thinking that they have human needs. They don't. They have dog needs, and it's cruel to treat them like humans.

Absolutely this.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 13/02/2024 22:00

@Ramalangadingdong

Surely lockdown has taught us that brilliant though 'zoom' is, it is not a substitute for real life company. And whilst a dog can't exactly converse with you they can be warm and affectionate and something to cuddle .

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 13/02/2024 22:03

@TyreTracks

This particular story about dogs in a high chair isn’t believable at all. It’s so out there, that if it had happened, I think the OP would have taken a photo, especially as their posting history shows an ‘interest’ in dog threads. 🤔 OP hasn’t been back at all yet.

Yes - it's a wind-em-up-and-watch-em-go isn't it !

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