Why do strangers judge me for using a dog pram

[WorriedDogMum87]

My dog is 6 and has trauma. She is very reactive and would bite someone if given the chance. On a lead she either freezes or goes absolutely mental and tries to run into the road.

I let her walk sometimes but only if no one is around. Most of the time I use a dog pram because it is the safest option for both of us.

I know some people might suggest having her put down, but this is about keeping her safe while she is still happy and able to enjoy life.

The problem is the judgmental looks, audible sighs and comments from strangers who know nothing about my life. I am not good at dealing with people and I already have severe social anxiety, so all this negative attention is really upsetting.

Has anyone else experienced this and how do you cope?

I've used a dog pram plenty, never really cared what other people thought about it.
It was really helpful when my younger dog had a leg injury and wasnt allowed to walk now I use it if I have to take my 17 yr old dog any distance.

But I also have a very reactive anxious 13 yr old too. He can be a pita to walk and we can only go limited places but he is walked regularly.

My eldest with SEN got severely mentally ill and stopped eating, drinking, talking and basically just laid in bed, nearly was admitted to a psych ward at 10 years old.

I got 2 kittens, and slowly she started coming back to life but wouldnt leave the house, not even the front door.

I was on my arse with money, right at Christmas, my other child was at a stage with ARFID where he wouldn't eat unless he had mayo. I had £1 left, and needed mayo. I went to our local food bank where I broke down, all id wanted to get them for Christmas was a cat pram, because i was pretty sure my daughter would start to leave the house then, i ended up speaking to the red Cross about everything at the food bank. The food bank gave us a food parcel, and mayo. And about 2 days later, the red cross volunteers knocked on the door with a cat pram 🥰

Christmas day when the kids opened the cat pram was amazing. And Christmas day, my daughter took the cat in the pram into the garden, after about a week, we were going out for walks down our road, then the block.

That ugly embarrassing cat pram turned life around. And she still uses it now when shes having a rough week.

Did we look like bellends, most definitely, do I care, no. People will judge you on what they think they know.

Sounds like your keeping your dog around for your own benefit rather than hers.