I'll likely get flamed for this, but why do folk become so precious about dogs when they get them? I like dogs but would never have one because of the commitment involved. But loads of folk around have gotten themselves a pooch in the last 3/4 years which seems to correlate directly with the number of 'doggy walking' vans I see going up and down the street because these families are out at work all day. Said families then bring dog everywhere (can understand that they are social animals), every outing has to take dog into consideration (sometimes limiting options), can't think of any of the dogs that are trained adequately enough not to be a pest to a greater or lesser degree, owners now talk about dogs incessantly to the point where I almost want to scream, what happened to all the other conversations we used to have. I deliberately try not to talk about my cat because it's of no interest to others (unless they are cat lovers and ask) and also I don't want to talk about just my cat .
I feel sorry for the poor mutts as they are left at home all day alone with only the dog walker to look forward to. Why?????? I just don't see the point!!!