To think we need to find a way to infiltrate the dog cult?

[dogsdilemma]

I'll start by saying I favour cats but love all animals. I don't want a dog just now because I find them tying. Would date someone who had one because, contrary to what I'm about to say, I like them and it wouldn't be my responsibility.

But the obsession drives me nuts. It seems no one can own a dog in a normal way anymore. As in I have a dog, the dog is a pet not a person, dogs aren't god-like solve all creatures, it's fine if not everyone loves my dog as much as me - like I am with my cat.

Someone gets a puppy and I go to their house - all conversation is about the puppy and I'm expected to fuss like they've just given birth. I can't say 'ah I've actually come to catch up with my friend, not have endless chat about the puppy's sleep schedule and whether or not it shat in the house today' because their dogs are their babies, so I should treat them as such.

Instagram accounts for dogs - captions written like 'my mum took me for a walk today, I had so much fun'. Only mildly cringy but wtf? Are you a springer spaniel mother or Katie from uni?

I do an exercise class and the owner has a puppy. She brings him along so he's not home alone. At least 15 minutes of the session I've paid for is always taken up by the hive mind fussing the puppy. Everyone loves dogs so no one minds apparently - except I DO mind. If I say this though I'm gonna be the dick.

I'm OLD, and every other profile says 'must love dogs'. I do love them but don't want one, and if I say this it's like I've confessed to being Hitler in a past life. Cue messages trying to change my mind, as though not being obsessed with dogs is a moral failure. I love my cat but wouldn't rule out someone who doesn't feel the same?

The final nail in the coffin. I've been dating someone new. Had an absolute shitter of a week so far - nothing he can help with, not really serious, just work stuff. His response is 15 pictures of his dog being cute to cheer me up. He's just trying to be nice but I do not get it. I wouldn't expect pictures of my cat to cheer anyone up except, maybe, me. I'm being narky but I actually found it so so irritating and cannot even fake enthusiasm to reply. If I say 'awwww cute, thank you' he'll continue with this approach. If I say 'cute but why would your dog cheer me up ha' I'm gonna look like a knob.

I have no problem with others doing what they want to do but recently it is infiltrating everything. I know there are worse issues but ffs it's so annoying - what is this dog cult and how to we stop it? Can I tell this lovely man I'm dating that I actually have little interest in his dog?!?!?

I used to be like this, I got my cheek ripped off by a dog as a kid and had no interest. Then I had my daughter who really really wanted a dog. Got a ginger and white King Charles as we are both ginger. Week one a bit suspicious of the little rat in case she bit one of us. Week 2 quite impressed as my daughter had taught her a few tricks, we clearly have a very clever girl. Week 3 warmed to her let her sleep in my bed. Week 4 fell in love I now have 2 children. Week 5 matching outfits for all 3 of us. Week 6 unbearable amount of Facebook photos posted of the 3 ginger amigos.
It just happens like that I’m afraid, just like kids. I wasn’t a fan of kids until I had my own and then my child was wonderful. Once you’ve had your own you then find yourself liking other people’s.
It may still happen to you, if you ever get to the stage your sick of men and dating you’ll also find a dog a far better addition to the family.

if you ever get to the stage your sick of men and dating you’ll also find a dog a far better addition to the family.

I find this sort of comment a great example of the level of batshit that love for dogs has become.

Sure, acknowledge that a dog can be great company if you can’t or don’t want to form a human relationship, but better? Not buying it.

@jennyminch99 dh is the same. Only tolerated getting a dog because the kids wanted one. Was a bit scared of them. but he fell in love with the dog (I knew he would - he's a big softy!) and the annoying thing the dog will choose dh over the rest of the family who actively wanted a dog!!! Dh now understands dogs a bit better and likes other people's dogs. We have met so many people through dog ownership - he just makes life that wee bit better.

I don’t like dogs, I hate the expectation that everyone should like dogs. I’m fed up of pubs advertising they are dog friendly. I don’t want to socialise with dogs. I’m a runner, I get lots run up to me and I’m told they are friendly, that’s nice, I’m not interested in them running towards me/jumping up me/trying to knock me over. Not sure how that’s acceptable. I’ve been bitten by one and had a cat killed by one off a lead. I don’t expect people to like my cats, just to leave them alone, the same as I like to do with other peoples dogs.

Yeah this is a pain in the arse

I don’t think even the most fanatical of dog lovers could excuse this.

But do you stop your cats going into other people’s gardens? We are tormented with cats in our garden, a few of the cheeky fuckers have come into our house!!

I don't let my dogs approach runners. As a runner I agree that's annoying and potentially dangerous for a variety of reasons (if I am going at speed then I will also tumble at speed if knocked over from behind). An offlead dog shouldn't approach anyone without an invitation. If a dog does come up I have learnt to stop and greet it and send it back to its owner... works most of the time.... IF I spot it coming.

OMG that is actually sick.

It's not my normality, and in fact I don't think it's normal at all. It is a symptom of a decadent society.

@AliceA2021 I'm sorry for the damage your neighbours cat has done, that sounds very annoying..

However there is a big difference between the way cats and dogs are seen in society. Cats are not taken into restaurants and bars (I appreciate you said you don't do this with your dog anyway). Cats don't tend to bother people in the same way either. I've never had a cat lunge at me or my child or chase after us.
You can say you dislike cats and people don't bat an eyelid, or they agree with you.
But with dogs, admit that and it's like you're the antichrist.

Dogs get treated as babies or that they are more important that humans. Never heard cats referred to in the same way.
Society is now geared up to excepting and welcoming dogs in all scenarios. People are obsessed. I just don't understand it.

I'm you. Except I don't like dogs. Dribblying,smelly,annoying. And I miss my best friend. Examples to follow.
• she can't go for a night out from
Work - dog needs fed and walked
•she can't go on holiday - dog
• I couldn't see her over Xmas - no public transport and dog couldn't be left
• same at new year
• won't go out anymore - doesn't like dog being lonely
• suggest a glass of wine. Cue searching dog friendly pubs
• every time I see her it has to be her house as dog comfortable in own home

• dog is subject of every fucking conversation

I hate her stupid dog and I've started to realise
The whole cult are the same.

I've started to realise
The whole cult are the same.

Millions of people have dogs. I can assure you we aren’t all ‘the same’. Do you think that all people who own red cars are the same? All people who go on holiday to Spain are the same? Seems a really simple way of looking at the world.

I’m sorry your friend’s behaviour has hurt you but it’s her and not the dog that’s the problem.

Totally agree OP. I don’t get it. A couple of my friends have developed late onset dog obsession and every conversation is about the bloody dog. I met my friend for lunch and she turned up with her dog and we hardly got any time to chat because she was focused on him the whole time.

And another friend who has always done my beauty treatments has now got a puppy so I’m having a massage or facial and the bloody thing is yapping and running round and while I’m supposed to be relaxing.

We've got 3 dogs and I adore them all, but they are dogs not "fur babies" 🤢. That said I couldn't get on with anyone that actively didn't like dogs. Either get on board with dogs (it's a lovely addition to your life which is why so many completely commit to the cult) or make it very clear you don't like them so you can find likeminded people - I know you say you don't dislike them you clearly do.

@SamW98 Are you paying for those beauty treatments? I wouldn’t have treatments somewhere where a dog was running around and making a noise (and I like dogs). I’d spend my money with a different beauty therapist who could provide a relaxing environment!

So your main concern in the world right now is the fact that some people love their dogs too much?

Seriously?

I really think you need to get your priorities right and/or get yourself a new hobby...

Yes I’m paying but mates rates. I’ve said to her that she beefs to put the dog in another room otherwise I’ll have to go elsewhere so think I’m definitely going to have to vote with my feet.

I agree. I love dogs. It's their friggin owners which are annoying. Actually talking to me through their dog. Wtf is that all about?
It's often said on here to new parents...."ooh, your baby isn't interesting to everyone, only for you". Same goes for bloody pets in my opinion.

@SamW98 I hear you about beauty treatments!

I found a lovely local woman who had a salon in her home so I booked an appointment. Once I got to her house, upon answering the door, two dogs were yapping at my heels and then once in the treatment room they were barking behind the door constantly! You can't tell me everyone likes that. She was a really good beautician but it put me off booking again as I'd rather pay for a relaxing experience.
People will say 'well she probably doesn't want customers who don't love dogs'. Why is this our fault?! If you insist on having very yappy dogs, you should think twice before putting a salon in your home, in my opinion.

@SamW98 good idea. I’m sure she won’t get away with that with clients paying full rate so she- and the dog- will have to get used to doing things differently.

I thought it was just me. Funny and well written post. Totally and utterly agree.

YANBU and I say this as a dog owner. Britain has gone fucking mad and it's the reason why there's so many badly behaved dogs around, because people treat them like children rather than pets.

I love dogs but don't want to centre conversations around them. And don't get me started on people that have to bring their dog everywhere because Fluffy can't be left alone, at all, ever!

I am the mother of my springer spaniel, yes.

@Heather37231 the pp didn’t say dogs are better than any human relationship, or a complete replacement for human contact. She said they can be (and the truth is they often are) better company, more loving, and less hassle than many ‘romantic’ relationships.

I should not tell ,or ever admit to, having little interest in dogs. It's almost as bad as RACISM. And I can't fathom it. Just keep shdumm. Take a small water bottle and spray any animal that approaches, they might get the message. I once had a friend whom hung around with very dodgy individuals. She also had 2 dogs. I thought her demise was suspicious but by the time they found her ,all evidence had been eaten....