If I see any more comments on Mumsnet of it's just a dog

[Lifeneedsaresetagain]

Do people not realise that for those who welcome them into the family they are part of the family. And if you have a dog and say it's just a dog, I'm not sure you should have one.

If you own a pet, you obviously have a duty of care towards them. Dog, horse, snake, stick insect.. doesn't matter.

However you cannot dictate that anyone has to accept them into their hones (except assistance animals unless its for an allergy. Morally if not legally).

So then its up to you to chose between leaving your pet (for a reasonable amount of time) or attending an event.

(And that's another difference... you can't be physically allergic to children. No matter how much you dislike them. )

You can choose to treat your dog any way you wish. You cannot expect everyone else to feel the same. To some, it's just a dog.

You talk about my cat like that, we might have a problem 🤣

I love dogs and have dogs but do not care for the tone of your OP.

I have to say I find it baffling when people allow their entire lives to be dictated by an animal. Posts where people won't go out because it would mean leaving their dog alone are just inexplicable to me. Fine if it's short term while the dog's learning independence, but now when it's long term and you're falling out with people you love because you never see them, or because they've got a pet hair allergy and you don't want to shut your dog away to allow them to visit. The recent thread where someone cancelled Christmas plans so they could sit at home alone with their dog just because the dog didn't like kennels was another extraordinary example.

My children are the heart of our family/home but I don’t expect to be able to bring them everywhere, not everyone loves other peoples children. Nor do I expect anyone beyond our family to give two hoots about them.

I don’t know the other thread this one is clearly about but yep, my kids are just kids- mine and I love them but don’t make them anyone else’s problem.

This is a very offensive thing to say and if you don't see that then I worry for you. Dogs are animals and in no way, EVER, equate to a human child. If you are too misanthropic to see that then I pity you but you can't expect the rest of the world to share your beliefs.

We have a dog. A collie. She has never been in a kennel or away from us. Still, compared to our children, she is just a dog.

A dog is not a child. You can love your dog by all means but it is still not a child. It is also not a family member, even though it is an integral part of your family. It is still a pet. If I invite a family, I am inviting the humans. I do not expect the dog too, although if you ask nicely, I may try and make it work. Dogs do not have the same rights as humans.

The problem is the 'extreme' dog owners who insist on taking them everywhere. Many dogs are poorly socialised, poorly trained, badly behaved etc. It has got much worse since the pandemic when everyone got ill thought out dogs. Hopefully in a few years, this will calm down again.

And I say that as someone who very much loves dogs and misses having one.

I love my dog, she is defo part of the family but I have never and will never take her absolutely everywhere. One it’s not fair on them going into pubs, restaurants, shops…thtell me why you have to take your dog shopping ( unless to pets at home or because it’s a service dog). I just don’t get it. As a dog owner I understand and acknowledge that not everyone likes dogs. In my own house, if you come to my house then your coming at your own peril to give belly rubs non stop because my dog is the queen of the house 😂

What comments are okay?

Of course pets are family (not just dogs) BUT they aren't realistically on the same level as eg the kids.

If a dog, no matter how much I loved it, showed any signs of aggression towards a child it would be out of the house for good.

You have to prioritise the safety of kids and whether you like or not, dogs are animals and can be unpredictable.

Yes, we truly love them, but they do not come equal to other family members.

It's disingenuous to suggest that those who don't see as dog equal see them as 'accessories' etc - they don't. They're just being realistic.

I am really uncomfortable around dogs and I do not enjoy them in my space. I’m hosting both my family and DH’s family one after the other for Christmas. I asked both families months ago to please not bring their dogs and both have refused, so the dogs are coming, and staying for two nights each. Apparently I don’t get to make the rules in my own space and now I have to host / cater for two families whilst being uncomfortable, and I have to suck it up and not be grumpy about it (as does my cat) because otherwise I’m the bad guy. Sorry OP, but it feels fucked up to me that I’m being expected to prioritise animals who have nothing to do with me, and that my family are more prepared to hurt me than they are to inconvenience themselves or their dog. I love Christmas but I’m not really looking forward to this one.

@Lifeneedsaresetagainis there a point to this post? Your OP is a statement, rather than a question.
Never not owned a dog, btw...

Yes correct, a dog isn’t a human.

Dogs are better.

Humans as a species are massive bellends.

Why are you accepting them ignoring your request in your home? I'd uninvite them if they can't possibly be without their dogs.

It's your home and it isn't fair for you to be so uncomfortable.

No “just”, but it is a dog, a pet, not a child. Was very,very fond of our terrier who passed at 13 but nothing compares to the loss of a loved human.
Appreciate that’s just me, though and that other people may feel differently.

You are missing the point. Personally I prefer my dog to most humans.

Exactly 😂 We aren’t saying they’re as good as humans, we’re saying they’re better.

You did not just compare a dog and a child!? What a dick!
I love my dog and my cats but they are animals.

Are you new here? Any thread about dogs descends into shite about dog owners. Things like dog owners are simple minded, just want a being to control, are incapable of human relationships.
Don't get me started on the amount of dog haters who seem to have a fixation on dog bum holes

That's completely unacceptable. They're incredibly disrespectful and should stay home.

And you should have said no.

No. Are you?

Have you seen the posts from dog owners about how they’d never trust anyone who doesn’t like dogs, how dogs are better than humans etc?

Why can’t they comment? You’re just a person!
Ridiculous isn’t it ?

The last dog thread I was on consisted of a dog owner making fun of a child because he's afraid of dogs.

Dog owners are far from innocent and some of their comments are also very unkind.

Dogs don't go on MN and stir up shit.