A Message to Animal Lovers

[CHARismatic110]

Dear Animal Lovers,

I wanted to write to you all to let you know that just because I say that I'm not an animal person, doesn't mean that I'm cruel and heartless! Just because I cross the street when I see you walking your dogs and I decline the offer to pet them, doesn't mean that I secretly want to harm them. Have you ever stopped to think that maybe there was a deeper issue? Like maybe I'm allergic (I'm not, but I know many people who are). Or maybe I'm just extremely afraid, because I am.

Ever since I can remember I've been extremely afraid of dogs. Cats too, but the dog fear is worse. I can't remember if anything happened to trigger it, but I've just never been a fan. I used to have nightmares about being bitten by dogs a lot. When I was about 7 or 8, my mom got bit by a dog when she trying to protect me because she knew that I was afraid. It wasn't a huge dog either. It was smaller dog, but it still bit her hard enough to hurt her. That only intensified the fear. I felt like if a dog that small could hurt her, imagine what bigger dogs could do to me?

I carried that fear into my adulthood. To this day, I'm still very afraid of dogs. Cats I can at least be in the same room with, but once they start to do that thing where they run around all crazy like, I freak out. And with dogs it's so bad that if I know you have a dog, I won't go to your house. I freeze up around them. And God help me if they actually come near me. Like it's really bad.

Today I went for a walk and I ran into a lady walking her dog. She lives in my neighborhood and I've seen her and her dog quite a few times. I always cross the street when I anyone with a dog, her included. Today was no different, except she got offended. When she saw me going to cross she waved to get my attention (I had headphones on), and she goes "why do you always cross when you see us?" So I told her what I tell everyone, I'm not an animal person. She made a disgusted face and said "what kind of person doesn't like dogs?" And she walked away. And that's the reaction that I usually get from people. They act all disgusted. So that's why I'm writing this. To hopefully give people a little insight. I don't hate animals. I would never hurt an animal. I cry on those abused animal commercials lol. I just so happen to have a fear of some of them. And that's okay. It doesn't make me a bad person. So maybe think of that next time. 😊

Sincerely,

Char 💋

P.S. - 101 Dalmatians is even my 2nd favorite Disney movie! 😜

[CommieDearest]

I'm crazy about my dogs, my shepherd is my whole life right now as we're working hard on his rehab from being abused by his previous owners (he comes home for good from the training place tomorrow actually!). And I have nothing against people who don't like them. When I have new people over I will put the dog up if it bothers them, I ALWAYS ask new people if it's okay if the dog is out. Though I will say I wouldn't recommend someone afraid of dogs like... spend the night because I don't want my guy to think he's being punished for something... nothing personal. I understand fear itself even if I don't understand fear of animals. I also always try to be mindful of HOW people want to meet my dog. I always suggest him meeting people who are uncomfortable out front on his leash. I have had to do this before, and will continue to always make that offer to folks who don't wanna snuggle with a giant dog (I only own big dogs lol)

I understand the importance of training and stuff, simply because I don't have a right to make others uncomfortable. Once Karl Barx is full grown he will likely be 100 lbs, how can I expect everyone to just "love" that? lol. IF I was afraid of dogs he would scare the shit out of me ESPECIALLY because he had to be treated for fear aggression. No worries or hard feelings from this dog lover :)

[CHARismatic110]

This. Thank you Commie. And I don't even like for people to feel like they have to put their dog away just because I'm scared of it which is why I just don't go. Like that's the dog's house too lol. One of of my friends has a Great Dane I think it is and that damn dog looks like a pony! I don't like going to her house because she always puts him in the yard when I'm there and he'll just lay by the door looking so sad. And I'm like bruh, I feel so bad!

Thanks for understanding tho. And tell KB I said welcome home buddy! I hope he's better!

[CommieDearest]

Well there are things I could do to make it more comfortable for everyone, like exercise him before you came over so he isn't rambunctious, or give him a long lasting treat (like a bully stick or raw hide bone) to occupy him in another room. So it's not bad for anyone involved lol.

[CommieDearest]

And thank you! He is doing much better. Shows zero aggression toward people or dogs unless I get uncomfortable, which is acceptable to me, because I DO want him to protect me should anything ever happen so we worked on him reading my body language extensively in training. Anyway, I'll give him the message :P

[CHARismatic110]

Lol right. I always wondered if the whole "dogs smell fear" thing was true because I literally freeze up around them. And feet just oozes from my pores.

[CommieDearest]

They may be able to tell you're afraid but frankly unless you're bonded to the dog they probably won't care about your fear because they don't get the instinct to protect a stranger. lol

[CHARismatic110]

Lol makes sense. I'm trying to figure out a way to lesson the gear because my niece wants a dog and my sister is considering getting her one. I'm always at my sister's house so I don't know what I'm gonna do.

[CommieDearest]

If they get a puppy that's really young I suggest if you can letting it bond with you a little. You will grow to at least feel safe with that dog

[CHARismatic110]

If she does let her have one, it'll definitely be a puppy. It might be easier to at least be around the puppy. Guess we'll see.

[CommieDearest]

Ieam don't give yourself a panic attack but if you bond with a puppy you won't like it less when it grows lol

[CHARismatic110]

Lol right. I'll definitely take it one step at a time.

[Bluemax]

Well said, and I understand you completely. I love animals, I keep them at home and in my class, and I fully appreciate where you're coming from.

On another note, do you ever find yourself wishing you didn't freeze up around dogs? I used to have a similar fear of frogs when I was a child, but I don't have it anymore.

[CHARismatic110]

I always wish that I wasn't afraid of them.

[Bluemax]

Have you ever looked into working on that with a professional?

[CHARismatic110]

No I haven't.

[Bluemax]

Well, I'm not sure how much it would cost, but it might be worth looking into. Just a thought.

[CHARismatic110]

I mean it wouldn't hurt to look into it. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Hannah591]

There's a lot of stereotypes out there unfortunately. I don't assume people who dislike animals are horrible to them or are horrible people, I usually consider that they may have had bad experiences with them or just dislike the mess they make etc. Don't worry too much about people viewing you badly. If they do, just tell them your story!

I would also like to say that just because I'm doing an animal course, I love animals and want a job with animals, it doesn't mean I'm totally devoted to them, that I'm vegetarian/vegan, I support all animal charities and/or that I'm against euthanasia. I am not afraid to show an animal who's boss, which you should always do with your pets. Once you've studied their behaviour and psychology, it makes perfect sense and it's not cruel. Humans always have to come first and this is taught on animal courses so don't think it's just me! I totally support euthanasia in certain situations, it's the best thing you can do sometimes and I hate owners who keep their pet alive for selfish reasons, knowing they're in pain. The only time seeing an animal put down upsets me, is when a healthy one is being put down because of the law and their owners can't control their animals!

[CHARismatic110]

Thanks Hannah. And I agree that you should always be in control of your animal. Some people have animals that they can barely control. Then there are some people who feel as tho animals are above humans. There was a girl here who said that if there was an accident where a car hit a dog and then like crashed into something, she wouldn't care about the humans. She'd just rescue the dog. And I'm like that's not right.

[Lalaxoxo_soso]

A lot of people are afraid of dogs. I was born into a house with four big ones so that's probably why no dog scares me but my father was scared of dogs but he got used to them once he saw how gentle they were around my mother when she was pregnant and how they were with me when I was a baby. His family is still terrified of them though so the family get together are normally held away from my house and dog. But my dog thinks she's not a beagle, that she's actually a super model princess and gets offended if we leave her at home.

[Lalaxoxo_soso]

And if you tell people that you're afraid of them instead of saying you're not a animal person then you should get a more positive reaction

[CHARismatic110]

I don't like to tell people that right off the bag because then they'll ask a million questions. Some people have laughed. So that's why I just say I'm not an animal person. Anyway, thanks for reading.

[Hidden_P]

Cool story.

But I find it weirder when people come and pet a dog they dont know. How do they know it's not aggressive

I have a cat. He's very friendly, very sweet but absolutely huge and I don't mind if people don't stroke him. He's afraid of new people.

But, among my many jobs I work in a photography studio. We photograph dogs and we have to allow time to clean up afterwards.

So yeah. I'm more weirded out by someone who approaches.

[CHARismatic110]

I don't get that either. Dogs are very temperamental.

[RationalLioness]

I'm not an animal person but it's not similar to you... Lol. I won't help an animal out at all and when I first pet a dog for the first time at age 21, I had to wash my hands multiple times and STILL felt dirty.

I don't care about the animal commercials and I'm not going to swerve to avoid hitting one... and I won't stop.

[CHARismatic110]

Oh dear...

[DaniaMQ]

Its all good :) Im a huge animal lover especially when it comes to cats and dogs , But I totally understand that some people dont like them ( My boyfriend doesn't like animals either, not hate them , He just doesn't like them) So if I meet someone for example that doesn't like cats or is afraid of it I will keep my pet away, No need to say bad things or think that they are " Heartless " Coz of that ! :) Oh and I hope ur mom didn't get bitten again! :o haha :)

[CHARismatic110]

Lol no she didn't thank God. But yeah, I don't know why some people get up in arms about it. It's crazy. Thank you for reading tho!

[DaniaMQ]

Hahaha thank God :) Yeah its just crazy! u're welcome :)

[Prettygurl12]

Maybe instead of saying you're not an animal person you can say you're afraid. If someone tells me they aren't an animal person I think they should suck it up and deal with it. I'm not a people person yet I deal with them.

If someone says they're afraid then I understand. I'm not going to terrorize them.

[CHARismatic110]

Ok and maybe I'm not proud of being afraid of them. I never say it in a rude way. And if someone tells me that they're not an people person I'm not going to think they should suck anything up. That's their right. So long as they aren't rude, then that's their business.

Guess people are different. Anyway, thanks for reading.

[Lazygirl]

Small dogs are always the mean ones, try to slowly get used to dogs. They're great creatures, you'd be surprised. It's your decision to make but I highly suggest you try to accommodate yourself with dogs. Remember, it's the deed but the breed (out animal. Sounds like the dog that attacked your mom had a bad owner.

[CHARismatic110]

Yeah, if ot were that easy for me it'd be done already. But I'm gonna work on it. Thanks for reading.

[Lazygirl]

Try starting with YouTube videos of hero dogs, just to make yourself comfortable enough that you can at the very least pass a dog without having to cross the street.

[CHARismatic110]

Oh no, crossing the street is automatic. Even if I do get a little more comfortable, I will always cross the street.

[Bonnie12I27I12]

thats just stupid. i LOVE animals but i would never expect someone to pet my dog. its sorta like saying hey i just shaved my legs wanna touch? its weird.

[CHARismatic110]

Lol it is weird.

[OverThinks]

That's all good. I'm an animal lover but i don't expect others to be. I wouldn't be offended or anything like that because there is usually a reason for it. Not everyone has positive experiences with animals and that's fine.

[CHARismatic110]

Thanks for reading and understanding.

[genuinlysensitive]

Dogs, especially big dogs I understand. Some big dog owners want a guard dog and really don't care if they bite other people. But no need to be afraid of cats. They are the cutest most lovable fur balls there are :)

[CHARismatic110]

Lol they have claws.

[genuinlysensitive]

Most pet cats have well groomed and trimmed claws that don't hurt, and they are so sweet, unless you literally threaten them with physical violence they will not attack you. Also, they are just the cutest fur balls ever <3

[CHARismatic110]

Lol so you're a cat lover

[YourFutureEx]

That's sheer ignorance if they get offended because of this. I hope you will overcome your fears.

[CHARismatic110]

Thank you.

[YourFutureEx]

Don't you think the pic (in your take) is cute?

[CHARismatic110]

I absolutely do.

[Cam700]

My best friend is terrified of dogs and we end up having to bribe her into walking past dogs 😂

[CHARismatic110]

Lol that's ashame!

[RainbowFanGirl]

Good take! It's ok not to be an animal person. I am obviously, but I totally respect your opinion. :)

[CHARismatic110]

Thank you and thanks for reading.

[aficionado]

Any person who claims to love animals but is a non-vegetarian, is a big time hypocrite. Because people wouldn't eat what they love.

Or they need to be more specific about the animals they love, and say that they're cat lovers, dog lovers etc.

[CHARismatic110]

I see your point.

[Hannah591]

I'm an omnivore, I will eat meat. I will make up for it by taking care for animals which I already do.

[Michelle892]

I completely agree, I have no respect for people who eat meat

[CHARismatic110]

@Michelle892 what some chooses to eat or not eat has nothing to do with them as a person. I'd you don't eat meat then that's fine, that's your prerogative. Just like someone who does has a prerogative too.

[Michelle892]

Can you honestly say that it doesn't reflect on a persons character if they believe its morally right to consume and allow for the death of an innocent being?

[CHARismatic110]

@Michelle892 sure I can. That has been happening since the beginning of time. Can you sit up here and say that you dislike every single person that eats meat simply because they eat meat?

[Michelle892]

I never said I disliked everyone, I said I don't respect them it's quite simple. If you are able to turn a blind eye to the atrocities that happen to animals then that's on you.

[SweetNovella]

Umm no^^ (Michelle892 I don't see how someone could say something that irrational about people who eat meat. Aha there are people in the world that have done far worse things than eat a burger. I'm just sayin.

[ArchDruidMordred]

What do you mean your mom protected you because you were scared?

[CHARismatic110]

She pushed me behind her when the dog came running off the porch because I froze.