All about dogs - dog breeds, dog training and behavior, news affecting dog owners or handlers, puppy pics, etc.
Rules (Will be refined later on).
Don't be a dick. This should cover most things, just keep in mind that everyone started somewhere and try to be helpful rather than rude or judgmental.
No personal attacks based on training style or tools.
Discussion of balanced training including proper use of aversives is allowed here.
All breeds and mixes are welcome. You can criticize backyard breeding practices but don't pile on people because they own a specific breed or prefer purebreds or mixed breeds.
Do not support backyard breeders or puppy mills. Please do not link to or suggest buying from high volume breeders or those with an obvious lack of standards and testing.
Do not help or support fake service animals. Please do not encourage people to buy fake service dog vest or ESA letters to get around rental or other restrictions & do not give advice on how to misrepresent a dog as a service or support animal.
Oof, right in the feels.
I will give my friends' pets scritches all day long (and deal with the histamine overload) but in my case, I really am done. I can barely function, let alone take care of myself properly. No pets. No kids. They deserve better, and I don't need more intersection of responsibilities and guilt.
Better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. There’s no shortage of animals in need, either. Doesn’t stop me from dreading the inevitable day though
Caring for others always brings the question "would you trade a lifetime of comfort and joy for a sudden heartbreak?" The trick is it isn't our lifetime - we are the source of comfort and joy.
My poodle is being treated for lymphoma right now and best case we have a year with her. It's heartbreaking. I just want her to be happy and healthy
Aw I'm really sorry. I hope the time you have with her is happy and something you'll cherish.
I’m so sorry. Dogs are our family, and it’s heart-wrenching to lose them. I hope you get as much precious time together as possible.
That unconditional love is hard to deny
I've never even bothered to say never. I already know it's a lie.
Yup. My husband and I adopt older dogs from shelters to give them a good few last years. Right now we are taking a break and adopted younger dogs for my son, but as soon as they cross the rainbow bridge, we are back to grey muzzles.
I love older dogs. I used to foster seniors (one of whom my parents adopted), and we adopted my current dog at a very youthful 6. She's 9 now and a total butt. I love her to pieces. We've also had really good luck - all but one of my dogs has lived to 15+. If my dog wasn't so hostile, I'd happily have another one but she's not a fan.
To love is to mourn.
This is actually the primary reason I've never had a dog. Not to be harsh but it's gotta be easier saying bye to a cat
Oof.
I've lost several pets over the years. I have an 18 year old cat that has been by my side since being bottle fed at 2 weeks. I have no idea how bad that day will be when it arrives. I may be lucky that he's the friendliest, most loving cat I've ever had, but even my little shitheads over the years hurt just as bad to lose.
Having just lost my 13 year old cat, and having lost dogs before as well, it's really not easier. Some cats may seem aloof to people who visit, but to their owners, they are almost a child, and show a very high amount of love and affection. When you have someone who has been in your life for so long, who regularly snuggles up on your chest in the morning purring, who gives you delicate licks of affection, and who you have seen grow from a tiny awkward bean into a beautiful adult who has been there for you every day, it for sure hurts to have to say good bye.
Yup I got my first cat at 5 years old and he lived for 20 years. I never got over it
Dogs just have much more of a presence in your life. Cats typically just chill around while sometimes giving you attention, but dogs are constantly interested in what you are up to.
Cats are playing single player.
Nope. Never means never.