It’s fine if you aren't an animal person, as long as you aren't hurting them or encouraging others to do so. 😉
I absolutely love animals. I used to think people who didn't care for them weren't quite whole people, but I guess over time I've started to understand their perspective better. 🙂
Honestly, I have zero respect for people who just make a conscious choice to dislike animals. ☕
It's different when someone, say, got bitten by a dog when they were a kid and now they're terrified of them. I can get that. It's kind of how I feel about seaweed. 😂
For example, I was grabbing coffee one day with a friend and her group (who I barely know, just people I've seen around). She had this little poodle that literally wouldn't leave me alone the entire time. It kept jumping on everyone, barking, whining... and everyone else thought it was "so cute and precious." I was the only one finding it so irritating that I could barely stop myself from just getting up and leaving. Eventually, I snapped a bit at the poodle and pushed it away (since it was basically trying to lick my face). The reactions I got... I can't even tell you. People looked at me like I was some kind of monster, like I wasn't normal, wondering how I could be that way, yelling at dogs or pushing them... they drove me to the point where I went home crying.
That was honestly rude of them, and I don't mean that sarcastically. I mean, surely they could see you were uncomfortable. Next time, just tell them directly that it bothers you. I wouldn't let my dog jump all over you if I knew you didn't like it. They should be ashamed; those aren't really true friends.
I suppose poodles don't shed much, but still, that sounds like a bad situation. I know how much it gets on my nerves when my sister's puppy jumps on me, even though I love her.
The reaction those people gave is typical for owners of tiny, cute little dogs who can't fathom why anyone wouldn't love their little fluffball-sweetheart. I used to be like that too, but eventually, I learned what actual dog training means, so it's okay now.
Just tell them it bothers you. Don't wait this long. If they don't get it, explain why. If they get it but refuse to change, find new friends.
Personally, I can't stay in a bad mood when there's an animal near me. Hanging out with a dog makes things more cheerful. You can feel that the animal actually loves you (especially dogs). I feel more sincerity from a dog than I ever have from any human being. When I look at a dog, it's the only creature I know that isn't thinking anything negative or bad about me; they just want to play and get attention and companionship.
I can hang out with people who can't stand animals or pets, but living with someone like that? Not happening.
True.
The go-to phrase for people who own dogs is, "Oh, he won't do anything."
Yeah, but I say that because my dog truly wouldn't hurt a soul. It's always the human's fault when a dog bites. It's either the person or rabies. There's no third option. No dog, whether it's a Chihuahua or a Staffy, is going to bite you unless you provoke it.