I'm quite sure Jen didn't start this thread with the intention of "attacking" the woman who hit her dog. I completely understand her point. Having never had a small dog, just looking at Olivia's size amazes me still- she is so small. (and she is not a tiny) Sometimes seeing a thread doesn't impact a person until they have something in front of them to really drive the point home- for Jen it was getting Tia home and seeing how small and fragile she is.
That being said, I wouldn't fault anyone on this board for starting a "don't hit your dog" thread every day of the week. Cruelty to animals is and should be intolerable. I realize people become frustrated when they can not communicate with an animal, but that doesn't give ANYONE the right to take their aggression out on a defenseless animal. Sure, dogs can bite back, but a dog's strength is often not even close to that of his or her human's strength. Olivia doesn't always understand what I want from her, but I know that she is trying to please me in every way possible and loves me unconditionally. Just looking in her eyes it makes me sad to think I would hit her because nature won't allow her to completely understand me. It is okay to become frustrated with an animal, and I'll admit I definitely have been, but people need to take care of their frustrations in an appropriate manner. I understand some people might think that some members' reactions to the post on hitting the dog was harsh. However, I don't understand why some people think that we should sugar-coat our reactions in a situation like this. We need to take responsibility for our actions and accept the consequenses. I applaud this member for coming forward, but when on a board dedicated to dogs, I don't think people should be surprised by the condemnation of hitting a dog so hard that it screams.
I don't understand why people question why this thread was started. It was started by a valued member because it was on her mind. Why are there new threads every week on how to crate train, yorkies sleeping in bed, chewing, biting... etc., etc.? Because not everyone goes through the same thing at the same time, and we have new members who join all the time. I'm quite glad Jen started this thread because when I initially responded I hadn't even seen the thread about the woman who hit her dog.
yorkieusa- LOL! You sound as tough as we are here. I always ask Olivia if she wants me to beat her bottom when we're play-fighting. She always howls back at me like "yeah right, mom!" |