[Britster]

Originally Posted by RachelandSadie

I did this so I wouldn't have to bring them all over the place with me. Also whoever thinks that dogs are equal to children are CRAZY. I feel really really bad if there is someone who cannot have a child and chose to have dogs rather than adopt human children, yes dogs are our family and we love them but as a soon to be mother I now understand that there is a HUGE difference between an animal and a human being.

As for entitlement attitude I totally agree. If the store says NO DOGS or you are told to take the dog outside then LISTEN don't back talk and mouth off. It's their rules and policies. You wouldn't ask to break the law for a child so why break the rules of the store for a DOG???

Take em' everywhere you can but leave em' at home with a pet sitter or another puppy friend when you know that you can't take them into a store.

Why should everyone adopt a child over a dog? Not everyone is fit for a child. I feel terrible for your dogs if they are not somewhat "equal" to your newborn child. So when the baby comes, they are pushed down a level? If so, that's sad. And happens far too often. Young people get dogs, treat them like royalty, then a baby comes along and they get shoved aside.

I agree that humans have a certain... superiority to dogs, obviously. But I see nothing wrong with treating my best friend and canine companion like a member of my family and equal to a child. Yes, I think there is a certain bond that is going to be there between mother and child that may not be there between mother and dog, of course. If I had to pick who to save from falling off a cliff, my child or my dog, I'd pick my child, that sort of thing.

But if a couple can't have a baby and wants a dog in 'replacement' of having a child, there is NOTHING wrong with that, either. You just have to realize that they are still a dog and will still do doggy things.

My aunt's Pit Bull has been her baby for the last 8yrs. She had her son one year ago. Yes, her son now is #1 priority in her life but she is sure to give Max everything he needs as well. Max gets his alone time with her still, she still is sure to get him his walks, to take him down to the beach, she includes him in everything she does WITH her child. While Max runs and plays on the beach, the baby sits on a blanket and watches, etc. It's a tough balancing act but I think it's sad that you have a sudden change in attitude over your dogs simply because you are going to have a human child now. I know MANY people who had babies and still doted on their dogs like children.

Originally Posted by TresCutePiggies

Wow. I can't believe how heated his debate has gotten. I love to take my girls with me when I go places, and they aren't small by yorkie standards. However, if I'm asked to leave, I would certainly do so politely (even if the person asking was snotty). I respect the rules, and I'm a self admitted rule follower. I chose to frequent places who have no problems with dogs being in there, and the places who don't allow dogs I'm not as likely to go to. I don't see what is wrong with that, and I certainly don't see why enjoying having my dogs with me everywhere makes me a bad dog owner or in need of attention.

They are certainly not accessories to me, nor are they treated that way. Do I dress them up everyday? Yes.

Do they eat a "good" food and get appropriate vet care? Absolutely. Do they get intense exercise every day? Yes.

Do they go to daycare when I have a bunch of non dog friendly errands to run? Yes.

They both keep up when we do long walks (4+ miles) around the lake. They also go to doggie meetups, farmer's markets, outdoor festivals, pet expos, malls, and other doggie events - sometimes being pushed in a stroller, which has been a life saver when I feel an event gets too crowed or the girls get hot or tired.

A lot of stores are thrilled to see their sweet little faces and want to pet them and ask all kinds of questions, which is nice when you aren't in a hurry. Since January this year, the girls have gone out of town with us four times I think. Rory has easily been on over 25 flights and Lane probably 15 or so. I guess bringing them with me when I go out of town rather than boarding them means I want attention to? When I travel, I'd really people rather not notice I even have them with me. Usually, once we are waiting on our bags they'll pop their heads out and people are shocked that dogs were on the flight. They are like my children, and I only want the very best for them. As long as they are happy being with me and not a nuisance to others, I really don't see what the problem is. They bring so much joy to my life...I think the real question is why wouldn't I want them there with me.

Agreed

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

Wow. That was a little uncalled for.