We have three dogs, and I get alot of comments about having so many animals. "Are you a dog walker? Are those all yours? Boy, you sure have your hands full."
I usually just say "This is what happens when you volunteer at an animal shelter." And then it gives me an entree into a conversation about how there are so many wonderful dogs at shelters and rescues. I turn it into an opportunity to educate people that rescues get alot of beautiful, healthy dogs - they aren't all abused, sick and mean like you see on Animal Planet - and they should look there first when considering getting a pet.
What I have learned from the many wonderful YT'ers are the things that other owners get tired of hearing. I now NEVER mention that someone else's dog is overweight, if a dog isn't wearing a dress or pink collar, I make gender neutral compliments "Oh, what a sweet/beautiful/well behaved/etc dog you have." If I see a dog in a carriage, wearing matching harness and leash or jeweled collar, I just say that their dog is so lucky to be so well loved. I don't want to be one of THOSE people who goes around making other pet owners uncomfortable with unkind or thoughtless remarks. |