While I agree that only a person can choose on their own to leave, I think we have the power to either make YT a positive, helpful place for someone or a negative place for him/her. I'm very sensitive, and I most definitely think I might have left YT if people had been harsh in the beginning. We have a choice to make YT a compassionate community which embraces open dialogue, the freedom to exchange differing opinions, and which offers support and friendship for those in need. For the most part, I think we are achieving that goal but there's always room to make it even better. YT is such a special place for me. I have gained so much from the compassionate members here and have people who have become very dear friends. I think we need to be honest and true to our convictions, but we also need to think of the person behind the screen and how they are feeling. Of course we need to speak out when we feel an animal is being harmed; I really respect those who are always being the voice for our pups who can't speak for themselves.
I'm sorry if my post is considered telling people how to post; it is not my intent. I'm reacting to whether we drive people away. I believe we do at times, and it makes me sad to see that, and a lot of pups suffer as a result. |