Can't Take Care of Myself
Since Carl died, I've been really missing having a dog, to a point where I can sometimes barely function. It's really stupid, I know. The thing is, that dog loved me unconditionally, and I could just hang out with him whenever I needed something that wouldn't argue or talk back or, hell. Even TALK AT ALL.
My sister's got two dogs. She says I can go over any time to see them, but she talks down to me. Makes me feel like I'm stupid. I've told her I'm interested in getting a dog, and she automatically assumes that I've arbitrarily chosen a breed without doing any research whatsoever on it, and it's not the right dog for me. Notably, I've done extensive research, to a point where I have a letter drafted to use when I contact shelters and breeders. I have a list of questions, I've selected the breed for its level of activity and challenging level of trainability (I don't want a dog that wants to play fetch for hours. I want a dog who needs stimulation to remain interested, and who will run with me outside) as well as its appearance. However, she texted me last night telling me that after she did her own research, she's determined that this dog isn't right for me.
Because she works with dogs, she's smarter than I am, I guess. I think she assumes I can't train a dog, because she's trained two and she knows best.
This is in addition to my grandmother who, despite the fact that she'd only have to take the dog out twice a day while I'm at work, has determined that having a puppy is just too much work for her and would rather I didn't have one.
My parents also think I shouldn't have a dog. I don't understand. It's not as if I've ever proven myself to be an irresponsible pet owner. Everyone suddenly knows what's best for me, without actually asking me why I've picked this particular breed. And the only thing I can think of is 'hell, if so many people are so against this, they must be right.'
So I shelved three of the dog training books I already bought, and when the book on bull terriers arrives from Amazon, I'll go ahead and send it back. I just don't want to be judged this harshly for a very important decision that I've taken a long time to consider - and planned to take an even longer time in further consideration. I'd already decided not to get a dog until next summer, when - here's the kicker - I would have two weeks of vacation to properly begin to train it. My level of responsibility effectively means nothing in a family of people where everyone knows better than I do.
I know it seems like whining. But I haven't been really happy since Carl died. And I feel like such an informed decision should at least be respected by some of the people in my family.
My sister's got two dogs. She says I can go over any time to see them, but she talks down to me. Makes me feel like I'm stupid. I've told her I'm interested in getting a dog, and she automatically assumes that I've arbitrarily chosen a breed without doing any research whatsoever on it, and it's not the right dog for me. Notably, I've done extensive research, to a point where I have a letter drafted to use when I contact shelters and breeders. I have a list of questions, I've selected the breed for its level of activity and challenging level of trainability (I don't want a dog that wants to play fetch for hours. I want a dog who needs stimulation to remain interested, and who will run with me outside) as well as its appearance. However, she texted me last night telling me that after she did her own research, she's determined that this dog isn't right for me.
Because she works with dogs, she's smarter than I am, I guess. I think she assumes I can't train a dog, because she's trained two and she knows best.
This is in addition to my grandmother who, despite the fact that she'd only have to take the dog out twice a day while I'm at work, has determined that having a puppy is just too much work for her and would rather I didn't have one.
My parents also think I shouldn't have a dog. I don't understand. It's not as if I've ever proven myself to be an irresponsible pet owner. Everyone suddenly knows what's best for me, without actually asking me why I've picked this particular breed. And the only thing I can think of is 'hell, if so many people are so against this, they must be right.'
So I shelved three of the dog training books I already bought, and when the book on bull terriers arrives from Amazon, I'll go ahead and send it back. I just don't want to be judged this harshly for a very important decision that I've taken a long time to consider - and planned to take an even longer time in further consideration. I'd already decided not to get a dog until next summer, when - here's the kicker - I would have two weeks of vacation to properly begin to train it. My level of responsibility effectively means nothing in a family of people where everyone knows better than I do.
I know it seems like whining. But I haven't been really happy since Carl died. And I feel like such an informed decision should at least be respected by some of the people in my family.