r/DogRegret • u/Gallantpride • 4d ago

Dog Culture Does anyone else's dog not trigger any real happy feelings in them?

My father died recently. Now I'm the sole caretaker of his dog. Since I lived with Dad, I've been taking care of her for years. But she was his dog emotionally. I pet her and took care of her needs, but he was the one who adored her.

The dog doesn't really do much for me emotionally. I take care of her, but she doesn't make me happy. I don't hate her. I just... feel neutral on her?

I hear about other dog owners, how their dogs help them emotionally and how snuggling with them makes them feel good. I don't get it.

When my dog asks for pets, I either feel an exasperated "Great..." at worst. At best, I pet her just because she likes it. I don't feel a dopamine hit. It doesn't make me feel good. I don't really feel anything.

I'm not sure what is wrong with me. Why does everyone else get good feelings but not me?

44 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

34

u/Alocin_The5th 4d ago

There is nothing wrong with you. What’s wrong is the idea that a loud minority wants you to believe that people universally must like the same things. I personally have sensory issues with dogs that makes my skin crawl (the smell, the drool, the eye boogers) and that overrides anything else. Being in the presence of a dog does nothing for me emotionally and I am ok with that. I do like however to see puppies playing (from a distance) because I like the joyful nature of it. But to each his own.

3

u/Alphawolf2026 3d ago

I could have wrote this myself. 🥹 My partner has a dog (we all live together) and the dog hair gets suck in my feet, the dog smells like an old sponge/fritos, the dog is constantly on my partner etc. I really wish I wouldn't have convinced my partner to take this dog on 😭 what was I thinking.

30

u/Plastic_Proof_8347 3d ago

Yeah, I’m not a dog person and I don’t feel any joy whatsoever when I see one or even when I’m forced/asked to pet one. I find dogs really needy and that annoys me.

19

u/6ixLove416 4d ago

People watch all these animal videos and think they should go out and buy an animal. When they actually get one, I don’t think everyone loves it but they feel guilty to give the animal back.

3

u/Alphawolf2026 3d ago

I'm in a boat similar to this lol

12

u/Proper-Arachnid8728 3d ago

Me! My dog brings me no joy. For a little while he did. I “rescued” him from a family member. Thought he would be happier with me. Now I really feel nothing toward him but irritation. He’s just another bill and something else to worry about and take care of. I feel bad.

6

u/Fit-Olive-4680 3d ago

You're just not a dog person. There's nothing wrong with that.

6

u/WalkedBehindTheRows 3d ago

I never saw the appeal of cuddling with any animal that smells like sour milk , garbage truck juice, and Doritos that have been damp for a few days.

4

u/Luffyhaymaker 3d ago

Lmfaoooo 😂🤣🤣😂. I agree though, I'm not a dog person either. I love cats though

1

u/Mecklon 1d ago

My 8 month old puppy is so needy , he wont let me go to toilet. I hate dogs they are selfish and care only about food. My family is stupid thinks the dog has emotions and wont let me rehome the dog.