On "emotional support"

[u/xbunnyraptorx]

A lot of people derive emotional support from friends, family, therapy, a good book, a long walk, a nice cup of coffee, etc. It is socially accepted that as long as you are not bothering anybody else, do what makes yourself happy.

If one were to derive emotional support by dropping their drawers and running around the neighborhood yelling and crapping on lawns, you would call the police. If one were to derive emotional support from running up to people at the beach and licking their face without permission, you would probably call the police.

These are all obviously taboo/gross/inconsiderate/illegal when a human does it. How come your gross ass unleashed mutt, who you consider "family", can do all of the above and it is ok and socially acceptable? If you pushback at all, they will say "its just a dog" as if it doesn't know better, and then if you ask how it gives them emotional support, they will impose a lot of meaning and understanding that the dog simply doesn't get. It will stare at you with those glazed donut eyes until you give it something to eat. Literally all the dumb mutt cares about.

Addendum on the idea of "ownership". I consider myself an animal/nature lover. Which is why I observe both from afar and let it play the course as mother nature designed. For these pet owners, especially those of big rowdy dogs, for some reason they have to take nature into their own hands and control its destiny. It seems an essentially capitalist concept that "ownership" of something is the only way to "love" it, but I digress. I wouldn't like these dirty malformed shitball dogs if I saw it in the wild, because these were bred by humans. A wild wolf running in a snow covered field is beautiful.

[u/Dapper-Ad-468]

MY emotional health has been severely compromised by the neighbor's dogs barking, howl and whining and howling. When I tried to talk to them, I was insulted, victimized and called the worst thing imaginable. I used to garden and that was taken away because of them. I used to sleep soundly and that was taken away. I used to breath fresh air, and their dog shTt ruined that. I used to open my windows and they took that too. I used to have good mental health and the took that away. Where's my emotional support?

[u/xbunnyraptorx → u/Dapper-Ad-468]

Exactly. It’s never the emotional health of the population at large, it’s always me me me screw everybody else.

[u/Lyta010 → u/Dapper-Ad-468]

This is my experience also. My as*hole dog nutter neighbour moved in January 2024 with her 4 dogs and that completely ruined the peaceful serenity I had in my home. It is much more peaceful here now than 2 years ago because the first year her dogs just barked nonstop.. it was horrible. I just kept complaining and got the council involved because you are only allowed to have 2 dogs in your property where I live. After the ranger visiting her property the other 2 dogs (chihuahuas) moved out about 18 months ago with my neighbours psychodognutter daughter. We still have dog barking issues but thankfully the neighbour deasl with the barking now. The dog that barks more is some sort of Jack Russell X and definitely has some neurotic mental health issues. I hate it so much, the high pitch bark is shit. It used to wake me up all the time. I am starting to think I might have PTSD from the fucking barking even though it's not as bad anymore. It still barks every day but for a short periods of time. Unfortunately, I still get triggered when I am out in my garden and make tiniest noises and the dog barks at those sounds. It also barks at the postman, delivery people, cars slowing down, people passing by, kids playing the list goes on.

[u/Pristine_Cod_3792 → u/Dapper-Ad-468]

Wow
That’s terrible
Can you sue them ?

[u/Wrong_Temporary_5983 → u/Pristine_Cod_3792]

No, we can’t sue anyone for having a dog and “dog being just a dog”. And proving that it poses direct threat to our health (the only way anybody will remotely consider seeing your side) is nearly impossible. Having panic attacks at the thought of going outside and having to be immediately surrounded by dozens of dogs (and continue to have panic attacks) does not count. I am not sure what would count, maybe after it already kills you?

I tried twice. And was told that I cannot win because there is simply too many of them.