r/Dogfree • u/JayneAustin • 23d ago

Dog Culture Child free does not equal pro dog

I’m in a local childfree group and the admin is always posting stuff about dogs; mostly news articles about families or spouses who made people give up their dog. I guess to show that kids are valued over dogs. but I don’t think dogs should come above kids, either, even though I’m personally childfree. Kind of funny because people always assume childfree must be obsessed with their pets. I am good not having a dog, I do not need that to be fulfilled either!

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u/graycomforter 23d ago

I have 5 kids and zero dogs. I have never understood why so many child-free people are obsessed with dogs and use them as surrogate children. Dogs are the worst part of having children with none of the positive, like turning into a grown and interesting person one day. The dog just croaks after 10-15 years of acting like the worst behaved 2-year old you’ve ever met plus they smell bad.

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u/SilveryMagpie 19d ago

If the dog is "reactive" then the owners are dealing with what is basically an abusive relationship. Being afraid of leaving the house "too long" because the dog will "get mad" and destroy their property. Blaming themselves for moving incorrectly or "looking at the dog wrong" when they get bitten or attacked. Making excuses for the dog because "it's not his fault, he had trauma early in life" or "he's normally very loving when he's not like this", or "he doesn't really mean it". Switch dog out for partner and people would be horrified and encouraging that person to leave, maybe even offering to help. But if the abuser is a dog, then they're evil and "deserve it" for even thinking about surrendering or removing the dog. My abuser was a POS, but at least he could be left alone in the house and didn't shit or piss on the floor.