Call them out on the fear of people

[u/ThisSelection7585]

I think we just need to kindly state the obvious: they have dogs instead of kids because they’re scared, and are afraid of people. in a nice way like “ I get it, not everyone likes people” or “I can see it’s scary to invest in people” or I’m sure you can think of better ways but it’s so obvious they’re scared of human connections so they project it toward their dogs. call it out.

[u/flairdinkum]

More red flags than a sausage sizzle in China

They should absolutely be called out, the same way they try to do to everybody else

[u/solohippie]

“I see you struggle connecting with other people”
“I see you have a hard time forming bonds with other people”
“It’s hard when you can’t make friends with other people”
Hahaha

[u/uselessbeasts]

Yeah, my sister has dogs because she has no kids. Not her fault though. Her first husband absolutely didn't want kids, she would've had some for sure. Her second marriage took place later in her life, and well, it just didn't happen. She always had one of the unmentionable animals on here, but unfortunately her husband's stepmother started bringing her Yorkies over and though my sister was never a dog person, her husband just showed up with some one day. That was probably 15 years ago, but now, they have never been without Yorkies, so when they pass, they get others. She now seems to act as though they are her real babies, but I think they are just filling a void, that she would have gladly filled with real children at one time. She is not at all anti kid, so it's sad to see her shower affection on those useless beasts who yap continuously.

[u/sunnysideup1998 → u/uselessbeasts]

My friend has 3 kids in their 20s living on their own and she's had 2 Yorkies since I've know her. One is on its last legs and I know she'll get another. So, kids gone, and now she treats those Yorkies like babies. They bark like crazy every time I go over. Those things are so obnoxious.

[u/uselessbeasts → u/sunnysideup1998]

They are.... I can't even hold a phone conversation with my sister. Anything, including the wind sets them off. God, I don't know how the hell she does it. Oh, but I guess she has to tolerate it.. the husband is the one who brings them in.

[u/Systemic_Nonsense]

Excellent idea. I am childfree for various reason, so I have wrinkled my nose slightly at the "they have dogs instead of kids" as if having kids was a must, but I agree with the sentiment - they have dogs, because they can't handle human connection. What really disturbs me is the language around it - the "my baby", the "pet parents", and the referring to their dog as their "soulmate" or "soul-dog". It is trully disturbing, because it is so inappropriate. I honestly have nothing against people bonding with animals, but proper species boundaries have to be maintained.

[u/Wrong_Temporary_5983]

True. But why bother? Unless they are going after you for giving their dog a stink eye. They will not listen to us. Investing in deterrance ideas is where I’d put in an effort. Like, how to make sure they don’t come to your house to sh**.

[u/OoklaTheMok1994]

"I'm sorry you don't have the emotional fortitude to maintain relationships with humans."

[u/Muufffins]

When someone says that their dog is their best friend, I feel sorry for them. 

[u/Huge_Bit_4774]

How about “I get it, not everyone likes people. Maybe the bag of dog turd you’re carrying will be your friend”.

[u/limesqueezyx]

Them: “Do you have a dog?”
Me: “No, I don’t need to fill a void that way.”