Getting on my soapbox

[wolffe]

Just got an email from someone whose friend is looking for a puppy. They specified that she wanted a "house size" puppy. I don't understand that concept. Every dog is "house size" to me. My feeling is, why have a dog if you're just going to segregate it from the family by keeping it outside all the time? And honestly, the bigger dogs I've known have been the biggest couch potatoes.

And why the hell hasn't this person gone to a shelter already anyway? All the shelters and rescues I know are chock full right now, puppies included.

Of course, I do know what she meant. But it still irks me.

Gah. I'm too emotional for this right now. I just bought a license plate cover for my SUV. This one.

Comments

[lynda.livejournal.com]

I've heard of an "apartment dog" being a smaller one that didn't mind so much not having a yard to run around in freely several times a day, but I've never heard of a "house size" dog either.

And I seriously don't get why someone wouldn't go to a shelter or rescue to get an animal. They kind of have them in plenty, they're fixed and vaccinated and the staff can usually tell you a lot more about the temperament and best placement of the animal than any pet store.

Personally too, I'm baffled by the desire for a puppy. They're cute and all, but the damage they do and work required to train them makes getting an adult housebroken dog who knows at least a couple commands so much more desirable.

[heliina.livejournal.com]

I agree! Every dog IS house sized and all my dogs have always been part of my family and lived in and outside as much as I do!

I get peeved that people don't do their research when picking out dogs. Just because a dog is large sized doesnt mean it necessarily needs to be outside running all the time -- in fact, Great Danes are recommended as perfect apartment dogs because they require little exercise and prefer indoors.

But, I think that's how so many dogs end up in shelters in the first place --- people don't do their research or take the time to train.

I'll get off my soapbox too now.

I like the license plate cover!