I'm Just Saying. Please Don't Take It Personally
Posted: Sunday, August 16, 2009
by Yangki Christine Akiteng
The Real People's Love Doctor
I love animals. To be more specific I love the cat family. Small ones, big ones, agile ones, slow ones, tame ones, wild ones, sleeping ones, roaring ones -- you name it. If it's a cat, I'm game. The dog family? Not so much. It's not like I hate dogs or anything. The non-stop attention seeking "needy" behaviour and the licking thingie just isn't my curve. I'm hyper ticklish and don't like dogs licking any part of my skin (excuse my language). This probably explains why I got myself in "dog-trouble" in the first place. But I'll let you judge for yourself.
Have you ever met someone who takes things so personally that their "act" is almost comical?
I went with one of my friends to meet one of her new dog-lover friends. It was the first time I met her and we hit if off famously. As it turned out we have a lot in common. So we're happily chatting as we enter one of those places that sell dog "accessories". Im African, our animals live in the wild. They don't wear anything other than the natural coat their creator made for them. So naturally, I am somewhat intrigued and somewhat deeply amused by animals dressed up like human beings. But that's another story.My new found BFF picks up this little skirt-like dog attire with lace, ribbon and all, and she holds it up to me and says "Look! It's so cute. Exactly my favourite shade of blue". Still in our friendly chatty mode, I casually ask "Do you think Paris... " (not the dog's real name... see, I'm sensitive to dogs' privacy).
Okay, so I say, "Do you think Paris likes that shade of blue?" It's a natural response to ask that kind of thing, right? Say you go with a friend to buy her boyfriend a birthday gift, as a good friend you want to make sure she picks out something he'll like. Since she knows her boyfriend better you ask, "Do you think he'll like it?" Right?
My new BFF didn't think so. "Are you saying my dog thinks I have bad taste? You just met us, please don't act like you know us. Where is your dog? Let's see what your taste looks like!" She was visibly angry.
I was caught completely off guard. I should have said something more positive, affirming perhaps, but I wasn't thinking so straight with someone in my face like that. "I don't know what your dog thinks. I just made a simple observation", I said.
That ony seemed to inflame things. It got to a point where she ruthlessly tore away at my "sense of fashion". Unknown to her, things like "fashion" are the least of my concerns. At one point, I was struggling really hard to keep a straight face. If it were one of my real friends, I'd be doubled over with laughter. The whole thing was so unreal!
For the sake of peace, I apologized for my "insensitivity" and she accepted the apology. Interestingly, this is not the first time I've personally been involved or have seen "animal lovers" take it so personally to a point that they ruin a possible "good connection" with another human being. Some men and women even get divorced because of this kind of thing. And the poor creature caught in the middle of it all has no clue of what's going on.
It got me thinking. Before all this happened, my now ex new found BFF unwittingly let it drop that she does not have "many friends", and has no boyfriend. Apparently, she's never been able to "keep" one for "very long". Her exact words were: "Human beings are complicated. Dogs love you unconditionally".
So I'm thinking... Could it be that people who love their pets more than they love other human beings generally have "relationship problems"? I mean like relationships with other human beings.
Pets look up to you as if you're "perfect". Pets don't judge you or question your words and actions. Pets don't ask "stupid" questions. Pets don't make their own decisions, you make decisions for them. They eat what you want them to eat. They wear whatever you give them to wear. They sleep where you decide they should sleep. They accept any and whatever "personality" you assign them. They don't contradict you or tell you you're wrong. And they can't reject you or walk out of your life. How can they? They depend on you for their day to day survival.
You can literally play "God Almighty" with these creatures! But human beings... they don't make good pets. Do they?
This article is probably going to get some one really upset with me -- again. Please dont take it personally.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)You are wonderful, Chrissy. Through it all, you still referred to her as your "new BFF!" You take your own advice, you didn't take it personally but immediately surmised your new BFF has issues with human beings. You'll have many teachable moments with her!
And no, we don't make good pets. I loathe "terms of endearment" from strangers (except really old people) because I feel as if they think they're talking to a pet. I don't make a good pet. *hissing*
Great reading!
Hugs,
AvisPlease log in to respond to this comment.
To answer your question Christine, no, human beings would not make good pets! :)Hilarious. I can picture you standing there in disbelief. Good for you for holding it together, I think I would have been doubled over. Thanks for the laugh!Please log in to respond to this comment.
Christine,Many human being have taken this pet loving to far. No animal is above human life. I hate pet bulls. I think they are a dangerous breed. Yet, I find people having them in there homes and around their children. I have read and witness what they do to their so called owners when they get mad ,or don't' want what is on the plate.Nevertheless, people have gone as far as having tigers and snakes as pets. These animals never was meant to come under subjection of mans false sense of control.I personally don't agree leaving money for pets and paying for expensive surgery for and animal. Let nature take it's course,and stay with the Bible. God commanded man to take Dominion over the earth and everything on it and in it.Plus people that love animals to much have a strong disconnect with other humans. I have noticed that over the years, and they cease to develop strong healthy relationships with people.I hope this helps you realize you need not apologize or feel guilty.Taker careLawrencePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Christine,I'm sorry, but I can't keep a straight face! That experience must have been surreal --- in the Rod Serling sense. We ll written and an all-out funny. Thank you for this good read!Please log in to respond to this comment.
I not sure you love your pet if you dress it up and subject it to your whims. That sounds more like human ego to me. I love my dog but he is a dog and a I am pretty sure thats the way he prefers it.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Usually people who overly indulge in power over animals by dressing them up are lacking in control of their own lives. It makes them feel better to have control and the "final" say about something. Much the same as parents who push their children into beauty pageants as toddlers. Thank you for such a good laugh! When will people realize, the only true power comes from creation, true creation only comes from love...not control.Please log in to respond to this comment.
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