Have you checked the invitation? Was Fido or Fifi (insert the name of your canine friend) actually invited to attend where you are about to take them? As people who enjoy sharing our lives with our pets, we naturally want to take them with us when we are out for the day or on a trip. Most especially those of us who share our lives with dogs, we see it as an opportunity for them to get some exercise and hone their social skills. Are they truly welcome, though? Will everyone appreciate their cuteness as much as we do?
Pet owner and lover, OhMe takes on the debate of when it might be best to not bring your pet (canine or otherwise) to an event. Her article Pet Owners Should Leave Their Pets At Home gives some pretty good reasons as to why Fido might not be mentioned in the invitation. Being one of the planners of many events in her small community, Nancy has observed situations that might be unsafe for both humans and animals. With her good nature, she explains that not all people are happy to see your pet and not all situations are set up for your pet. Of course, not all folks agree with her but she accepts those opinions respectfully and agrees to disagree.
Nancy's article recently was awarded the Squidoo Sunshine Award. Congratulations! Whether you agree with her point or not, you would have to agree that she does make a good argument and provides some food for thought to those who bring their pets along to events, festivals, and public gatherings that may not be a welcome environment.
Personally, I side with Nancy's point of view. Not all people love animals as we do and some have a fear of those animals. Others may have an allergy to our pet's dander and could become quite ill just being a few feet away from them. There is also the aspect of creating stress for our pet. Suddenly they are overwhelmed with smells, noise, and commotion that they aren't comfortable with and may react in a negative way to it.
Go on over and visit OhMe's article and think about her views as an event planner the next time you are tempted to take your pet along.
Visit Pet Owners Should Leave Their Pets At Home
Image Credit: No dogs allowed poster by nb_greenland
Thank you so much for this great review. I know this is a touchy subject and one that both sides feel strongly about. I was afraid that it might sound like I don't like animals and appreciate your stating that I am a Pet Lover which I am.
ReplyDeleteFriends of the Park is so thrilled and honored to be the recipient of the Sunshine Award again. I am donating my winnings to FOTP so we can purchase personalized playground pickets for all the lensmasters who won for Friends of the Park.
Thanks again. You sure made my day!
Super review, Mimi and I agree -- the dog situation needs to be discussed again and again until folks begin to at least consider whether taking their pet to a festival is a good idea. Like you and Ohme, I have dogs and I love them. And soon we will be getting a "seeing eye" type dog, I think. But regardless, the rules do have to be read.
ReplyDeleteHere in our town, folks bring their dogs to the Jazz Festival or Downtown Live and as far as I know there have been no problems with it.
So in my mind, it's simply a matter of obeying the rules. Period.
What a clever idea for a debate, and congratulations Nancy on the Summer Sunshine Award! I think you are right to mention too, Bev, the stress that may be involved for the pet. All in all, a very interesting topic to consider.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a very good debate and, I must admit, I'm not sure which side I fall on. She really made me think! Thanks to you, Bev, for bringing attention to OhMe's lens and Pendleton, too.
ReplyDelete