Talk of The Villages Florida - Dogs and Retirement

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe C. (Post 2024083)

I don't own a dog. I did when we had kids and lived in the country. Down here, I refuse to have one.

Good for you. And I don’t trust, or like, people that don’t have a dog.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John-US (Post 2023745)

The for the dog folks have a pug profile picture. remember the human race? :welcome:

my pug is actually better than most humans, certainly more fun to be around:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seasonal (Post 2024261)

When I read here, and read comments from the kind, funny, helpful, and happy retires, I often start looking for homes in TV. I want to be part of that group. But there are always people like the OP and a few others that drive me away. Why are some, so negative in life and retirement. Hope the OP has an ounce of introspection and considers why are they so unhappy. Meds, therapy, or a good friend could help but please never get a therapy dog. You don't deserve one.

Friend, ...nasty people are very few & far between. do NOT let them stop you from loving a new life here, with or without a loving canine companion (or feline). i wish we had come here years ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcrazorbackfan (Post 2024355)

Good for you. And I don’t trust, or like, people that don’t have a dog.

Ouch!!!! Some may not be able to have a dog.

Well, this is fun.

OP must have figured out by now that there is every possible point of view on the dog people/non-dog people conversation. Some think dogs are all perfect, some have very good reasons to not trust dogs and even fear them. Dogs can be the only comfort for some or they can cause anxiety and fear in others. As for " dog therapy" in retirement homes, I hope my wife never needs one of those places. Savagely attacked as an infant by the perfect little angel family dog for no apparent reason, is one of those who would be made miserable by having someone come into your "home" and, with all good intentions, try to get you to interact with the dog to make you feel better while actually causing anxiety, fear and depression.
I had several dogs and loved them all. Family, yes they were. Human, they were not. Obviously no dogs now and fine with that, kind of like empty nesters who are happy and satisfied they did well as "parents" and now are free to enjoy life as a couple without the responsibility of "parenthood" for a "furry baby" with special needs and limitations.
Dogs are great, but dogs are not people. They live in the moment, have senses that we cannot truly comprehend, are easily frightened or confused by things we take for granted, and can be triggered by things we are often totally unaware of. They can help save lives and they can also injure or kill.
Some folks like them, others, not so much. Dogs. Rin tin tin, strong, noble and heroic to Cerberus who guards the gates of hell. Whichever one you own, not everyone loves him/her, he/she loves being with you but doesn't always really like everything you do or every place you go.
Lastly, please, be a responsible owner and keep him/her off the neighbor's lawn. You can do it.