How do you handle people who "don't get it".....

[Carol N.]

I have lost many pets in my lifetime and each time have been very devistated. I know that there are alot of people out there who don't understand how we feel and say things like "its only a dog or cat etc". How do you handle these people? I know there are a few things I'd like to tell them..... Sometimes I try to explain to them that I love my animals as one of my family other times I just ignore them. Just wondering how everyone else feels about this.

[Marina Trofin]

These people should be isolated and live with their mean attitude! I heard so many times, especially in my country, Romania, these words:It is just a dog!" that I was sick and tired of these people! They rather are throwing away the left overs than to feed the homless pets! I am disgusted of this world! For us pets are family members, sometimes more attention for them and priority! At least this is the way I am! Abusing pets is the worst thing and there are so many doing this! They find a pleasure of abusing pets, this is the way they show how "strong" they are! Sick people!!!! In our house which was always full with pets, never just one, only the pet lovers were allowed! Who didn't care for animals were not our friends!

[Gladys, PLP Adm.]

I feel sorry for them, they don't know how to really love or be loved and that is so sad. I think that people who have never had an animal that they loved or have never known the way an animal loves their master unconditionally they have missed out on one of the best things life has to offer. My animals have always been family and are cherished. So don't be angry with people that don't understand, feel sorry for them, I do.

[Regina Dickerson, Event Planner]

I have to agree with Gladys on this.

[Colleen Del Bane]

volunteer to do their eulogy when they die and start by saying " What are all you people doing here It was just a man/woman. Seriously,people are so insensitive about pets but I bet they would come undone if someone did that.

[Laura- PLP Admin]

Hi Carol..I know all too well what you are talking about. Its unfortunate that a lot of people do not understand the love, the bond and the connection that we have with our babies....but they don't. I learned over the years not to talk to the people who do not understand. It just makes it that much harder to get through. You shouldnt have to explain how you feel or why you feel the way you do after you lose one. Its such an enormous loss to all of us...if someone doesnt understand, it just makes you feel worse. I once read somewhere that a persons soul hasn't fully awakened until they have shared a love with an animal. So, we are the fortunate ones...we know that unconditional love and unfortunatley, the hurt, that goes with it when we lose one. They do not have to understand why you feel the way that you do, they just need to respect it. If you ever need to talk, I am here...and so is everyone else on this site who DOES understand. Hugs, Laura

[Carol N.]

Thanks to everyone that have responded to my question. Although I haven't lost any of my "precious ones" recently today is actually one of my goldens 13th birthday and I know she is getting up there in years and I guess this is making me more depressed than usual. My boss doesn't understand peoples love for their animals as he is allergic to dogs and have never had any pets. Just bothers the heck out of me that some people can be so uncaring of other people's feelings. Thought I'd throw the question out to my "fellow animal lovers" and see how they felt.

Hugs to you all,

Carol

[Bobbie Farthing]

As a friend of mine says thank God i have for legged babies and not two legged ones.
I feel for people who dont know the joy of a pet, they do not know what they are missing!!
I had my socks (dog) with me at the store the other day he waited in the car when i come out i gave him a treat and
was talking to him(telling him what a good boy for waiting for mommy) there was a lady getting out of her car she just looked at me like i was crazy, said you are as weird as my sister , that is not a child. I replied do you have pets she replied no they are just something to worry the crap out of you. And i said to her i only hope one day you will know the joy that i feel from talking to my dog. But since you sound like you never will i feel sorry for you. If only these people knew the joy a pet can add to ones life.

[Meandmy3boys]

I have never had children and I'm 40. Our 3 boys are my world, besides my fiance' of course, but they are exactly like my children. No, i didn't give birth to them, but i nursed them through their illnesses and they give me love every day....they are my babies. I totally get it, but you just can't get that through some people's heads....its a momma pet thing, i think....so don't let it get to you; it's THEIR loss.

[Susan Hall-Amado]

I too have lost many pets in my lifetime and like you, I was devistated. Unless, individuals are pet owners themselves, it is extremely difficult to get them to understand. I have given up trying.
It gets to be too painful to keep hearing "it was just a cat" or "it was just a dog".

Not long ago, I took another blow, as my cat Frankie was diagnosed with kidney disease. I've already lost a pet to this disease and it was heartbreaking. It was difficult to get people to understand that I wanted to do anything I could to save Frankie's life. Again, I got the usual, it's just a cat.

So you see, like you, I love my Frankie as I did all my pets, but it is almost impossible to get people to understand how broken up you are when something happens to them.

[Barbara]

People that know me, know that my furry ones are solid members of my family, but when someone has said "It's only a dog, cat..." to me, I have looked them straight in the eye and point blank said, "No, it was one of the best, most genuine friends I have ever had who was just as much a member of my family as I am." It might be blunt, but they get it (or at least know enough to back off from the 'crazy' animal lover). I don't feel the need to tread lightly when an inconsiderate clod likens my departed pet to a discardable object by saying "It was only a..." I would never say to someone "It's only a kid, you can get another one." I expect - and demand - the same respect for my animals.

That said, I do feel sorry for those people to some extent, but ignorance can be changed with education so I also do what I can to teach people that pets aren't "just dogs, cats..." by talking with them about animals. I may not get far, but at least I have planted a seed.

[Shirley Sundarsinghe Daniel]

Can you give me a solution as my dog is fested with fleas and they jest drink the blood out of the poor animal and I have done so many medications but they are all temporary, as such please give me a permanent solution, I'am anticipating an early reply.

[Gladys, PLP Adm.]

My pets don't have fleas because I use drops that come from the vet. They take care ot fleas, heart worms and ticks. There are different types of these products but you need to get them or at least get a prescription from a vet and then send it to a pet pharmacy. The treatment I use is revolution (selamectin) this medicine also treats and controls ear mites,prevents mange so it is one of the best I have found. The meds over the counter don't do much and don't last very long. I don't use flea colors as they smell and don't seem to do much. If you live in a warm area you probably need to treat the animal all year round.