"You could just get a new dog..."

[WillParkinson]

Someone at work yesterday asked how Bailey was doing. I informed him that we'd be taking him to the vet today for an MRI. He asked if it was expensive. I said it would cost us about $800. He then said that we should just put Bailey down because "you could just get a new dog for that price".

I looked at him and asked him if he'd be willing to put down one of his kids when they were sick because, after all, he could just have a new one.

He looked gobsmacked and asked if I was comparing MY dog to HIS child.

Some just don't get it.

[Curmudgeoness]

1. Some really don't get it. And yes, I was comparing

my pet to his child. In fact, I don't get the whole kid thing. Pets are so much better. The only down side to pets is that we usually realize we will lose them someday, and with kids, you don't expect that. Sigh, that person should just stop asking you about how your Bailey is doing. He just does not appreciate that these animals are family to us.

[TorchTheWitch]

4. I know exactly what you mean

I never had any desire for kids and don't much like other peoples' kids. I just don't get kids. I don't feel comfortable talking to them or being in close proximity to them where I may have to personally deal with them.

Since I've had dogs I've found I much prefer them to people.

[get the red out]

5. +1

I feel exactly the same way! People ask me if I ever thought about having kids and I answer honestly "no". We finally got a dog almost a year ago and she has added more to our life than I can say. Is she a "replacement child"? Certainly not because I've wanted a dog for years and never had the desire for a child. But the relationship is a huge part of our lives now and I can't imagine considering this beautiful, sentient, family member simply a thing to be replaced (like the chair she shredded when she was teething, LOL).

[Curmudgeoness]

7. LOL, yep, people aren't all they are reputed to be.

Dogs/cats rule.

[murielm99]

2. How callous.

Next time he asks, tell him you don't want to talk about it. That is better than arguing at work.

Good luck with Bailey.

[TorchTheWitch]

3. OMG! How awful!

I'm so sorry some idgit had the nerve to say something as offensive as this to you especially when they must know how concerned and upset you must be.

Good grief, what is WRONG with some people???

[iscooterliberally]

6. Evil Step-Dad here. ;-)

I have kids too. Some have two legs, but most of them have four. Some say woof, others say meow. They are all 'adopted'. It would break my heart to see any of them leave this world before me, but it's most likely that all of the four legged ones will. The two legged children are about ready to move out on their own. I hope this means that I can get two more four legged ones! I think my wife will take me to the pound and have me put to down if I try it though. :rofl:

PS - I hope that all goes well for you and your Bailey!

[HillWilliam]

8. It always makes me wonder if

some people just aren't able to love anything outside themselves and how lonely a life that must be.

HillBillyBob and I would kill to protect one another. (And we love each other more than life -- even after 15 years!)

We'd die for our dogs.

There's a difference.