I Hate Dogs and I Am Non a Horrible Human Being

sad-looking+small+pug+dog+on+the+floor+in+a+black-and-white+photo

Ampersand72 VIA FLICKR

Sarah McLachlan would similar a discussion.

2018 is most over, and with it volition come up the terminate of the year of the dog. Halle-freakin-lujah. These hirsuite creatures already get plenty attention without an official 365-solar day period of dedication. From the endless Instagram dog accounts to the bulldogs stopping traffic on the streets, they're everywhere I turn. You volition not grab me cooing every time a furry four-legged brute comes my way. Here's the thing: I hate dogs.

Cue the inevitable cries of stupor, cloy, and terror. "How tin can that exist possible?" friends and strangers alike ever ask me. "Are you fifty-fifty human?" they'll ponder subsequently watching me remain indifferent in the presence of a palm-sized pooch.

Supposedly, humanity rests in pet adoration. Those that are incomparably disinterested in four legged-friends are stigmatized outsiders. I'g tired of having to repent for my opinions or mitigate the intensity of my feelings just to gratify the puppy-crazed masses. No, I do non like dogs, and no, I am not a cold-blooded monster.

My disdain for dogs comes from how I grew up. My family attempted to adopt a Bernese Mountain Domestic dog when I was eight. "Attempted" is the cardinal word. Her proper noun was Romy and she apace became the family chore every bit opposed to the family friend. She required time and free energy constantly. Quite frankly, we Gallardos are simply non pet people. It's in our genes.

Instead of adoration, I felt excessive aloofness. I didn't treat Romy at all. Hearing her ambitious howl mid-morning to exist taken outside for a walk didn't exactly motivate me to experience love and amore. Standing exterior in the freezing common cold every morning with a doggie purse in my hand while awaiting some fresh, warm beast poo didn't give me a blitz of excitement that an possessor might feel. Quite frankly, Romy needed way likewise much attention, which I but did not take enough to give. I was — and am — in a state of my life in which I would rather interact with real humans than play fetch with furry neighbors at the domestic dog park. Romy required way too much work, and she stripped me of my independence.

After owning her for two years, I realized the undeniable: Most dogs are dingy and smelly. Yous can literally smell when someone owns a furry creature. Maintenance of their hygiene requires time and money that I do not have. On top of that, dogs never leave you alone. Perhaps it's my inner introvert talking, but I don't want to come up home to a dog sticking its nose in my business organisation and begging for attention. I desire peace, quiet and confinement.

The thought of having to treat a beast that can't even hold a conversation with me is not enticing. Information technology is a colossal waste of my coin and energy. This is where I feel similar I need to brand a promise: I swear I am non a cold-hearted freak. I just have different priorities than dog-lovers do. I recollect dogs are smelly, unclean, annoying and, ultimately, too much work. I shouldn't have to apologize for this.

Puppy allurement doesn't work on me. The number of Tinder profiles I've come up across with the cringe-inducing "That's my dog" bios referencing dog-owner personality shots has made me realize even more than emphatically how rare I am to not be interested in swiping correct.

One fourth dimension on a kickoff date (later on listening to 20 minutes of stories about his little Brewster'south obedience class updates), a guy got very serious with me every bit he whispered, "Y'all just can't trust a dog hater." I sipped my drink with a smirk and quipped, "Merely what if they like doggy style?" He nearly choked. I didn't meet him again.

It'due south non simply potential romantic prospects that don't trust someone who doesn't similar dogs. It seems similar it's everyone. Canis familiaris disdain is met with stigmatization and shock. A quick Google search on disliking dogs leads to a downward spiral into the inner workings of online forums where people opine with nada restraints nether the disguise of an cyberspace persona. One Quora member wrote that finding out someone he knows doesn't like dogs "is a alarm signal that something is wrong with this person, and I would avert them."

I of the things that makes humanity so beautiful is the deviation in opinions and backgrounds amongst people everywhere. Do we not believe in diversity anymore? Dog haters are the rare grouping that isn't encouraged to embrace its "difference." Instead, the entire collective is deemed bloodcurdling.

This is entirely unfair and my indignation cannot be kept quiet. It appears that we live in a society in which our personalities and distastes are warning signs. Non a fan of chocolate? You're inhuman. Dislike music? Yous're insane. Don't want a pet? Adieu.

These judgments and denouncements are ridiculous, especially because nosotros are in an age that champions inclusion and acceptance. Inclusion isn't practical to u.s. canine condemners. We're only "not homo." This can't continue because our personal preferences are exactly that: personal. Anybody has their own likes and dislikes, whether they stem from family traditions, personal experience or just a developed feeling.

Don't go me incorrect; I get the appeal of dogs. They tin exist someone'due south best friend. They make full an emotional void with 18-carat unconditional love. As companions, they're loyal, obedient and kind. They tin even aid those with a medical impairment. I think that'south astonishing and I respect it — from a very far, very necessary distance. This respect now needs to come from both ends. I'll respect the woof if yous respect my opinion.

The Observer is Fordham Lincoln Center's award-winning, 100% student-run newspaper. Donate toThe Observer's GiveCampus campaignto support pupil journalism today!