For the Love of Dog: Love People
Dog People.
Like an exclusive social club, dog people have garnered a reputation of being happy-go-lucky, fun-loving, adventure seekers. In sharp contrast to our cat counterparts, we have been deemed easy going and always smiling, just like our favorite furry companions.
Thanks to social media, there’s a new perception in town.
Cute memes abound these days with catchy sayings indicating dog people are dog-friendly, but increasingly less people-friendly.
“Dog is friendly. Human is not”
“I love dogs. People, not so much”
“Dog is fine. Human is vicious”
The snarky side of my personality loves these. I’m an introvert and I can relate. As in, I often relate to dogs better than to humans. Go to a party, look for the dog, escape to a quiet corner to pet the dog — that’s how I roll.
When “Dog Friendly” Becomes “People Averse”
Another trend, however, is less cute, less benign, and much more inclined to shut down effective communication. I see it growing among posts from shelter and rescue volunteers, dog lovers, and shared by the general public. In a society where we’ve become ultra tolerant of differing social views and values, I’m a little surprised this topic is taking a step backward.
Dog Ownership as a Status Symbol
For modern dog people, I believe dogs have achieved an elevated status. Take a look at the dog care industry and the millions of dollars spent pampering our pets annually and it’s easy to agree dogs are considered very special! Unfortunately, dog ownership in light of this environment has become its own status symbol, and that opens the door for a broad spectrum of dog-owner shaming.
When Opinions Turn Into Barriers
I have my own view of how dogs should live. You likely do as well and if you’re reading this I can probably guess your views are similar to mine. To assume that, however, and address these topics based on that assumption could easily lead us both down a path others would not agree with. If, for example, I boldly state that no dog should ever be left outside in winter regardless of provisions and level of care, I’ve just alienated every farm dog owner reading along! If my intention was to change hearts and minds regarding their dogs’ living situation, insulting them into scrolling on isn’t a great way to start!
Meeting Dog Owners Where They Are
Dogs are owned by people from all walks of life, from all perspectives, income and education levels, and family values. If my goal is to further educate, support, and influence dog owners whose values don’t currently align with mine then I need to be able to start the conversation by understanding where they are right now. Then and only then am I potentially in a position to guide them through the process of growth and change.
Leading With Empathy
We all have our opinions and goodness knows you’re going to encounter a few opinions as you read through my posts and our organization’s materials, but I sincerely hope what you always find in those opinions is empathy for others, understanding of cultural variance, and a gentle approach to helping more dog owners become responsible dog lovers. This has been a core value for us from the very beginning, and it recently paid off. Literally.
Respect, Compassion, and Public Trust
Our social media page is public and growing rapidly, and we should always assume there are some people following us who don’t fully embrace all of our values. In keeping with that assumption, I have made it a point to keep our posts factual and helpful, but also positive and encouraging. It’s important to me that the people who surrender their dogs into our care are always treated with respect and compassion. Learning begins with kindness, everyone walks their own path with their own challenges, and your circumstances are never in competition with anyone else’s.
Whether I personally agree with someone’s reasons for surrendering a dog or not is irrelevant. Supporting them through the process and providing resources to prevent it happening in the future must always be the goal — and that means we have to love people even when we don’t love their decisions.
The Real Cost of Shaming
Last month we received our largest individual donation to date. That alone was enough to humble our team.
The fact that it came from a grateful former owner of a dog we were able to save amplified the impact exponentially.
Many canine organizations would have openly vilified this family for letting their dog go. The response from the public would have been loud and proud, echoing self-righteous praise for the linguistic lashing of “horrible people”. The echo chamber of sanctimony would grow, the family on the receiving end of the hate would slink quietly away, and the next family in their position would know it isn’t safe to reach out to this group for help — turning instead to “dumping” their dog anonymously on over-tired shelters, or worse.
What Happens When Compassion Leads
Instead, we now have a financial partner in a grateful family, an opportunity to reach more dogs in need through their word of mouth, and a chance to influence a culture we desperately need to reach if we have any hope of shutting off the flow of unwanted dogs into our shelters.
This Is Who We Are
I’m proud of my team for the way they conduct themselves when working with the public, I’m excited by the level of trust we are earning within these communities, and I’m humbled by the gift of a once-desperate family who didn’t know where to turn.
This is who we are. We love dogs, and because of that we also love people. This is why we are different, and it’s the reason we’re going to make a difference.