@Rihana- Let's not muddle your experience with JAG. Jag had clearly mentioned she is not particularly afraid of dogs, however, wishes the owner limit the dog jumping. There is nothing wrong in communicating that to the pet owner. I was suggesting it to JAG. If JAG had told she is absolutely afraid of dogs and yet her pet loving friend's dog jumps on her.. then my comments are being insensitive. Let's also keep in mind. I am not a his-master voice for all your pet loving friends. This is a thread to enable nonanimal lovers to communicate better that they are not ok being in the presence of the pets. Or how far as a guest you are willing to compromise. Its your every right to refuse to share the space with host pets. If the pet owner doesn't consider any of the guests feeling why even bother to meet them at hosts house? Like every relationship needs 2 ways so does pet loving friendship is 2 way... Either you are ok with pets or not. Its not pet owners fault that nonanimal lovers cant communicate that they are not ok with certain things. I have also listed few appropriate things which every pet owner should do.. please take a look at it. Don't grind me for all the suggestion that I have given. I cant be held responsible if JAG's friend doesn't know to control the dog. I really dont get why Rihana is bashing me left and right in regard to the issue of pets? So anything I say is taken into consideration as being in the "favor" of pet owner or that's the way pet owner sees it... OK.
Blindpup... that is exactly the point that I am trying to make...people (and guests)come with varying levels of tolerance. Just because a guest is not terrified of animals does not mean u let ur pet invade their personal space. Its best not to push boundaries to figure out at what point the guest is uncomfortable...I still dont get why u expect a guest to hint/imply subtly or otherwise to the host that they are uncomfortable...It is rather obvious isnt it ..? No...there a whole distribution in between.
@justanothergirl- This is your original post. Where you have mentioned your experience and now you are saying that "I"was meant as other people. So based on your original post my suggestion was based on whoever experience you have shared. Yes I didnt consider if the "I" was meant to be taken in if and if nots. I see pet etiquette as asking our guest if they are ok with pets.. if they say yes that's when the dog is at home. Otherwise its not. Please don't grind me coz your friend couldn't leash their dog. If there is nothing you can take away from this thread but point fingers at me coz I am pet owner that's truly unfair. I am not responsible for all your pet loving friends who arent understanding.
Let me try this one more time... there is whole distribution of people...its not as simple as " either they are ok with pets or they are not". Even when some people are not terrified its best to make sure that ur animal is under control at all times. And no its not the guests responsibility to convey this to the host. Any invasion of personal space needs to be addressed immediately.
Ok. This seems like a good start so you are saying no matter who comes to the house.. without questioning / informing guest about the pets. The host with pets needs to make sure the pets aren't around? If there is this expectation of pet loving host.. how do you go about communicating your request?
Question from a pet owner- Why do guest find it hard to communicate ahead of their liking of pets? Is it the thought that Pet owner won't oblige or will not invite to their home or will drop your friendship?
Because their pets are their babies. And it is hurtful to say to your host, "I can't stand your babies." Because I can't list out the true reasons I don't want to be near their dogs. "Their noses are damp, they're hairy, they make noises that startle me, they're unpredictable, I can hear them breathing, their eye contact scares me, they are heavier than me, they follow me, and they smell weird." Because non-pet-lovers are perceived as hardhearted, selfish, cruel, unaccommodating, and get a whole range of negative reactions. The worst I heard was "If you can't get along with a mute, four-legged docile creature for a few minutes, how do you get along with your husband?" (He is not mute, two legged, and not really docile! Really?? )
LO rofl .. Just mirrored my reaction about going to houses with DOGS.. Particularly '"It can smell fear... if you are afraid, it will not like you and will growl..." !! I am afraid of cats too.. and exactly for the same reason. It looks like a smaller version of Tiger to me.. I showed your response to my DH and he said 'OMG. I never knew that there could be another Version of you in this universe'.. Heeeee