Not a people person (1652 hits)
Category: NoneLabels: crap:non-fiction
Rating: 1.56 on 63 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Circe <fickle.muse.at.gmail.com> (View user info) at 2006-08-11 11:54:10 EDT
I'm learning a lot. There's not a whole lot of space for self doubt when you're trying to put a bucket collar on a doberman. There's not a whole lot of space to turn around and run to, either, so that probably facilitates the learning process somewhat. The key, we're told, is to be boss - not just act like the boss or talk like the boss but to BE the boss, the Alpha, the leader. "You can be part of my pack" is the aura you kind of have to project if you want to do anything with these animals. "You can be in my pack but I'm not in yours. You do as I say, we go where I want to go, and if you fucking push me I will use my new growly Barry White up in this motherfucker snarling warrior voice and make you pee nervously. And when I say sit, you overgrown hamster, you will fucking SIT or we will have words." I'm learning.
__________________
I sold a dog today - no, not sold, rehomed. I rehomed a dog today. She was tiny and white and beautiful and had this rash the vet assured us was an allergic reaction to fleas which would clear up now that the fleas were gone. Her owner bought her back in tears because her own vet had diagnosed some skin disorder that was painful and terminal and untreatable. She was crying, her kids were crying, and the dog was put to sleep, and I sold it to her. Me.
I don't feel too good today.
__________________
One time, a family came in - Mum, Dad, and two little girls. They wanted a small dog because the girls were wary of big dogs, but the Jack Russell puppy they looked at was jumping and nipping at the girls. I gave them a huge black labrador the kids loved on sight. They send us emails every other week, thanking us profusely. They say he's the greatest thing that ever happened to them.
Karma, right? It all evens out? I really hope so.
_________________________
My cynicism is raging out of control. Really, I need counselling or a shot or some fucking thing because I've just lost patience with most of humanity. Just now, just today, and I won't say it hasn't been coming for a while but still, it's a shock to the system when you look at another human being and think "I hate your species."
"Ohhh, this dog is really cute."
"Yeah... he might be a little small, though, for your family."
"No, that's what we want! Something small that won't hurt the kids."
"I'm not worried about your kids, but your daughter is dragging him around by his ears."
"Hahaha yeah, she can be a bit full on. But look, he's not biting her. We'll take him."
"Uhm. No, you won't."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm not going to sell you this dog."
"Look, you either want to rehome dogs or you don't. We won't be judged because we have kids."
"I'm not judging you because you have kids, I'm judging you because your kids are cruel and heartless and shouldn't have a dog."
"I'll have you fired."
"Good luck, lady, I don't get paid to be here."
Whole damn office applauded me when she complained. Some people don't really understand what a volunteer group actually means - we don't care if you like us, because we aren't here for YOU.
_________________
Mabel is sad. She's just... sad. There's nothing medically wrong with her, and she's perfectly healthy, but the prevailing opinion is that she's going to die from simple sadness. She's about five and I don't think she understands where her family went and why they're never coming back for her. To sit beside her bed and stroke her head for half an hour is to become gradually and incredibly overwhelmed by such a feeling of loss and confusion that you're blinking back tears.
She radiates misery and pain. I never believed in anything remotely like that before.
I'm learning.
_______________
There's a sign by the mastiff's pen: "Approach with caution. She doesn't like strangers." This is our euphemistic way of saying to other volunteers "This dog needs work, or she'll rip someone's leg off." The trick is to go in and immediately sit down. She'll crawl into your lap, all three tonnes of her, and just bliss out on having her ears scratched. Of course, you're not going anywhere until she decides to get off you, because when a mastiff sits on someone they stay sat on, but from that point on it doesn't matter what you do because she'll adore you mindlessly.
I like her a lot. If I can teach her to be nice she'll find a home before you know it. It's my hobby while I'm out there - to socialize the difficult ones and make them into the kind of pet you'd love to take home.
It keeps me hopeful. There's almost always hope - for dogs.
Most people need to be shot.
User Reviews
Submitted by Maddog (user info) at 2008-06-29 09:42:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Kudos to you. I could never do that job--haven't got the stomach for it. I like dogs more than most people I know.
Submitted by Fey (user info) at 2008-06-29 05:44:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Alter (user info) at 2007-09-26 22:10:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No, Comment.
Submitted by Amontillado (user info) at 2007-05-20 19:49:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
My mom gave away my bunny to some random family she doesn't even know with small children. I picture her pulling her fur out from stress while huddling in the back corner of her cage, shrieking hellions grabbing at her and yanking on her ears.
Submitted by Fey (user info) at 2007-05-20 19:05:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I was sure I'd rated this. I've read it at least 3 times.
You paint good wordpicturethingies with your words. I like.
Submitted by Amontillado (user info) at 2006-12-09 12:03:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Mabel made me sad.
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2006-11-18 12:05:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I miss your posts, lady.
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2006-11-16 17:40:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
YOU.
POST AGAIN SOON.
Submitted by Kaelic (user info) at 2006-11-05 10:27:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Doesn't seem like a white trash type of thing to me ...
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2006-11-05 10:12:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I can't think of a comment. I'll let you know if I do.
Submitted by Bickerstaff (user info) at 2006-10-23 13:07:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Jack.
Submitted by thorpe (user info) at 2006-10-23 07:11:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Book me.
Submitted by thorpe (user info) at 2006-10-11 01:05:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Hey you can send that book back now you know.
Circe?
Hello?
Uh yeah, do you need the address again?
Submitted by messmind (user info) at 2006-09-03 05:57:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
'Most people need to be shot.'
i agree . let's start with you . we've lost you anyway .
Submitted by Axolotl (user info) at 2006-08-26 12:47:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by jgreening (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:25:28 (#)
Ranking: 2
+2
I feel this way about kitty cats.
Love my cats.
--------------
Somehow I see Jack_McCallum feeling the same way.
Submitted by Kopesh (user info) at 2006-08-26 12:24:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
hear....,hear.....
Submitted by Spacegrass (user info) at 2006-08-14 13:55:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by dr_weazel (user info) at 2006-08-13 18:08:39 (#)
Ranking: -2
I fucking hate animal-rights cocksuckers that bleat about animals being better than humans.
Please fucking die and get the fuck out of the gene pool.
===
Yes, because obviously everyone would much rather hang out with this joyous ray of sunshine than a dog. I think we can all agree there.
This post was a solid +2 until the last line, when it became so much more. But I guess it'll just have to be a 2.
Submitted by Coyote (user info) at 2006-08-14 11:32:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Was wondering if you were ever going to post again... glad you did.
Submitted by Spooner (user info) at 2006-08-13 19:00:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Coolies. We're nice to our dogs. We even put bowties on them.
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2006-08-13 18:38:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by dr_weazel (user info) at 2006-08-13 18:08:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
I fucking hate animal-rights cocksuckers that bleat about animals being better than humans.
Please fucking die and get the fuck out of the gene pool.
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2006-08-13 17:29:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Who gives a shit about the humans
Keep it up because you're doing good work
Submitted by MistressFist (user info) at 2006-08-13 17:17:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
thank you for giving the dogs some well-needed loving. pets are angels on earth.
Submitted by Deidra (user info) at 2006-08-12 12:24:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by creep_firebombing (user info) at 2006-08-12 10:05:32 (#)
Ranking: 2
I dislike dogs. Mostly I find it a bad idea to bring anything in my home that will shit on my floors. It seems in poor judgement and unnatural.
-----------------------
Perhaps you need to try walking the dogs so they can shit?
Submitted by Entaran (user info) at 2006-08-12 11:11:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Last two dogs were German Shepherd/Rottweiler, one 67kg, the other 92kg. The 67kg one passed from haemophilia caused by malignant cancers in god knows how many places at the grand age of 15 (human years). A month later the 92kg one decided (in perfect health) to just lay down and pass on. I have infinite respect for anything that can will itself to well... die. He missed his best friend since they were both pups (3 months age difference) and I miss them to this day.
I now have three purebred German Shepherds, I don't believe there is a smarter dog on the planet. These dogs are my best friends, my companions and in some cases come before my partner in priority. I wouldn't give them up for the world and I couldn't imagine living without dogs. I tried it once... I got so depressed that I had to move back home.
+2 for dog lovers of any kind.
Submitted by creep_firebombing (user info) at 2006-08-12 10:05:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I dislike dogs. Mostly I find it a bad idea to bring anything in my home that will shit on my floors. It seems in poor judgement and unnatural.
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2006-08-12 05:27:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
i dont have dogs anymore
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP
Submitted by sparkle_pink (user info) at 2006-08-12 04:06:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:33:13 (#)
Ranking: 2
They adapt amazingly fast to the time change so exactly one day a year I get to sneak up on them, while they're still asleep, and yell "WOO FUCKING WOO WE'RE GOING ON A RUN WOOOOOO HOOOOO".
-------------------
That made me laugh forever. Thanks Loki.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-08-11 21:07:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by JoeyG (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:37:30 (#)
Ranking: -2
sorry to have to -2 man, coz I fully appreciate what you do. But as a kid, we got a doberman from a centre like yours, and the fucker bit me for no reason. I still have the scars, high up on my upper thigh. I swear to this day the bastard wanted to get my bollox.
______________________________________________
Hey Joey, you seen my pills, man? :)
As someone said earlier, dogs do not bite for no reason. You made it feel threatened somehow, whether you remember it or not. When properly raised, dogs are friendly animals who do not attack unless provoked.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-08-11 21:02:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2006-08-11 13:40:46 (#)
Ranking: 2
Just like that shelter, Uber's better when you're here.
____________________________________________
Well said. See, we can agree.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-08-11 21:01:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by badassmofo (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:03:51 (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't know if dogs think beyond hungry, tired, bored, excited, happy. I mean when you see a 'sad' dog...are they really sad or just bored and if they are sad, sad being a secondary feeling having to come from something else like being hurt or suffereing loss, how is they remember for so long but can't remember shitting in the kitchen and hour before hand?
I think that dogs are cool, but I don't think thier all that bright.
Maybe that's why I like them, there is something to be said about simple emotions like happy.
_________________________________________________________________________
Bamf, obviously you've never spent much time around Border Collies, the brightest of the dogs.
They are very bright, smarter than the average Uberer. :D
And yes, dogs do grieve. I have seen it.
Circe, you are a wonderful person to do what you do. May all of your days be filled with joy
for a job well done. Our latest addition was brought from an organization called Dreampower,
a group that will not kill dogs or cats, but instead will find them homes.
Mariah is a mix of Australian Shepard and Malamute, about three years old. She gets bigger every day and is still growing. The Malamute breed usually attains full growth at 3 to 4 years old,
and I hope she stops soon. I can't afford the food. . . :)
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2006-08-11 15:51:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by JoeyG (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:37:30 (#)
Ranking: -2
sorry to have to -2 man, coz I fully appreciate what you do. But as a kid, we got a doberman from a centre like yours, and the fucker bit me for no reason. I still have the scars, high up on my upper thigh. I swear to this day the bastard wanted to get my bollox.
---
Dogs don't bite people for no reason.
Sometimes the reason is not readily apparent to you, but there is a reason. Someone didn't properly rehab the animal OR you were engaged in a behavior that triggered it that the shelter was unaware needed to be addressed.
Dogs learn to be aggressive towards humans, sometimes we just don't realize that is what we are teaching them.
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2006-08-11 15:44:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by UnderOathMeal (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:06:55 (#)
Ranking: 0
Every single line in this post was great ...
Except for the last one. Sorry, but that completely ruined it.
Submitted by coley (user info) at 2006-08-11 15:15:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good good good.
Submitted by JoeyG (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:37:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
sorry to have to -2 man, coz I fully appreciate what you do. But as a kid, we got a doberman from a centre like yours, and the fucker bit me for no reason. I still have the scars, high up on my upper thigh. I swear to this day the bastard wanted to get my bollox.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:33:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Why don't people understand that Jack Russells are big dogs in little dog bodies?
When we were at the animal shelter getting my parents a new dog the people in there were bitching about a guy who had just left. He brought a dog to drop off because it was getting too big and then while he was there heartlessly dumping a dog off he actually thought they were going to let him take another one.
nope sorry beat it loser
On the subject of dogs, mine howl like they are being killed every single morning at 6:30. It's their subtle way of letting me know that it's time to get up and take them on a run. They adapt amazingly fast to the time change so exactly one day a year I get to sneak up on them, while they're still asleep, and yell "WOO FUCKING WOO WE'RE GOING ON A RUN WOOOOOO HOOOOO". It's fun for me because they jump up so fast in this move where both the head and ass pop up at the same time making them fall back down. Technically, is that cruel of me?
because I do enjoy it so
and hey the score is, after all 364 to 1
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:31:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by QueenAshlee (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:27:24 (#)
Ranking: 2
I need a dog... ""
you are a dog you cunt faced parrot.
Submitted by QueenAshlee (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:27:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I need a dog...
Submitted by ubetidid (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:19:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
AFUCKINGMEN YOUROCK
I used to have Border Collies/have since passed away
Now I have cats
ALL were rescued
Submitted by Pentameter (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:16:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I won't lie...I'm not an animal person, but you did the right thing.
You...you're a good egg.
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:10:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by The_Yellow_Dart (user info) at 2006-08-11 14:02:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You're a good human, ma'am.
Submitted by Deidra (user info) at 2006-08-11 13:48:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I prefer all animals to people.
I should start volunteering again.
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2006-08-11 13:40:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Just like that shelter, Uber's better when you're here.
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2006-08-11 13:27:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Badlands (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:33:16 (#)
Ranking: 2
I think I've come to realize that I like dogs better than people.
You've just come to realize this?
Submitted by Poots (user info) at 2006-08-11 13:05:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I salute you Circe.
Submitted by TheCrystalShip (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:37:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Karma is horseshit, read The Golden Bough.
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:33:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
i also wish i could have mabel.
Submitted by Badlands (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:33:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I think I've come to realize that I like dogs better than people.
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:32:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
you know that dog that pines?
that's me for you.
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:26:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
i'm glad you told that woman off. reminds me of when i worked in a pet store. eventually i left because they were too cruel, and didn't give a shit about the animals and who they ended up with. then i reported them to my uncle who does animal control and they were closed down shortly after.
:D
Submitted by jgreening (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:25:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
+2
I feel this way about kitty cats.
Love my cats.
Submitted by Hilarity_Ensues (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:22:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I love my dog. I couldn't imagine not having her.
Einstein IS the shit.
l
l
l
v
Submitted by MoneysWoman (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:15:46 (#)
Ranking: 2
We got a Lab/Pit from his foster home a few weeks back, He Rocks...
Dogs Rock!
Very nicely done.
Submitted by Susie_Derkins (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:18:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I could never work at an animal shelter, it would be too heartbreaking. I admire you.
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:17:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yay, circe!
Submitted by MoneysWoman (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:15:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
We got a Lab/Pit from his foster home a few weeks back, He Rocks...
Dogs Rock!
Very nicely done.
Submitted by BranDo (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:14:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Had multiple dogs from the shelter and I believe the people volunteering there are great.
Keep up the good work!
Submitted by GodChicken (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:07:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
The young pup and the older dog
lay on shaded sweet grass
watching the reunions.
Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman,
sometimes a whole family
would approach the Rainbow Bridge,
to be greeted by their loving pets
and cross the bridge together.
The young pup playfully nipped
at the older one.
"Look! Something wonderful is happening!"
The older dog stood up and barked,
"Quickly. Get over to the path."
"But that's not my owner,"
whined the pup, but he did as he was told.
Thousands of pets surged forward
as a figure in white
walked on the path toward the bridge.
As the glowing figure passed each animal,
that animal bowed it's head in love and respect.
The figure finally approached the bridge,
and was met by a menagerie of joyous animals.
Together, they all walked
over the bridge and disappeared.
The young pup was still in awe.
"Was that an angel?" he whispered.
"No, son." The older dog replied.
"That was more than an angel.
That was a person who worked rescue."
Submitted by Circe (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:07:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
leilani - You should, it's fun.. kind of messy, but fun.
badass - I agree with you, for the most part - they're DOGS, they're not nature's philosophers.
But fuck, if you could see this poor thing - she just stares out at the entryway, all day, every day, doesn't notice anything, barely eats. She's pining. It's hard to watch.
Submitted by UnderOathMeal (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:06:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Every single line in this post was great ...
Except for the last one. Sorry, but that completely ruined it.
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:06:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Nice.
Submitted by badassmofo (user info) at 2006-08-11 12:03:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't know if dogs think beyond hungry, tired, bored, excited, happy. I mean when you see a 'sad' dog...are they really sad or just bored and if they are sad, sad being a secondary feeling having to come from something else like being hurt or suffereing loss, how is they remember for so long but can't remember shitting in the kitchen and hour before hand?
I think that dogs are cool, but I don't think thier all that bright.
Maybe that's why I like them, there is something to be said about simple emotions like happy.
Submitted by leilani (user info) at 2006-08-11 11:57:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
awwwww. shelter dogs rule!!! very cool that you volunteer at one. I would like to do the same in the future.