When taking your dog for a walk, you often encounter comments from passersby. Some are compliments, but others can be quite hurtful. A seasoned dog owner in Japan, with thirty years of experience, shared the "5 Most Heartbreaking Comments for Dog Owners". These comments might not be intended to be malicious, but they can unintentionally hurt the owner's feelings.
1. "It looks so pitiful!"
Comments like "Dogs in clothes look pitiful", "It's so small and has to walk, it must be exhausted" or "This old dog looks like it can't walk anymore, it's so sad" can be hurtful. Dogs wear clothes for warmth or to protect injuries; small dogs often love walking and are full of energy; and even if an old dog is unsteady, it might still want to walk on its own. People making these comments often don't understand the owner's intentions. Next time, consider saying, "It looks so cute and happy!"
2. "This dog looks scary!"
If you encounter a large dog and say it looks scary just because of its size, muscles, or fierce expression, it can upset the owner. Many large dogs are very gentle. If you're naturally afraid of dogs, instead of saying "scary", say, "It looks so cool!"
3. "It's so old!"
When seeing an older dog, avoid saying, "Wow, it's so old!" Although this comment might not be malicious, it can make the owner think about separation. If you want to compliment the dog, say, "It's so spirited! It's amazing it can still go for walks!"
4. "How much did it cost?"
Asking about the breed and price of a dog can also be hurtful to owners. Dogs are not commodities; whether adopted or purchased, they are family members. Instead of asking the price, say, "This dog is so unique, what breed is it?" This way, you express curiosity without offending the owner.
5. "It hasn't been trained at all, has it?"
If a dog barks at strangers or behaves uncontrollably, and someone criticizes it by saying, "It hasn't been trained at all, has it?" the owner will definitely feel bad. There are many reasons for a dog's behavior, such as being in training, having trauma or fear of strangers, or simply being naturally cautious. Understanding these situations can make the owner feel respected.
Conclusion
Dog owners treat their dogs like family, and an unintentional comment can cause harm. Using warmer language not only makes conversations more comfortable but can also help you make new friends.
