Sorry TartanMel but if you chose to get a dog then dont expect others to feel pity that you havent had a holiday abroad for years, the answer....... if the Costa Brava is calling you so badly is to not have any pets, they are a life long commitment that shouldnt be locked in a car for you to enjoy a steak and chips.
I will probably cause offense to those owners who think that this kind of behaviour is acceptable but perhaps that offense is just guilt in disguise.
If we take our dog camping she goes everywhere with us, if we go abroad she goes into good kennels or stays with family. If she is with us she is part of the family and and so would not leave her anymore than i would leave the kids alone, have never had a problem with eating out, we eat in the beer garden or have fish and chips on a bench.
I've never left my dog outside a shop or locked in the car as I know she would fret. I would also be devastated if I left her and came back to find her missing. I was pleased to find that quite a few country pubs welcome dogs anyway so if you plan ahead there's no need to leave your dog anywhere.
Don't forget that dogs are pack animals, descended from wild dogs and wolves.
Their genetic lifestyle is to eat, sleep and defacate (and breed ). I don't believe they are happier to be treated like little people in fur coats.
My three dogs come everywhere with us, but if it's inconvenient, they stay quite happily in the car where they have acres of space, plenty of water, and loads of fresh air.
They just sit quietly watching the world go by, and then settle down for a kip until we turn up. That's because they were trained that that was how things are.
Our newfoundland prefers to be in the car, and we have more difficulty keeping her out. Leave any door open for a few seconds and she's in. Obviously we have to take GREAT care that she's not allowed to stay in when the sun is warm, and there's no breeze.
I'm not hard hearted or cruel, I just treat them as dogs who have (for them) a wonderful lifestyle.
But if they were mine they would never be locked in a car so would have an even more wonderful lifestyle, if you love them that much why would you want to risk them being stolen?
I also agree that dogs are animals not children but as we in the british society have chosen to domesticate them to such the extent we have then we cant have it both ways, you either want them to be hunters, living outside, eating raw meat and urinating everywhere or you take them to your heart and treat them as you would want to be treated. I feel exactly the same about the food they eat, no cheapie Chappie type food for my lot that is made up of less than 10% meat, good quality food as I eat, if I can afford to buy Tesco Finest or Marks and Sparks food for myself then I can afford to feed my dogs quality fresh food too.
Unfortunately it seems some are only going half way when it comes to caring for their pets and you just cant declare them wild dogs when you expect them to respect your home and furniture and be eternally loyal. It is one of the other for me, none of this half hearted in between nonsense.
Wow Domino your just the perfect dog owner aren't you????
I never said that not going abroad was a problem just trying to show that i love my dog more than going abroad on holiday.Half an hour in a car is not going to do my dog any harm whatsoever, she just curls up in her blanket and has a well deserved kip.I'd love you to come see my 10 year old Jack Russell so you can see just how "cruel" i am to the spoilt little beggar.I adore my dog and even work part-time so she doesn't get left in the house all day.
I think your on the wrong forum insulting poeple who to my eye take great take of there dogs!!!!!
I'm afraid dogs are dogs and children are children.You just need to watch the many programmes about dogs with problems as too many people treat them like little humans.
Edit: after going away and cooling down a bit i have to say i admire your passion Domino, i just think in this case its a bit misplaced.The people on this forum are responsible dog owners and seem to take great care of the dogs needs.Ever thought of volunteer work?? I volunteer for the SSPCA and my local dogs home and see REAL cases of cruelty.Its heartbreaking to see what people can do but at least i feel i do my bit.A volunteer with your passion would be welcomed with open arms and maybe let you channel your anger to the people who deserve it rather than on a forum with people who occasionaly leave the dog in the car for a short while.
well guys i must say this tropic seems to b getting a little heated .....im sure we r all very good dog owners trying to do our best for our poochies...and we all should not b judgeing each other.....after all for this subjuct to get so hot only really means we r all dog lovers who love to camp...xx
we decided when we got our first husky that ,there would be no holidays together so it was always my son and i who went in the van or the tent,the only times my wife and dogs were with me were at husky racing rallies in the winter and that meant we had to put 4 non racing huskies in kennels for three days ,very expensive its only now my wife and i manage to get away for short breaks cos our son can look after the dogs,,,its a big commitment owning dogs and they should always come first ,
What a shame that some people find it necessary to hijack this excellent website to trade insults with each other and attempt to force their self righteous attidude on others.
Why is it that everyone seems to think you can`t go abroad with your dog? Has no one on here ever heard of the pet passport? Went to France with the mutt this summer with no problems, or is it considered too cruel to have him travel that far rather than leave him in kennels with starngers?
when i was up at glen nevis in august ,there was a couple from the northeast of england camped next to us and they had a lovely collie ,and on one night only it gave a couple of lowly yelps about 3 in the morning ,it actually woke me up,but it did not bother me in fact it reminded me of my own home ,it was comforting,,,, as has been said every one on here obviously loves there dogs,sometimes you just cant explain what you want to say on a public forum,so a bit of understanding from all members would be nice
I'll be the first one to hold my hands up and apoligise for my behaviour.I love my dog and all the foster dogs we take care of too and got a little hot under the collar at some comments that were made.
Lol can't believe i joined this forum to talk camping and end up in a heated debate about dogs.
Again i apoligise and promise not to post in this thread again.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Dogs ..advice please
). I don't believe they are happier to be treated like little people in fur coats.
