Why “It’s Only a Dog” Really Misses the Point
I’ve heard those words more than once over the years. And every time I hear them, I think the person saying them has probably never shared their life with a dog the way many of us have.
Because to those of us who love our dogs, they’re never only dogs.
They’re family. And many women over 60 will agree.
Our dogs know us. They know when we’re happy and when we’re worried. They know when we’re not feeling well. They recognize the sound of our car before we ever walk through the door. And, somehow, they always know when dinner is five minutes late.
My dogs spend their days with me when I’m working at home. Whether I’m reviewing contracts in the afternoon or answering emails early in the morning, they’re usually nearby.
If I’m sick, they’re beside me. If I go for a walk, I have company. When I come home, they’re there waiting for me.
Some people may not understand that kind of connection.
Dog people do.
My Dogs Actually Changed My Real Estate Business
Years ago, when I was looking for a condo, I learned firsthand just how strange – and frustrating – pet restrictions can be.
One condo on the ocean allowed one dog weighing up to 60 pounds.
I had two small dogs with a combined weight of only 16 pounds.
They weren’t allowed.
It made absolutely no sense to me. But the rules weren’t based on the combined weight of the dogs. The community permitted one dog, and I had two.
That experience opened my eyes to something that would eventually become an important part of my real estate business.
Pet restrictions aren’t always as simple as they appear.
Over the years, I’ve found incorrect pet information in listings. I’ve spoken with people who didn’t know their own community’s rules. I’ve seen restrictions involving the number of pets, weight limits and breeds. And sometimes what you’re initially told isn’t what the governing documents actually say.
That’s why I learned a long time ago: when a buyer has pets, verify the rules before falling in love with the house.
Finding a Home Means Finding a Home for All of You
When I’m helping someone with pets buy a home, I’m not only looking at bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and square footage.
I need to know whether their pets can live there, too.
Because what good is finding the “perfect” house if an important member of your family can’t move in with you?
Fortunately, there are many pet-friendly homes, gated communities, 55+ communities and condominiums that will accept your pets.
But every community is different.
Some limit the number of pets. Some have weight restrictions. Others may have breed restrictions or additional rules you wouldn’t necessarily know about from reading a real estate listing.
And rules can change.
That’s why I don’t like to rely solely on what’s written in the MLS when it comes to something this important. I research the pet restrictions and review the applicable sections of the community documents, so my buyers can make an informed decision.
Because It’s Never “Only a Dog”
My dogs have been beside me through good days, difficult days and plenty of ordinary days in between.
They make me laugh. They keep me company. They know my routines probably better than I do.
So no, to me, it’s never only a dog.
Pets are family.
And if you’re looking for a pet-friendly home in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach area, I’d be happy to help you find a home where your whole family is welcome.
Before you fall in love with a home, let’s make sure your pets can fall in love with it, too.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
How do you feel when you hear the phrase, “It’s only a dog”? Are your pets part of the family? If you’d like to have a conversation, let’s talk about it!
Yes to many, their pets are their beloved family and not “just a dog.” I get that, but way too many pet owners don’t “get it” that many others don’t feel the same way about animals, don’t see them as people, don’t think they are soooo cute, and don’t want to be jumped on, sniffed, rubbed against, licked or have our yards or driveways used as a restroom. If pet owners want their pets to be welcomed and appreciated in public, they need to be more considerate of the feelings of others and train their pets. ASK how someone feels about their dog before just allowing the dog to approach them in a public place, nudge them and more. That person may be terrified or allergic. Be a responsible pet owner.
Thank you for your comment, Claudia. I agree. Many pet owners take advantage and do not consider if people are allergic, afraid or just may not like dogs. I am often surprised by the number of people I see bringing dogs into grocery stores (unless it’s a true service dog.) However, responsible pet owners are considerate, clean up after their pets and have their dogs are trained. No dog should be allowed to jump on you without asking you first.
People bring pet dogs into grocery stores here too, and the employees say nothing even though it’s illegal. Once I did complain. A man brought a very cute young puppy into a grocery store and as he went through the checkout, all of the cashiers stopped what they were doing to dash over and pat it. Then, without washing their hands or anything, they resumed handling everyone’s fresh produce.
People take dogs into the examining room at the doctor’s office sometimes too. Not illegal here, but once again I had a lot to say to that doctor and no longer go there.
Even at the bank: a woman urged her dog to put its paws up on the counter as she did business with the teller.
None of these were service dogs.
I am neutral about dogs, but their owners? Not so much.
I totally understand. I don’t think these are places to bring a dog – again, unless it’s a true service dog – but people do. I’ve never seen one at a doctor’s office.
i agree with you on some points not everyone is a dog lover – but if two people are at a park and one has a dog and the other one doesn’t maybe there could be signs stating areas strictly for those without dogs to sit. many pet owners are considerate and unfortunately sometimes a dog will just get so excited, to see another person they react! we all have to live in this world, humans and pets together so i will apologize for any one who has been taken aback by an owner of a dog.
Good idea. Here, there are dog areas in most parks that are fenced and the dogs can run loose. That is a good thing. There are also many nice paved trails for walking and running through the wooded areas and many people take their dogs. 90% of them are fine, but others allow their dogs to lunge and jump at the walkers and runners. It’s frightening to be lunged and snarled at by a large dog. The reason I was recently given was that the dog was “bothered” by the swinging arms of runners and walkers. My response was that the dog should not be on the trail until this had been overcome. My suggestion was NOT taken and that dog continues to be there. I give him a VERY wide berth and hope no one will be injured.
It’s a shame that happened to you, Claudia. It’s frightening to be lunged at by a small dog, too. It happened to me, and I got a similar answer. It comes down to owner responsibility for their pets.
I agree, everyone is not a dog lover. It comes down to the owner’s responsibility to make sure their dogs are well behaved or not be in a place with other people until they are.