Childfree and smug

Galaxy I was quite OK to deal.with baby / toddler sh*t but I am not OK to deal with adult dog sh*t. My decision is made

PECS

Galaxy I was quite OK to deal.with baby / toddler sh*t but I am not OK to deal with adult dog sh*t. My decision is made

Yes I agree with that! I never had a problem with nappy changing mine, or friends or grandchildren. One of my sons was going to leave their puppy with us over Christmas when they went away, but changed their plans, I was kind of simultaneously disappointed and relieved. We were both "........eeew got to pick up the shit and walks no matter what the weather is doing", even encompassed in a plastic doggy bag still not a task I relish. One of the many reasons I'm more of a cat person.

I don't think it's unusual to think long and hard about all the implications of getting an animal as we get older, I think possibly we become more aware with hindsight of commitment and the sacrifice that sometimes involves, maybe I speak for myself I don't think those feelings were always at the fore when I was a lot younger.

I remember I heard Robert Winston, who comes across as a wise man, say "it's a blessing having children and equally it's a blessing not having them" Anyway, would just reiterate what others have said, none of anyone else's business really and certainly wouldn't make a judgement about personal choices.

I had a dog in my childhood but that was obviously way before you had to pick up poo so I have never had to do it. The thought of it isnt great.

I keep seeing dogs and cats in pushchair wearing little clothes and hats.

My elderly dog wears a coat on cold days but I don't think either she or I would tolerate a bonnet.

Some people put their dogs in pushchairs when the dog is injured or too old to enjoy a proper walk. If you've spent years walking with your dog to be able to continue to do that is one of life's pleasures.

I have seen a man strolling along our high street with a parrot in a pushchair.

A neighbour has two dogs one a young rescue needing lots of exercise, the other decrepit and with arthritis.

Out they both go together enjoying their walk. The only difference is that the decrepit one gets into her pushchair when she is too sore to walk any further.

Excellent idea

I saw a woman on TV recently who said "have you seen my new grandchild, Olive". Then proceeded to show a photo of a dog!

Women feel they have to justify not having children because of attitudes like yours, OP. Yes, they may have enough love, but simply may not want to, or can’t.

That is their business alone, and nothing to do with the rest of society.

Nobody asks a woman when she gets married, ‘When are you getting a dog?’

Stop making women feel as though they have to give a reason, and let everyone live as they choose.

My DD now deceased elected to not have children world is overcrowded already she felt. No pets though. For those who don't bear children for whatever reason the difference is they don't bear cats or dogs they adopt them basically.

I’m currently looking for a front facing carrier for my three legged dog, so he can still come on hikes with me…

I think you’re being judgemental and unfair ! It’s entirely a woman’s choice whether she has a child or not and there are so many reasons women choose not to, or are unable to have children !

I have four, whom I’d never be without, and pets who I also love dearly. Live your life your way and never mind about others choices !!

M0nica

I get where the OP is going. Some child-free people. and it is a small group, do go on about how being child free means they can go where they want, do what they want, have so much more money because they are not tied down by children, but then acquire pets, which to my mind are far more of a tie than children and often for much longer and they seem to end up spending as much on the pet than one would on child.

As I said, these are a small group of attention seekers, just looking for online attention and there are such attention seekers all over the place.

I do not think the OP is referring to the majority of childless people, whether childless by choice or, so to speak, having it thrust upon them for numberless reason. Just those who crow over being childless, while their lives are run round their cats, dogs or what other animal they favour.

you still have no idea what the back story is. Matthew 7:1.

Live and let live, I say

Thank goodness we live in a world where we can be individuals. We can all choose. Because we don't do the same as everyone else doesn't mean we are wrong or making the wrong choices. Freedom of choice , freedom of speech. We can certainly voice our opinions but because some people don't agree with how we live our lives it does not mean it's wrong just different.

I am horrified by people who treat their pets as if they are children. A dog is a dog - not a human in an animal skin. I’m convinced that this can lead to appalling problems with dog behaviour. Some of the pet “emporia” have racks of dog costumes and outfits that are downright degrading to an animal. There must be something missing in the owner’s life to behave like this - get the therapy.

My daughter and her husband have decided not to have children. It is their personal choice and should not be questioned by other people. They have a dog whom they love dearly. They also like children but like the fact they can give them back to their respective parents. They know they do not want the responsibility of bringing up a child of their own.
I respect them for their choices and not being pressured by other people's interference

I don’t understand why people feel they can make comments to others about their family circumstances. My DD has a little boy of 5. She’s getting quite distressed about being asked if she’s having another child. Her first baby was stillborn. She was terrified of another pregnancy but went ahead anyway. Her son was born healthy but the pregnancy was a very difficult one. In addition they have financial problems. I just wish people would just accept her position and not ask intrusive questions.

I have several friends who do not have children , some by active choice & some for other reasons. I have friends with children & dogs and pals with just dogs or just children. On the whole I like the children and the dogs. They are definitely well cared for & loved pets.

None treat their dogs as pseudo-humans which I would find weird.

what is with these "judgmental" threads..? we are all different.

“You can't put the children in the cattery when you go on holiday”……I often wished that was possible !
But seriously, it’s all down to personal circumstance and choice and quite frankly nobody else’s business.

It is wrong to judge these people...their life...their choices

My lovely cousin was desperate for children but went through 13 miscarriages (no cause was ever found) before giving up. Her marriage broke down. She's now married to a lovely man and they always have dogs, which I can see bring a lot of happiness to her life. She never talks about having wanted children (it's too painful) so people often jump to the conclusion that she didn't want them. And, if you're looking for SMUG - people droning on about their "perfect" children and grandchildren take the trophy for that one.

I can't abide football wives/former models and the like banging on about their kids as if they were THE only person to ever raise a child/children!!

I wish they'd shut up, get a proper* dog and go for long walks away from TV cameras and social media.

*Not one they put in a handbag, although (disclaimer) some of these are soooo cute.

My SIL has a tiny Chihuahua. It doesn't know its tiny and just thinks its the same as all the other dogs!

aonk

I don’t understand why people feel they can make comments to others about their family circumstances. My DD has a little boy of 5. She’s getting quite distressed about being asked if she’s having another child. Her first baby was stillborn. She was terrified of another pregnancy but went ahead anyway. Her son was born healthy but the pregnancy was a very difficult one. In addition they have financial problems. I just wish people would just accept her position and not ask intrusive questions.

I totally get this. My daughter is 36. Happily married. No children. No pets. Her choice completely. People keep asking me what's up with her. Foxtrot Oscar to them!