DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

Hi All,

I have been on this site for a year and a half. I have gotten some great advise and made some nice friends.  I have gotten great grooming tips, food advice, lots of laughs and a few tears.  However, I have noticed recently when people ask questions, there is a tendency to be a little forceful with answers.  A lot of people are asking  questions or looking for solutions for real problems....aggressive dogs, food issues, re-homing issues...and instead of lending a sympathetic ear and helpful advice, there seems to be some quick responses with judging comments.  Often times I feel sorry for the person asking the question, and some of the answers are mean-spirited.  Some are very helpful.

Sometimes people don't see previous posts.  When someone re-posts something, or asks a question, again...the poster is not doing it to be a pain...maybe they just didn't see the original post.

I like this site. I like knowing peoples stories, and their pups.

I hope that this post can make people think twice before they post an answer to a post, where the poster is seeking advice.  The advice might be something that the poster does not like, but it can be stated in a kinder way.

For example, I am really nervous that people are going to react harshly to this post.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I know. I'm at the who gives a fig newton phase whatever that means : )

[Pat and Traveler]

Funny, Sherri!     Edit:  This didn't appear where I thought it would...

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I agree! You are brave:)

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

There is a fine line between brave and stupid. (I hope this comment was for me! If not I hope I didn't insult anyone!)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'd like to take a moment to be patient on the person who posts, doesn't read, or does not search......................

There was a long-time seasoned member who just a few weeks ago asked these stupid questions:

• My dog has an ear infection!  Now I think it is allergies.  Forgive me, but I know there are a ton of allergy discussions on here but I NEVER read them.  Can my dog REALLY, really, seriously, really have allergies?
• What is the dosage for Claritin?
• What can I give my dog for an upset tummy?  He is puking and has very loose bowels.   I can't remember.  HELP

Hopefully, that last line will save the person who wrote all those things............  I can't remember.  She is getting a lot older. Maybe she forgets? I just found it odd that she could not remember anything. NOTHING, when her dog got very sick.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

For me, what saved this forgetful person was the words "Forgive me", lol.

That, plus I know what it's like to be getting older and to forget things when someone you love is very sick.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

... and I love this place but the search feature............. scuks. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

and if your dog is sick, I don't care what dog pooped in Florida 10 months ago on a Tuesday. I want the information NOW

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Going to my laundry basket I find is much easier than doing a search here many times.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I agree, Joanne.  The search feature only works for some of us.  Maybe only if you have received a hokum.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Awesome Joanne!

[Bonnie and Kona]

It most certainly scuks and it sucks too. ;o) The only thing I use it for is to find someone's page "quickly".