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.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Where are the smilies when you need them?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

You said what I said, but in a better way.  I agree 100%.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I agree with this.

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Total agree with you... I often think long and hard before I post something because I often times feel like a bad "doodle mom" by others comments... :(

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Sometimes we should have standard flyers similar to the physicians office:
For example: how to manage your diabetes. You and your colitis. What color should my stool be?
Yes, I am being sarcastic, but it seems this is what is being asked here- Give directions, no opinions, write it all out in a technical format.
How do we answer the poster?
-My husband rubs the dogs nose in poo
-leave your dog outside all day. Make sure you have a good chain
- please buy from this great puppymill- I saw no dead dogs in cages when I was there
- how to Dump your dog correctly, because you just don't give a damn any longer

Why bother spending your time responding to this over and over?
Because we care! Often though, a direct link to some standard form to keep our mouths shut and emotions closed might work.
Right? Or, is this a forum?
I do want to thank each person who does give of themselves and tries to answer posters. I may be an old dog around here, but I am still learning

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hey Joanne, I'd take in an old porcupine dog like you any day.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

;) -- on my phone or I would have made that smile big and bold!
I will say, being a porcupine is much better than being a programmed robot handing out flyers of safe information.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

;) ;) ;) and a hug.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Joanne, You are one of a kind and I mean that in a very nice way :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

She is and I mean it in a nice way too.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

It is about time you said something nice to me. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Hey old dog, It was just yesterday or the day before that I told Karen she should have a standard answer typed up about food. She answers more questions, at great length, over and over than anyone I think. Sometimes she gets thanks but not always. I'm more often the refer you to what's already been discussed type.