Dear author of “A Passionate Open Letter to the Person Pushing Their Dog in a Stroller,”
Firstly, there are so many aspects of your “letter” that are uneducated and ignorant. Let’s start with this paragraph:
“But hey, if pushing your dog in a stroller makes you really happy, I’m not mad at you. I just don’t think it’s necessary. I know you’re living your life and not hurting anyone (except maybe your dog’s pride), just don’t be surprised if you get a few eye rolls or deep sighs en route to wherever it is you’re going.”
*Rubs hands together.* Oh boy. Where do I begin?!
In fall 2017, my 8lb Chihuahua broke his foot. He was in a cast for almost 11 weeks. As you can (or maybe you can’t?) imagine, it’s extremely difficult for a small dog to walk around with an entire leg splint which weighs a crap ton. Our stroller was a miracle for us during that time. We used it for vet visits. If we were traveling, he used the stroller. Why? Because it was difficult for him to walk. Are you with me, or still judging?
I’d venture to say that most pet parents don’t use a stroller because they think their dogs are babies. In reality, we use strollers because despite your thought that they are “unnecessary,” they offer many benefits for small dogs, injured dogs, senior dogs or paralyzed dogs. Don’t you think that dogs with disabilities or other ailments deserve to live a good quality of life? Maybe you’re just cold-hearted?
It’s funny that you mention things in your letter like, “I like to think they look a little bit embarrassed when they’re seen in strollers. Like, “I’ll never live this down at the dog park” embarrassed.” To me, this says that you believe dogs feel and possibly think the way humans do. If this is the case, don’t you think dogs who need assistance deserve the help of a stroller? Perhaps you’re the embarrassed one?
Next, your paragraph stating, “Babies belong in strollers, not your four-legged friend. And if you can’t (or don’t want to) let them roam on a leash to explore the world around them because you think they’re too special or good for such a simple task, then maybe you shouldn’t have a dog in the first place.”
How the eff do you know they are just in a stroller for no reason? Do you really think all pet parents just push their dogs around in strollers for the hell of it? How ignorant can you POSSIBLY be? My Chihuahua suffers from IVDD. A debilitating spinal condition. IVDD makes it difficult for him to enjoy life sometimes because he struggles to walk. The stroller allows him to get out and have experiences, despite his set back.
Dear author of this ridiculous letter – you just sound stupid. It sounds to me like it’s YOUR pride which is being threatened. Maybe you’re jealous of dog moms and dads who aren’t embarrassed to use strollers, because they don’t care what people like you think.
Ignorance is bliss, I suppose, but pet parents really don’t care what you think. Hate to break it to you, but dog moms and dads will keep using strollers despite your silly letter.
Jodi Stone says
You were still nicer than I wanted to be. Sampson has two bad knees. One was repaired, one was not. It pains ME to watch him walk, and I often times wish I had something to put him in so I could do the work for him. The woman who wrote this is off her rocker. Thanks for rebutting her.
Eliza says
It seems to me lucky that the dog was in a stroller because if it had been at ground level then it might well have been killed under this lady’s car tires! There is so much wrong about that letter! Good rebuttal though!
speedyrabbit says
Many Bunny parents use them too,I use one for Speedy at times because Sometimes I want to go for a walk and being a bunny he can’t walk that far sensibly. I also use it for when his dad is not available to drive us and I need to take Speedy some where like the vets ,I can just get on a bus and take him with no problems.Plus Speedy likes going out in his stroller ,he acts like he royalty when he’s in his stroller lording over us.That woman is just plain stupid…..Great letter from you,xx Rachel Speedy’s Mum
Victoria says
My dog is 10 and it’s getting very difficult for him to walk more than 3 blocks. I have a very energetic beagle who keep pulling her leach every time I take them to the park. I weigh 40k, my beagle 13 and my senior Pekingese 7k. I’m going to buy him a stroller this week, why? Because what else can I do? Carry my 7k dog in one arm and having my beagle’s leach in the other? Let my senior Pekingese alone in my house so I won’t offend some random woman?
Emma says
Could not agree more! My miniature jack russell is 11 and gets tired while walking due to an accident when she was a puppy. I don’t drive so have to walk her from home and I’ve recently brought her a stroller (not one that looks like a baby stroller) i am nervous to use it for the first time but after reading this I’m just going to roll with it ? thank you