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I'm trying to come up with a good comeback. Maybe, "Okay, you've criticized me, shall I criticize you now?"
Or, "Why do you care what I do in my own house?"
Or, "Hey, animals are a lot cheaper than kids, and you can just put them in cages when you want to go out..."
Or, just loudly change the subject every single time they bring up your animals. Maybe something they hate lol.
"Why do you have so many animals, what's wrong with you?" "Gosh, Mom, when are you ever going to take down that God-Awful wallpaper? It's from the 80's. How can you stand it?"
Or just interrupt and ask what they want to eat for dinner. Like every single time LOL.
"What's wrong with you, why do you have so many animals!?"
"What should we eat for dinner?"
And get your SO on board so it's funny for you. Like if the room gets weird and wants to know why you're asking about dinner, when the subject is your animals, your SO can look at you and say, "You know, hon, I am kind of craving Chinese. How about everyone else? Are you into Chinese for dinner? Nope, we can't have dinner with you, but I'm just really curious what everyone will be eating for dinner tonight...."
Just weird everyone out and make it funny between the two of you. And they'll probably eventually get the idea if you don't want to just confront them all.
I just see you being really defensive about it. If you defend yourself, the type that go for blood will just feed on your defensiveness. Best not to defend yourself or explain yourself if you can get away with it.
I'm sorry you're receiving such mean comments, you sound like a great pet lover and pet owner. FWIW, I had 3 cats (plus an assortment of other pets - tadpoles/frogs, lizard, many fish, and probably many I simply cant remember offhand)....while my kids were growing up. And most of their friends had multiple pets, too. I've never received a mean comment due to my pet ownership. My kids are now college age, one is living at home and we have 4 cats, a fish, guinea pig and feed stray cats and baby birds. If someone doesn't like it, it's not my problem.
You can't be shamed unless you let others make you feel that way. Don't let them get to you.
When I had quite a few dogs - all rescued - my family members kept telling me to "get rid of them". People who make comments like that don't take in account the relationship you have with your pets and the bond of love between you and them.
So sad they can't relate to any relationship except between people.
OP, here's a question: do they talk to you like that in general? Maybe you don't notice, maybe you're lifelong used to it and only notice when they bring your pets into it, since you care so much for them. It seems impossible that a family who was otherwise loving and supportive would single out your animals to go on about and use as an excuse not to visit.
Otherwise, I think you're lucky to know who you are and what you want and to live your life surrounded by creatures who bring you love and joy.
Honestly, I would ignore anyone who criticizes you. I was a cat mom before I had my child and I'm still a cat mom. I love my cat. I also love my daughter. I understood how important my pet was and I still do.
The short answer is its basically a softer way of swearing
( OP I apologise for going off topic but just for any other enquiring minds )
Ahhh, one fine day mate we'll 'ave to do a rattle on the ol' dog n bone, take the pi** a bit and then tramp the pub for a pint and a pasty aye? lol, no translation needed for me mate.
Well OP, I truly can't quite fathom how people think it's their business to stick their beaks into your nest. I'm a parent, and very proud of my son, but my own personal experience in this regard doesn't give me a green light to tell you or anyone else how to live. If someone doesn't want children, to me that's a pretty good indicator they shouldn't have any. And that's just flat a good enough reason. Not that you owe anyone any justification.
That's a pretty ...diverse...set of animals you have. I must say I'm impressed. It must take a serious amount of knowledge to know how to care for so many different types of critters. Your schedule must be pretty hectic just keeping up with who needs fed what at what times. I can see how the animals give you a sense of satisfaction. Doesn't sound to me as if you and your husband have any voids that have to be filled. You're on the path you choose to take, so...I'd just stay on it,and as me English matey says, anyone who doesn't approve can just sod off. That is all I have to say....
So long as they are well cared for and NOT seen as a prized possession, they are welcome to boast of their extended furry friend.
Like most living things...some folks do have a tendency to go overboard with their pets.
Example: I once offered to transport my friend and her endearing pup to the vets. It took 20 minutes of discontent to get that pup in the car. It weighed 18 lbs,yet heavens forbid that she pick the puppy up and place her in the car carrier. She pampered that pup and insisted we should NEVER force a pet into a strange environment. Never mind the fact that HER pup would only eat if she hand fed her. It was sad...it starved for two days when she spent time in the hospital...The dog was so intimidated if anyone OTHER than her fed it or showed any affection to her. So actually I criticize the owners actions for being manipulative and controling down to the diet....It's sad really.
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what's a 'sod'??)
