This is what I just mentioned up thread, that many dogs who are purchased and living in homes could not pass a shelter eval. Lots of time what looks like abuse is actually poor temperament/genetics. Congrats on the Malamonster!

Aw, that's great! I love breed rescues because the staff are informed and compassionate. People think getting a dog from a breeder is 'safer' but you can easily find disreputable breeders just looking to make a buck rather than worrying about the welfare of their dogs.

Self-cleaning/ pre-housebroken usually means toss it out the door in the morning, let it crap in your neighbour's yard/garden and bring in back in at night.

The shelter staff evaluates the dogs and look for signs of aggression, fear, etc. and can usually tell the general environment it came from. Dogs don't usually just "rage" years later without showing any of those signs. Dominant behavior is not the same as aggressive behavior, but if they can't handle the distinction,…

Great article! You covered a wide variety of topics from many angles and it was very informative!

It can be a little more risky, but if rescuing a dog is important to you, do it! If you're a first time owner, you just might want to consider easing into adopting a rescue by signing up to foster one first. By fostering, you're giving a rescued dog a home temporarily until it goes to its forever home. This gives you…

The argument about shelter dogs being more risky, etc. is nonsense. You don't know about the treatment of a dog by the pet stores/breeders either. There are plenty of shady breeders and puppy mills out there. Adopt and save a life. Shelter dogs know you're saving them, and they will be forever grateful for it.

Also, don't forget that you can both get the breed that you want AND get a shelter dog. It's usually a longer process, but for many first-time dog owners the extra wait is probably good - you can spend the time buying all the equipment your dog will need and preparing your house for your new companion.

Before and After of the dog we rescued. Here's somewhat of a backstory from my wife:

Don't get stuck by "analysis paralysis".

Vote: Cyberpowerpc

Vote: Digital Storm

Okay, but their demanding that of you has no bearing on how nice or not nice you've been, that's a failing on their part, not yours. I agree with David, this is about setting boundaries and learning when to say no, not the nebulous concept of being "too nice."

I had to end a 13 year friendship over this bullshit. It took me too long to realize that no matter how shitty things are for him, he did it to himself, and I did what I could. If he has difficulties in just plain adulting, as he is wont to do, it is not my duty to teach him.

That quote, at least, sure smacks of victim-blaming.

If you find yourself stuck in a lot of one-way friendships, you might be too nice. I always used to be the type of person who would almost always defer to my friends' schedules and preferences for hanging out, but then I realized that whenever there was something I really wanted to see, I had to go by myself. I…

Sigh. Yes. That would be me. Host to a homeless friend for months. And when she left, she never once said thank you.

Boundaries are key, especially if you are a woman or a minority or both. People will use niceness- and the social contract that implies- to walk all over you, to excuse their own bad behavior and/or bad work habits or take advantage of you financially. Be polite and respectful, but set boundaries!

I agree with this assessment. I used to be the awkward guy at the lunch table myself. I know that OP is trying to get him to take a hint, but it is sometimes the case that a person may be too dense, inexperienced, or both to understand that kind of subtlety. The best way to get him off your back is to tell him what's…

A few months back I encountered a homeless woman sitting outside of a liquor store and as I walked past her I assumed she'd ask for change but instead she asked me if I can buy her a can of beer. It was a hot day and I figured one beer isn't going to her any harm so I said, "Sure" and went inside and got my Gatorade…