Bailey vs. World (of animals)

I just read an article from cosmopolitan about a woman who summarizes her dislike of pets and was happy because I haven't read anything like it before. I also learned that animal lovers can be very hostile to those who are not (I am not heartless because I'm not interested in your dog). You can read the article here. You'll also notice that the comments on the post are AWFUL. Defensive pet lovers are seriously throwing around the C word at this poor woman who wrote a respectful article about why dogs are gross and she doesn't want one. It's unbelievable. 

So here I am, coming out as a not animal person (I'd be surprised if anyone was surprised by this) and I hope that people aren't actually that cruel to me because of it. And I also hope that people aren't offended by it. Don't get me wrong, I love my dog, and occasionally my sister will show me a picture of a particularly cute dog and I will think it is cute, but I usually just don't see it. 

*Proof that I love my dog*

I just want pet owners to be more conscious and know that not everyone loves their dog like they do. Just yesterday at work I had a table outside. While I was walking inside (with an unsteady stack of about 5 plates in my hands) a lady walking her (rather large) dog was walking past the restaurant. The dog came up to me and started nudging me and licking me and the lady DID NOTHING except say "aww *dog* you don't need any pasta!" and then let it linger. Seriously??? I could not believe that lady let her dog do that. It was not only dangerous for me and the dog (what if I dropped 5 heavy glass plates on myself [or the dog?]) but so rude! Another quick anecdote: a couple of weeks ago, I saw a dog wearing jeans, a flannel shirt, and A BACKPACK on an 85 degree day. What could that poor dog possibly have in that backpack? It was probably hot and miserable. I do not understand why it was necessary. 

I'm also allergic to animals, as are many people, so I really do not want your animal rubbing up all on me, drooling on me, etc. Barking is probably the most annoying noise ever. It's not that I hate animals or animal people, I just really don't understand or relate and I think my annoyance stems from the few ridiculous, over the top pet people and bad dogs of the world. So, the next time you're walking your dog and you pass a person who is not cooing about how cute it is, please consider people like me first. :)