20/10/2026
Do you know a "no" person?
The person who never seems available to do anything.
They don't come to your house.
They can't go away for a night or two.
Holidays? Out of the question.
And the wee secret?
Nobody knows it's because of their dog.
Because if they said that, no one would understand.
Maybe it's a very serious behavioural issue.
Maybe it's medical.
But whatever the reason, that person's life has become smaller and smaller.
Why the big "secret"?
Because theyre sick of hearing.
"Just train your dog"
"Drop your dog off here for the weekend, I love dogs!"
"Oh, you should just do XYZ."
Because what they're dealing with is at a level you couldn't even imagine.
There is nothing simple about this dog.
There has never been anything simple about this dog.
And sometimes they're grieving the life they thought they would have with their dog, while feeling guilty for even thinking that.
If you know a "no" person - support them.
Try to understand what they're coping with, because so often we can't even begin to imagine.
Drop off that leftover meal you have.
Ask if you can visit them in their own garden.
Actually ask them, "What can I help you with?"
Because loving a dog with these incredibly complex needs is isolating.
And if you are the "no" person - please hear this.
You are not failing your dog.
You are carrying something really heavy.
How can the people around you take some of that weight off you?
Or maybe, just maybe, it's some understanding that will lighten your load.
