Assumptions  − 27 February, 2008

One of the things that was most disturbing about my recent issues with an ex-co-owner and breeder, was the fact that I always assume (I know, I know) that people are as above-board and ethical as I am. I trust too easily and found that, unfortunately, the people I trusted turned out to be hypocritical and two-faced.
For my efforts I was threatened, accused of things that were not true, and was aggressively attacked. Thankfully, I was able to remove myself from the situation relatively quickly, without too much lost, but it certainly slammed home a few lessons.
All of my dog friends are in a tizzy about it – wanting to protect me – someone they know who takes great care of her pets, volunteers with rescue, and is active in several clubs, promoting better communication and positively-motivated training.
I hate to be jaded about things, but in reality, I am going to have to assume people are NOT like me. People will use my honesty and goodness against me – for their own purposes, or to extort my cooperation through threats. And then claim they are “kind.”
Well, the threats speak for themselves. As does the behavior. I don’t need to say anything.
I am sure there were other things going on behind the scenes in the recent situation – I am sure I was lied to – a “spy” was even sent to “check up on me” and apparently reported back a load of garbage, as I never even met them, or said or did any of the things I was accused of saying or doing. I was never even once contacted personally to ascertain the truth. I am sure it was a ruse to get what they wanted – they were not interested in my side of any story.
So I am glad to be out of the situation, and no longer involved with any of the individuals. Of course, it’s one more incident that goes to show I never should’ve gotten involved with certain people. Yes, friends, I will listen to you next time!
I am lucky to have the good dog friends and connections that I have. I am very proud of all my accomplishments with my dogs – many of those could not have been won without my good friends’ support. I have a good name in the breed – good enough that I have several breeders wanting to co-own with me, but I will be very careful with whom I co-own from now on. Up until this recent development, I have co-owned several dogs and I have LOVED the opportunity and the relationship with my co-owners. But not everyone is of a high moral fiber like myself. This past situation taught me that people can be unreasonable, unethical, and out only for their own interests – not what is in the best interests of the co-owned dog. They also believe untruths without checking out reality, simply because it is convenient or makes them feel better – if they recognized the truth they would feel awful about their decisions – stupid, really, as so much idiocy could’ve been avoided. But the truth is plain to see. Next time I will take off the rose-colored glasses and go with my gut and hope to avoid another “assumption.” I also pray that people do their homework assiduously and avoid tangling with those breeders…