What to say if your House Mom has a pet...

[WeSpeakSunshine]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

My thoughts:

If a PNM mentions having allergies, know how to assure her what you're doing to manage that.

Well, poodles are hypoallergenic; we're not too worried about that one. It's just that even though the dog is really amiable, some people might be uneasy with it living in the house, because (being a standard) it's a pretty good-sized dog. We're afraid it might turn people off, just because they think it could be harmful.

I'm kind of biased...I own a standard poodle myself, so I think they're great dogs. But I'm not sure how others would perceive them, and if that could possibly be a detriment.

[kddani]

A lot of people aren't into dogs, especially larger ones (i.e. non-lapdog).

I would've been pretty turned off from a house that had a dog. Not only because I am allergic, but because I'm just not a large dog person.

[Splash]

Originally Posted by kddani

A lot of people aren't into dogs, especially larger ones (i.e. non-lapdog).

I would've been pretty turned off from a house that had a dog. Not only because I am allergic, but because I'm just not a large dog person.

This. Now if you had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel...

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by kddani

A lot of people aren't into dogs, especially larger ones (i.e. non-lapdog).

I would've been pretty turned off from a house that had a dog. Not only because I am allergic, but because I'm just not a large dog person.

Again, this. In fact, having been mauled as a child by a "very sweet, loves kids" standard poodle, and having also been bitten by my brother's Doberman, I would probably do anything I could to keep from getting a bid from that house!

Originally Posted by Drolefille

It is possible to still have an allergic reaction to poodles and other "hypoallergenic" dogs. It's just less likely.

My mother (now I) had a Bichon Frise, one of the top hypoallergenic dogs. At first, I had reactions, but they were mild. Now, I have none. I've learned to say "you're much less likely to have a reaction to him" when people ask about him.

small hijack: Every Pika chapter I knew had a Dalmation; is that just locally, or does every Pika/Pike chapter have one?

[33girl]

Originally Posted by honeychile

Again, this. In fact, having been mauled as a child by a "very sweet, loves kids" standard poodle

Yeah, don't let the foofy haircut fool you. Standard poodles are seriously badass mofos. I don't mean they bite everyone, I mean they are very active, macho dogs.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by honeychile

Again, this. In fact, having been mauled as a child by a "very sweet, loves kids" standard poodle, and having also been bitten by my brother's Doberman, I would probably do anything I could to keep from getting a bid from that house!


My mother (now I) had a Bichon Frise, one of the top hypoallergenic dogs. At first, I had reactions, but they were mild. Now, I have none. I've learned to say "you're much less likely to have a reaction to him" when people ask about him.

small hijack: Every Pika chapter I knew had a Dalmation; is that just locally, or does every Pika/Pike chapter have one?

The Pikes at my school did not have a dalmation but did have a firetruck (which was featured in Tim McGraw's "Down on the Farm" video a gizillion years ago, BTW.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by WeSpeakSunshine

Well, poodles are hypoallergenic; we're not too worried about that one. It's just that even though the dog is really amiable, some people might be uneasy with it living in the house, because (being a standard) it's a pretty good-sized dog. We're afraid it might turn people off, just because they think it could be harmful.

I'm kind of biased...I own a standard poodle myself, so I think they're great dogs. But I'm not sure how others would perceive them, and if that could possibly be a detriment.

That's why I think you should just have the dog in a picture or two, and if a PNM gets all excited about the dog then great talk about it, and if someone expresses concern then that active can mention how well behaved the dog is.

Recruiting with the dog present or in any way "marketing" the dog is going to bring out the "house with the dog" thing and possibly intimidate PNMs who are nervous about dogs (but who could get used to it any other time but during high stressed rush).