Special Mailbag: Top 15 reaction letters on young Charlotte dog ownership

“Seriously, biggest douche bag post of the year. I can’t even begin to explain to the world what my ADOPTED DOG has done for my family. (In the best way possible) My now husband and I adopted him when we were just dating. Gunnar is INSANELY expensive but we have no desire for kids and have a deep love for fur babies. I want to adopt and save them all. I’m sorry that you have a fear of ANKLE BITERS but this OPINION PIECE was so unnecessary and it’s like you wanted a rise out of people. Go eat your s***ty chipotle with your annoying kids and next time spare us your opinion on animals. Because they actually CAN’T voice their opinion on us humans. D***. ” – E

“My then girlfriend (now wife) and I got a dog together my senior year of college. I’ve been picking up dog s*** for 15 years. Young people should think about that too… 15 years of literal ***. I love dogs, but I won’t be getting another one any time soon.”

“Just replace all instances of “dogs” with “kids” and you have my perspective. I have a dog because children are WAY more costly, seriously destroy a social life, and burden an already overpopulated world. By the way, all the costs listed are rich expenditures for folks that don’t allocate the time to take care of their pets. I’ve never paid for a dog walker and usually just have my neighbors check on my dogs/cats when I rarely leave town without them.”

“I’m with you on the dog thing. My step-daughter’s dog just tore his ACL and the surgery cost $3600! Think about THAT, young singles!” – E

“Not that I needed another eye-roll post from Ted to remind me I’d never enjoy being in the same room with him, but thanks to “the dog post” that reminder is ringing loud and clear. Ted, I didn’t adopt my dog so I could have a handy little conversation starter to tote around. I adopted her because she would have been put to death otherwise and I literally saved her life. What did you do? Bring yet another human into this already overpopulated world. CONGRATS. Does he at least help you start conversations with your fellow Panda Express patrons? Ted, you dreamt up this whole Agenda concept — don’t also be its demise with s***ty op-ed pieces like this, simply because you don’t “believe” in the concept of having pets and need to announce it to Charlotte at large. I mean what the actual F? And if you plan to push that belief on your son’s upbringing because you don’t want a companion animal around, I suggest you do some extensive research on the health and happiness benefits of pets for all ages. (Hope he doesn’t develop allergies! Science has proven pet-free kids often do! Have fun!!!!)”

“As a young dog owner I DO know what Ted is talking about, and have no shame in admitting sometimes having a dog is a pain. There are a lot of nights that I work late and worry about how my dog will get let out and fed, it IS expensive, and it can sometimes put your social life on hold (“Sorry, I can’t come to happy hour, I have to go let my dog”). So yes, you have a lot of valid points, but having a dog in 2016 is like having a child. Having a dog has taught me so much about caring for another innocent living creature, being responsible, training it to do the right thing, and watching it grow into a great companion. Albeit corny, as any parent (of the pet kind, or human) would say- my dog is the best, and has made me a better person.”

“You got a kid, I got a dog. One of us made the right decision and still has a social life.”

“As a young(ish) (31), single (formerly married) dog owner, I have to jump to my own defense and the defense of my fellow dog lovers. While you’re absolutely right that having a dog takes away some level of freedom and can be expensive, the pros far outweigh the cons. Living the single life, without roommates, can be a pretty solitary existence sometimes. A dog is not just a pet – it’s a companion. When you don’t feel like going out after work and just want some time at home with Netflix, a dog makes that time “alone” even better. It may not be a human to cuddle with, but frankly, I’d rather cuddle my dog sometimes (she lets off far less body heat than my ex-husband or ex-boyfriend). Plus, when it comes to being active, my dog forces me to get outside with her and explore the neighborhood or even just spend time in my own backyard. Of course, the social pros you mentioned have merit. While I’m not actively looking to date someone right now, taking my dog to some of the breweries or elsewhere in Charlotte – including on walks through the neighborhood – forces me to meet other people. And yes, some of the men I’ve met are dang sexy. No, I haven’t actually gone out with any of them. But, my dog has put me in situations where I’m talking to people I wouldn’t have approached otherwise. So, as a 31 year old, single dog owner, I’ve happily given up my freedom to give a rescue dog a home. I totally understand the benefits of pet ownership, regardless of the cost and lack of freedom that may result, and I’m sure the other young(ish), single dog owners out there understand, too.” – L

“Right on. I’m glad I am not the only one who thinks this way! For many, this is the most transient time in our lives, we will move around and travel more now than we will until retirement. Is that life uncertainty the lure of having a constant and adoring companion? Not to mention that seldom few of us can afford housing with a yard – or budget for a walker/pet care – that would give our furry friends a better quality of life. Make no mistake, I am a passionate animal lover. But, I resent pet owners who made this major decision at the least ideal time in their lives not thinking of the tremendous responsibility. I look forward to animal companionship again someday, but for now… I will revel in sleeping in on Saturdays and the thrill of last minute weekend getaway guilt free. ” -H

“Your article on adopting dogs is not only ridiculous but it’s also mean-spirited. I truly believe you’ll be losing a LOT of subscribers for it! Have a great dogless day!” – C

“What many South End dog owners forget is that adoption requires that you be responsible for your dog: pick up their poop, see to training and also make sure they are socialized. My dog was injured when an aggressive dog rescued by my neighbors got loose (without collar or leash) entered my courtyard under a fence and attacked unprovoked. Being responsible for your animal means being responsible for their behavior. Training is imperative!” – J

“This photos is in response to your anti dog article this morning… You’re part of the 2%” – K

“Guilty! I moved (back) to Charlotte in 2011 by myself and had trouble meeting people outside of young pro organizations. Never thought about adopting but just happened to be browsing the Humane Society site (bored at work) one day and found the love of my life. Suddenly, neighbors stopped to talk, patios became more of a community and I was getting out more and discovering my neighborhood (a blossoming South End/Dilworth at the time). For some reason, I found it easier to show up somewhere alone if I had my little buddy with me. I lucked out in that my parents don’t live too far from Charlotte and enthusiastically provide free dog sitting. I highly recommend Club Fetch as an alternative though. I wouldn’t trade the love and companionship of this little guy for anything!” – L

“In a time where marriage is taking a downward turn and kids are having kids, you complain about dogs?!?! Sorry, dude, but you’re way off the reservation here. A dog is a MUCH safer bet than either of the alternatives. Plus, is Katie Levans the best example of a candid photo you could scare up? Wow….”

“I agree!! Not only the cost, but (assuming you’re a good dog parent) a dog definitely ties you down each night and weekend! You can’t just leave work and go meet friends/coworkers for a drink; you have to go feed your dog and play with it and take it for a walk, and then you can meet your friends/coworkers for a drink when they’re already two deep. It may be reasonable for people who live within a few miles of where they work but for those that have a half hour plus commute…to me, not worth it for young singles! But to each their own, for sure. (Note: I’m a young married but we are so busy and don’t want the added responsibility and time commitment and cost of getting a dog. We LOVE dogs, but don’t tie us down just yet!)” – L

“I am surprised Katie didn’t slap you just for writing it! Maybe all the young parents should slow down on having children they aren’t ready for and adopt a dog first. Don’t hate on us dog parents, there is nothing wrong with owning a dog and shaming us for having one to “get a date or make some friends” is ridiculous and absurd.”

“Spicy dog take today, dogs are way more than just a conversation starter though, clown. Reminds me of a story I once heard. My Grandfather smoked his whole life. I was about 10 years old when my mother said to him, ‘If you ever want to see your grandchildren graduate, you have to stop immediately.’ Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake. He gave it up immediately. Three years later he died of lung cancer. It was really sad and destroyed me. My mother said to me- ‘Don’t ever smoke. Please don’t put your family through what your Grandfather put us through.” I agreed. At 28, I have never touched a cigarette. I must say, I feel a very slight sense of regret for never having done it, because your post gave me cancer anyway.”

“From someone who was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, I’d have to say I’m very displeased with this article. Not only are you putting down “young, single Charlotteans” like it’s an issue, you’re also (out of everything) complaining about dogs? It seems as if you’re bored and wanted to make a public service announcement about a personal opinion. And to feel justified doing it, behind the desk of Axios Charlotte. If you want something really juicy to talk about, why don’t you talk about our water quality and Pat McCory’s clear ignorance about the toxins in our water? Or the fact that Charlotte has grown over 90% in the past six months and nobody is doing anything to fix our roads that cannot contain this many people? Or even the fact that the crime rate has shot tremendously in our neighborhoods (that you clearly hate so much given the fur friendliness) and businesses and citizens are having to take justice in their own hands because CMPD won’t do anything about it. Just figured you could write about something that matters. Not a petty article for a city that is very pet friendly. Get over yourself, and write something worth reading.” – V

“Call me crazy but I have a theory about Ted’s idiotic column about dogs today. He doesn’t actually have anything against dogs, but rather he’s just being purposefully contrarian. Any non-sociopath knows that a dog provides countless benefits and joys beyond being a topic for conversation. No, I think Ted wanted to be purposefully contrarian in order to gauge his presence in the local media landscape. If this piece angered as many people as it probably did, that says to him, “we’re the future of media buzz word buzz word buzzword, look out TV/print journalism. A single post can gain XXXXXX hits and XXXXX tweets, what can you do Charlotte Observer? Look how easily I got the whole town talking” that kind of spiele. Since the article has probably gained enough traction, expect him to continue with more local media hit pieces, like “10 reasons why local media is doomed” or “Why our Instagram videos are way better than local TV news”, than kind of malarkey. I for one can’t wait.”

“…Dog people are touchy.” -K

Ted: “K, you are correct.”