How do we reach out?

[Bayoucorgi]

Okay I just put my last two cents in on Behindereyes Puppy Search thread. This is the one where the teen wants to buy a corgi and many of us have tried to counsel her about reality.

And before that I wrote and wrote about Donna and her quest to breed poor mutliply displaced Emilie.

And concurrently, there was the woman with the jumbo Rottie and the mini-Corgi who also wanted to breed a couple of litters.

And before that there was the one with the Corgi mix who lived on a dairy who also wanted to breed....

We all tried to be reasonable and honest and yet all those people just left the thread in a huff because they didn't want to hear what we had to say. Is there just no reaching them because they really had made up their minds before they came to the board and we were just telling them truths they didn't want to hear?

How do we "make a difference"? I know from my rescue days, we don't make a difference every time or every day. But collectively, we should be able to make a difference sometime don't you think? What should I say differently?

[MrsGrace]

Originally Posted by Bayoucorgi

Okay I just put my last two cents in on Behindereyes Puppy Search thread. This is the one where the teen wants to buy a corgi and many of us have tried to counsel her about reality.

And before that I wrote and wrote about Donna and her quest to breed poor mutliply displaced Emilie.

And concurrently, there was the woman with the jumbo Rottie and the mini-Corgi who also wanted to breed a couple of litters.

And before that there was the one with the Corgi mix who lived on a dairy who also wanted to breed....

We all tried to be reasonable and honest and yet all those people just left the thread in a huff because they didn't want to hear what we had to say. Is there just no reaching them because they really had made up their minds before they came to the board and we were just telling them truths they didn't want to hear?

How do we "make a difference"? I know from my rescue days, we don't make a difference every time or every day. But collectively, we should be able to make a difference sometime don't you think? What should I say differently?

A closed mind is a good thing to lose.

OR

There is no sound so loud as that of a mind closing.

2 of my favorite quotes and so very true. Don't take their indifference personally. They came to the board looking to have their opinions affirmed and feelings validated. And unfortunately, when you have a charged issue or someone who doesn't want to truly listen, just get a pat on the back... the well-meaning person who is pulled in to their narrow world, trying to shed some light is left unfulfilled. Much like a black hole, the closed mind sucks the light out of you. They are never "wrong" and aren't really here to listen.

Don't let it discourage you though. Because SOME DAY you might reach someone and you might make a difference! If you reach just one person, open one persons eyes, change one persons mind... you have made a difference.

And always remember... you catch more flies with honey, than vinegar. And when all else fails, you can beat the fly down with the jar!!

[Fluffypants]

Bayoucorgi - I feel your pain.

Mrs Grace - very eloquent!

[Jespah]

Bayoucorgi, you have been very patient and kind in dealing with these people. You obviously care a great deal, as do many of us here. I agree with Mrs. Grace, there are people who don't want to be told a darn thing and we can't do anything but put out our best advice and hope it may seep in a little.

But this is the internet, the new wild west. People may not be who they claim to be and they may enjoy stirring up contrversy and hearing themselves speak and be spoken about, as it were. We can say whatever we want - there is no real way of knowing if it's true or if we are who we say we are.

Do your best to give the advice you think, in your experience will help the dog, but don't be put off when there are people who just won't get it. You may not help them, but I bet you've helped others.

[Dillydoodle]

Personally i feel like there are some people who come here mind made up , they are REAL people but just lost and unwilling to listen to other peoples learning experiences to save them the trouble and the heartbreak... and then there are the others... those who i really feel like are not truthful, not to themselves and not to us, I flounder between if they are a troll, fake or just disturbed. ( not mentioning names or anything- not that i have to ). IF they are real, they live in a fantasy land and have no grasp on reality... and we get to beg and plead with them which only gives them the attention they so desire...positive or negative... I dont buy certain stories. Sadly the internet can be full of wonderful and good people and also some not so good or not true people but fictitious characters made up by bored teens or sick people...

I also feel like the ones that are real, have made up their minds, they have decided they will breed their backyard bred "miniature corgi" or "corgi mix" or what have you- which is heart breaking knowing that there are so many dogs mixed breeds and pure breed dying in shelters... leave breeding to the ones who really understand the breed and not just someone trying to make a quick buck or show their kids the meaning of life... or whatever the bad reasons out there....

Bayou, your posts are so informative and so caring I know you have a heart of gold - it comes through on every post. I wish there really was a way to make a difference, but i haven't found it yet apparently. You often say, in a very good and respectful way what many want to say but dont or cant. I speak my mind but wish i could put a sock in it... i just cant seem to LOL!!!

Emilie

[MrsGrace]

Originally Posted by Jespah

But this is the internet, the new wild west. People may not be who they claim to be and they may enjoy stirring up contrversy and hearing themselves speak and be spoken about, as it were. We can say whatever we want - there is no real way of knowing if it's true or if we are who we say we are.

We call that "Keyboard Courage". Often tweens/teens with a lot of free time on their hands and little to no parental supervision. Stirring the pot so to speak, trolling and outright lying. Frustrating? Yes... with this new medium comes the need for a thicker skin and a lot more patience.

That said, anyone know where I can buy some patience?

[Jespah]

If you find a good sale on patience, can you get me a six pack!

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Bayoucorgi

How do we "make a difference"? I know from my rescue days, we don't make a difference every time or every day. But collectively, we should be able to make a difference sometime don't you think? What should I say differently?

All we can do is give them facts and our opinions based on our own experiences.

When I come across someone who won't listen, I will often still reply because there might be someone lurking who is listening and learning. So if I think my answer might help someone else, I'll reply.

And yes, it does get very frustrating when someone won't listen. And when the majority of people are in agreement it's really hard to understand why the one person they're talking to won't listen.

All we can do is try.

Peggy

[Jane Austen]

Bayoucorgi, you have made a difference. You may not have convinced people who had their minds made up already. But you gave them something to think about.
While I never thought of raising breeding stock myself I have come to know the reasons not to take it lightly. If some one were to tell me they were contemplating breeding I would caution them to be sure of what they were doing. Before I joined this website I wouldn't have done that. So all of you who have experience with breeding corgis or other dogs have taught me and others and we pass this information along. This net that is created can be influencial .....etc....

[glencorgi]

Bayoucorgi you've done all you can do, as have the rest of us, in trying to reach the particular individuals. Often it truly is a waste of time address the one individual, but as Peggy mentioned, someone else might learn and/or "get" the message being passed along. There are lurkers sometimes and guests whom may learn something. That's a reason to keep trying.

Debbie

[Bayoucorgi]

Thanks for the chin up.

[MrsGrace]

Originally Posted by Bayoucorgi

Thanks for the chin up.

Hey... we all need it from time to time. Get it? He has his "chin up"....

Me thinks I'm quickly turning in to the Cliff Claven of the Corgi boards.....

Didja hear how Spaghetti was invented? There was this guy... yeah... his name was Ghetti. Well, erm.. Mr. Ghetti threw some noodles in a pot and it reminded him of going to the baths... like a Spa...

[Fluffypants]

Originally Posted by MrsGrace

Didja hear how Spaghetti was invented? There was this guy... yeah... his name was Ghetti. Well, erm.. Mr. Ghetti threw some noodles in a pot and it reminded him of going to the baths... like a Spa...