Bit of a long rant so be warned
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So I've been saving up for a PSD (Or Psychological Service Dog) for a while now and am finally close to having enough in my account where I'd be comfortable making that kind of purchase. Because I've done my research and know the breed that would best fit my needs. Not only do I love the breed itself, but they are very successful as PSDs and I have a few AKC-recommended breeders lined up that have experience testing temperament for service work.
I've put a lot of hours into making sure I'm prepared from researching law to finding trainers willing to work with me and my needs. So, understandably, I'm proud of all I've put together and was kinda info dumping to my friends about it (they were okay with it, they asked me to tell them) during one of my classes. (I'm a college student)
It was project work time and I wasn't being loud, just to cover those bases right away. I would never be that person in class. Though, I was apparently loud enough that another student nearby heard and decided to get in on the conversation. Normally I wouldn't mind as I love not only talking about SDs, but also educating people as many don't even know the difference between service work and support work. But they immediately started questioning why I needed a PSD (none of their business?), why I was so excited about it (sorry I'm happy to make my life easier ig), and what breed I was getting. I only really answered the last one for obvious reasons and when I said I was planning on a Poodle, they immediately told me I would like a LabxPoodle mix better (I personally don't support that trend so I'm just calling it a mix).
I was a bit startled by this and said I'd done my research and a Standard Poodle was the right size and temperament for my lifestyle and why does it matter so much to them? They immediately got on the defensive, telling me I was only getting a Poodle because I'd "hopped on the bandwagon of hating Poodle Mixes" and didn't know how much better my life would be.
It was really awkward for the rest of the class after they finished their rant cause I'd gotten to panicked to really respond and my friends quickly started to ignore them in favor of comforting me as any attempt to defend me just sent them on another rant.
I seriously don't get how people can be so entitled.. I mean it's MY dog, and one I'm getting at the advise of a medical professional no less. Why would a stranger get a say in the breed?
Sorry it's a bit long, I'm just feeling very irritated and anxious. (If there are any spelling mistakes that's probably also why haha..)