THIS is difficult to say, but I have a secret to confess.

I hate dogs.

Some of my friends and family already know this but most people don’t because for some reason, hating dogs seems to be the equivalent of committing a violent crime. 

Judging by the reactions I get when I admit this, dogs seem to be the only thing that a person isn’t allowed to hate.

When I tell people I don’t like dogs, they ask me how that is possible or what is wrong with me. 

I don’t understand it – people hate cats, that’s a normal thing to hate.

Hating cats is accepted by society but for some reason we aren’t allowed to hate dogs. But the truth is they don’t appeal to me at all.

They are loud, they smell bad and they are ugly.

Their behaviour is even worse than their appearance – they jump on you, smell you and slobber on you.

I’m a little bit scared of them as well. 

I also don’t like dog owners, because everyone who owns a dog just assumes that you want their dog around. 

No, I don’t. 

I have a cat and I know that lots of people don’t like them, therefore I try to keep my pet away from people, unless the person says they don’t mind. 

I see that as being polite, but apparently politeness goes out the window when your friend’s dog is jumping into your lap.

Dog owners also assume that you want to hear about their dogs and see pictures of them. 

No, I don’t. I am not interested.

And no, I can’t see that your dog is smiling at the camera – it’s a dog and it doesn’t have facial expressions.

Many times I’ve been with a group of friends at someone’s house and the conversation goes like this:

Dog or house owner: “Hey, do you mind if I let the dog inside?”

Everyone else except me: “No, I don’t mind, let him in!” 

Me: “Yes, I mind.”

And then everyone stares at the strange girl who doesn’t like dogs.

So dog owners, please have the courtesy to make sure that everyone in your house is fine with your dog jumping all over them, because some people don’t like it.